Monday 29th January, Racing for the International fleet of the Pure Grenada Sailing Week started today. Fantastic weather conditions, though an unusual wind direction from south east. A few showers just before the start always adds to the excitement. The first horn of the 2024 edition blew this morning at 9am as the fleet, 32 boats strong, adjusted their sails for the conditions and the 12-knots of wind. All five classes had good starts making life easy for Race Office, James Benoit and his team. With 265 crew over the start line in Tyrell Bay, the boats headed out along the 30-mile course around Carriacou, Grenada.
It became clear at the final registration the day before, that there was an imbalance between class numbers. It was decided therefore, to create a third CSA Class (CSA 3) splitting CSA 2. Also, to merge the Simplified and Classic Classes to create a Spirit Class.
The final Class order across the start line was confirmed as CSA 1, CSA 2, CSA 3, Spirit and Multihull. GFA Caraibes – La Morrigaine was the first boat over the start line.
“Watching the Classics Galatea and The Blue Peter slowly coming from behind us to gracefully overtake, that was the sight of our day”, reported by a crew member on Rasmus racing in CSA 3.
Punch Croisieres, with Jean Michel Figueres took line honours at Tyrell Bay and crossed the finish line, having circumnavigated Carriacou in just over 2.5 hours (2:39:56). Following behind was Category 5, and Emily of Cowes. The next few hours saw the majority of the fleet cruise back into the bay as corrected times were calculated and results accumulated. Just before 2pm the last boat crossed the finish line earlier than expected due to the great weather conditions.
Final results using corrective times saw Richard Szyjan’s Hobie 33, Category 5, take first place in the CSA 1 Class, followed by GFA Caraibes – La Morrigaine, with Sang Neuf placed third.
CSA 2 Richard Oswald’s Elan 450, Emily of Cowes took first place, followed by Katy Campbell’s Panacea X and Jaguar with Peter Morris coming third.
In CSA 3 Mark Chapman’s Dingolay took first place, followed by Hooligan in second, and Cricket following closely behind. It is good to have Sandy Mair back in the fold after not being able to attend last year.
Spirit Class saw Judd Tinius’s beautiful custom Classic Galatea take first place followed by another Classic beauty,The Blue Peter. Third place was won on corrective time by Nuku Alofa of China. We believe this is Peter Zhu’s first ever regatta having only recently purchased Nuku Alofa, his 42ft Halberg Rassy.
Race 1 – Around Carriacou
Multihull Class, has 4 boats this edition, the competition is stepping up. Leopard 47 Spirit of Everest placed first with Robbie Yearwood, followed by David Slater’s Delphine. Grand Crew with Scott Burkhardt coming in third.
The Hon. Tevin Andrews, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government and the Hon. Ron Redhead Member of The House of Representatives both attended the evenings party hosted by The Original Slipway who had selected several food vendors to offer local delicacies to the hungry sailors.
The Hon Ron Redhead, Carol Gorvett and The Hon Tevin Andrews
Sea Hawk Paints, loyal supporters of this Caribbean Sailing Association sanctioned regatta, Sponsored Race Day 1 and Denis Laesker attended to congratulate the winners. First, second and third place prizes were awarded to each of the 5 Classes.
Race Day 1 – Sea Hawk Paints Prize Giving
With a successful and exciting start to the regatta, the 2024 Pure Grenada Sailing Week is no doubt going to be a competitive one as the party has only just started! Thank you Carriacou for a great welcome.
For more information or high-res images please email [email protected]. Images by Tim Wright of Photo Action and Arthur Daniel of Arthur Daniel Creative .
