April Report

I just finished a busy month of racing in March with three regattas. First up was the Farr 40 Miami Invitational in mid-March where I sailed as tactician onboard STRUNTJE LIGHT. We sailed along the coast, directly in front of South Beach. Conditions were rough and windy the first few days, and then very light for the final day. Very challenging conditions, where you had to trust your instincts. We started off on a blinder, scoring 1-2-1-2, and leading the regatta after the first day of racing. We managed to continue leading the four-day regatta right through to the final day, and finished one point ahead of PLENTY to take the win. Great result for our team as we prepare for the Farr 40 Worlds in August in Newport, RI.

Next up for me was the Loro Piana Super Yacht Regatta in Virgin Gorda, BVI where I sail as helmsman on P2, the Briand 125. This is our fifth season sailing together and we have a full schedule planned for the year, starting with three events in the Caribbean, and then moving over to do four in the Med. The Virgin Gorda event was a great one, with 20 yachts, light to moderate winds, and close racing around all the islands and rocks in the BVI. The setting in North Sound and the 5 star quality of the new Yacht Club Costa Smeralda make this event really special. Hopefully they will keep it this way and not allow their success to grow it too big. The racing was close and we went into the final day with a chance to win, but ended up tied for 3rd with the J Class HANUMAN.

The final event for me was the St. Barths Bucket at the end of March, also on P2. This is the biggest Super Yacht event in the world, with 36 yachts competing. The entries included 5 J Class yachts racing in their own class, the first time since the 1930’s that this many of the classic America’s Cup designs have sailed together. Racing was great, with moderate winds on the first day, followed by solid 20 knot trade winds on the final two days to test the crew and equipment on these huge boats. We went into the final day in a three way tie for first, and ended up tied for first on points with UNFURLED, but finishing second after the tie break system was applied. Tough to be so close and not win it, but we sailed a great regatta and did all we could to pull off a victory.

All good,
peter

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