Perfect conditions. Fantastic turnout. Fitting result.

Only two weeks after sailor Dave West passed away, his crew sailed his Melges 32  Jurakan to victory in the Peg Leg’s Round Tortola race.

This year’s race was dedicated to Mr. West’s memory, in recognition of his contribution to sailing in the Virgin Islands.

Jurakan, skippered by Andrew Waters, won the Racing Class in a corrected time of 4 hours, 39 minutes and 58 seconds – just five seconds ahead of second-place Pipe Dream, skippered by Peter Haycraft. Third place went to Kevin Rowlette’s Rushin’ Rowlette.

Last year’s winners Triple Jack, with Richard Wooldridge at helm, won the Multi-hull Class, while Bill Bailey’s Second Nature was victorious in Cruising Class.

There were 16 yacht entries this year, an increase of three from last year.  Crew and helms flew in from as far afield as Connecticut and Puerto Rico, underlining the increasing prestige with which the event is regarded. The wind was relatively light at around 12 knots, so no records were in danger of being surpassed. Nonetheless, benign sea conditions ensured the yachts were able to complete their circumnavigation in respectable times.

The award ceremony was held at Peg Leg’s beach bar at Nanny Cay. Prizes were provided by Nanny Cay and Peg Legs as race sponsors and General Manager Miles Southerland-Pilch presented them to the top three yachts in each class. Before the results were announced the assembled sailors and crowd at Nanny Cay held a one-minute round of applause in Mr. West’s memory.

Jurakan’s crew assembled on stage to receive their first prize and the Peg Leg’s Round Tortola Trophy. Mr Waters made a short speech, which the crew had agreed in advance would be the most fitting way to commemorate Mr. West. It ended with the crowd raising their glasses to the words “Cheers Dave.”

The next event will be the Commodore’s Cup on Dec. 17.

 

Racing Class
1. Jurakan, Andrew Waters    
2. Pipe Dream, Peter Haycraft    
3. Rushin Rowlette,  Kevin Rowlette    
4. Boomerang, Pat Nolan    
5. Bonne Chance, Jose Sanchez    
6. Team Red Stripe    Jon Charlton    
7. Intac, Mark Plaxton    
8. Luxury Girl, Guy Phoenix    

Multihull Class
1. Triple Jack,  Richard Wooldridge
2. Wildfire, John Hayes
3. Machete, Brian Duff

Cruising Class
1. Second Nature, Bill Bailey
2. Jack Dusty III, Bill Hirst
3. Ginger, Bruce Fletcher
4. Girasoli, Keith LiGreci
5. Veritas, Kara Phillips