World-Class Racing in Caribbean Waters
It was another perfect race day in the BVIs for the 10 crews, with more stunning sailing conditions and spectacular scenery for today’s coastal races.
The course was slightly shorter than yesterday, 32 miles for the combined Maxi fleet and 28 miles for the three Performance class yachts, and the action remained just as intense. Racing once again began between Moskito and Necker Islands, building to an exciting and tightly contested finish off Moskito’s Stout Bay.
Ben Saxon, Hummingbird: “Today was amazing. We spent a couple of hours racing around the BVIs, starting with a nice upwind leg followed by some really close racing with the other two boats [in the Performance Class]. We were trailing early on, but then had an incredible beat past The Baths, around the cliffs, and back down again.
“Honestly, it looks spectacular out here - but what makes it even better is turning around and seeing four 100-footers chasing us upwind. It’s pretty special. I’ve got a big smile on my face after such a fun day of racing. We’ve got a great team onboard, so we’re enjoying every moment. We’re making steady progress, which is always rewarding, and having fantastic competition with Freya and Ammonite. It’s a lot of fun.”
Mike Sanderson, Belle Mente: “Yesterday, we didn’t think it could get any better, and then today delivered an amazing course, incredible scenery, and great competition. Seeing the other boats thundering around out there is just so cool.
“What’s been really special is the variety - upwind, downwind, and those high-speed reaching legs. Somehow, race management has absolutely nailed the angles so they sit right in that perfect sweet spot, making it seriously fun sailing.”
Ken Read, V: ““It’s always fun - these boats are machines, and sailing them is incredibly precise. One small mistake can put you right out the back, so you can’t afford any errors. Sail selection is one of the hardest parts, because you have to choose the right sails before you even leave the dock, based on the weather, and sometimes you just need all-purpose sails to cover a wide range of conditions.
“Communication between the tactician, navigator, and crew is everything, because if you get the wrong sail up at the wrong time, you can lose several knots and the race. And while the crew up top gets the credit, the team below deck is just as important - they do the hard, unseen work that can decide everything in a matter of seconds.”
The North Sound Maxi Regatta takes place 20-24 March and racing continues tomorrow, with the Triple Head Sunday time trial. Tonight the owners and their guests enjoyed a night at Mangrove, Biras Creek, hosted by Wally.
TODAY'S TOP 3:
MAXI & MAXI GRAND PRIX COMBINED:
1. Bella Mente
2. Balthasar
3. Leopard 3
PERFORMANCE CLASS:
1. Freya
2. Hummingbird
3. Ammonite 2
