Antigua (again): April 16 - 18,  2009

 

We returned to Antigua from Barbuda on April 16, primarily in order to see a little of the Classic Sailboat Regatta.   On the first day of crewed racing, Barb and I climbed up on the ridge known as Middle Ground, where we were afforded a wonderful overview of the action below.   Here are a few of the pics I snapped:

Some of the smaller classes have already left (in staged starts) and the rest are practicing or milling about for their start

Batch of mid-sized boats shortly after their start

The BIG boys at their start -- the last class to start but the first to finish the 20-mile race

Aren't they impressive?

A panorama including a distant course buoy near the shore

Later that day we attended the reception where the winners of the previous-day's single-handing competition were to be announced.  We were joined by Wayne and Betty (Bright Ayes), whom we had met in Dominica earlier this year.  

Barb, Wayne and Betty at the Antigua Yacht Club reception

 Impressive canapés and free rum drinks provided by the event's sponsor:  Mount Gay Rum.   We all cut out before the announcements and walked to a nearby restaurant for delicious wood-fired pizza.   Afterwards, Barb and I walked the docks at Antigua Yacht Club, where many of the mid-sized and GIANT competitors were med-moored.   Awesome vessels.   And there was a rocking band set up on a corner of the zig-zag dock, and more free drinks at a booth nearby.  Holy mackerel, all in all we now see why so many people schedule their cruising so as to attend these regattas!