Wednesday 29 January 2020
A break in racing at Island Water World Grenada Sailing Week for Lay Day gave the international fleet a chance to unwind for the third day of the regatta. For some the lay-in was a welcome break after the fabulous Pirate Party the night before. Winners of the fancy dress were Ron Barksdale from Louisiana, who is competing for a fourth year in a row with Savvy Grenada Sailing Charters and Inga Karasek, a lecturer at St. George’s University, racing on Richard Amerling’s J/24 Frigate.
A number of sailors competing at Island Water World Grenada Sailing Week took the opportunity of taking special tours with Real Grenadian Taxis and Tours operated by Delon Charles. “We went to Carlton Cocoa factory, Rivers Distillery, and the Grenada Chocolate Factory. The distillery still operates manually like it did over 200 years ago. All three places are proud to keep up the traditional methods. The tour guides were very passionate and friendly, we really enjoyed it very much.”
Mathew Barker’s The Blue Peter threw a dock party to mark the 90th birthday of the magnificent Alfred Milne designed 65ft sloop. The Blue Peter was built at
William King & Son, Burnham-on-Crouch, UK in 1930. Mathew has owned her for the past 20 years. “You have got to be mad to own a boat, and stark raving mad to own a wooden boat,” laughed Mat. “The original owner was Desmond Molins and I am the seventh ‘guardian’ you don’t really own a boat like this. The Blue Peter was in her element this week, 12-15 knots with flat water, we can properly power up which is sensational. She looks sexy, she just gets that heel on and she just goes like a train. I love to race and so do the crew, it is a lot of fun but expensive to maintain a boat like this, so if I can get a few people to help with my running expenses, it makes my life a lot easier. Last year Judd (Tinius) had a 120-year party for Galatea and that went well, so I thought I should do it too. Island Water World provided the beer and Mount Gay provided the rum, and that is part of the camaraderie of this regatta – it’s good fun isn’t it?”
Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina has fantastic modern facilities and has been regatta central for the regatta. “All of the marina staff have enjoyed the regatta, it is our pleasure to welcome sailors, literally from all over the world to Port Louis Marina. We wish everyone fair winds for the future, and we hope to see everyone return next year, and we assure you a friendly and warm welcome!” Commented Charlotte Fairhead, Port Louis Marina Manager.
Secret Harbour Boutique Hotel & Marina will be home for the final two days of Island Water World Grenada Sailing Week. Located on the stunning South Coast of Grenada in Mount Hartman Bay, the marina offers 53 berths, accommodating boats up to 200ft. A passage race will take place for all classes on Thursday 30 January with further short course racing for all classes save the Classics Class.
