Following a lay day enjoying the fabulous beaches of Grenada, the Oyster fleet returned to racing action at the 2013 Oyster Regatta Grenada, with a tight as well as tactical triangular course just outside Camper & Nicholsons‘ Port Louis Marina. The proximity of the western coastline of Grenada offered a shifty, gusting racetrack and there was drama right from the beginning with thrills and spills throughout the day.
Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 - Photo by Mike Jones
In Class One, Michael Hahn’s American Oyster 655 yacht Matawai was over eager and under race rules had to roll up their sails and watch the fleet get away. However, Matawai made a fantastic recovery to be the second boat to reach the top mark. Even after being put about by Oyster 82 superyacht Starry Night of the Caribbean, Matawai had a great first beat but shortly after the windward mark, the Oyster 82 superyacht Rivendell, skippered by Benjamin Jackson, was the first to risk a spinnaker on a tight angle and the ploy paid off as Rivendell became the leading boat on the water, closely followed by Oyster 82 superyacht Starry Night of the Caribbean, Matawai and Bill Dockser’s Oyster 82 yacht Ravenous II.
Starry Night showed great boat speed to take the lead and extend on the fleet and Rivendell stayed clear of trouble to remain second on the water. Meanwhile, Matawai and Ravenous II had an epic duel. The battle royal in Class One was too close to call, even after time correction Starry Night and Matawai could not be separated and both yachts were awarded first place, with one scoring race left tomorrow, the class title is going to the wire with both yachts on equal points. Rivendell took third place in the race and are now challenging Roberto Bisiani’s Italian Oyster 72 luxury yacht Bill and Me for third overall.
In Class Two, Chris Glossop’s Oyster 575 yacht Dreamer of Hamble was the last yacht to cross the start line today but took line honours and their second win of the regatta. The team on Dreamer of Hamble are all members or supporters of Ballyholme YC in Northern Ireland. “Not the best start!” Laughed Chris Glossop “But the team sailed well, and we have done many miles together over the years, which makes a big difference. We have enjoyed a great battle with Sarabi and loved having dinner with them the other evening but we hope to cap off a great regatta in style tomorrow.”
Luxury yachts by Oyster competing in the 2013 Oyster Regatta Grenada - Photo by Mike Jones
Dreamer of Hamble have opened up a slender lead at the top of Class Two, after Harvey & Sue Death’s Oyster 56 yacht Sarabi slipped to third today. Richard & Angela Parkinson’s Oyster 575 sailing yacht Sophistikate came second after a dramatic recovery. Sophistikate managed to get tangled up in a fishing net shortly after the start but quick action by Roger Cerrato from regatta sponsor Lewmar, limited the time lost and Sophistikate are now third in class with one scoring race to go, equal on points with Paul Bateman’s Oyster 56 yacht Stardust of Burnham.
“It was just one of those things.” Said Roger Cerrato after racing. “I managed to hang off the back of Sophistikate and cut us free, I am here to give support to Lewmar customers at the regatta but it is really beneficial to go out sailing with our valued clients and help them in any way I can. Even if it means getting a bit wet in the process, it is still fantastic to get out on the water!”
The penultimate venue for the Oyster family’s social programme was the unique tropical Aquarium Restaurant on Magazine Beach. The impressive waterside eatery is famous for seafood and local fish dishes melded from Grenadian and European recipes. The Oyster fleet enjoyed superb appetisers followed by a seafood barbeque and a freshly sliced carvery, all served by friendly staff in a delightful atmosphere. The Aquarium is considered as one of Grenada’s favourite restaurants and the al fresco beachfront location with striking sculptures was a magical location.
Two races are scheduled for the last day of racing with one scoring race and a non-scoring pursuit race planned. Class One hangs in the balance with a straight shoot-out between Matawai and Starry Night of the Caribbean yacht with a winner-takes-all final race.
In Class Two, Dreamer of Hamble is in pole position. However, if Sarabi can win the last scoring race of the Oyster Regatta Grenada, the team from the UK will take the class title.
