Louay Habib Caribbean blog: Antigua Dragon YC Challenge
by Louay Habib 14 Feb 2014 04:10 NZDT
2-8 February 2014
Boutique invitational events are beginning to become very popular and the first ever Antigua Dragon YC Challenge has a great recipe for success.
The brainchild of Carlo Falcone and his son Shannon Falcone (Team Oracle AC winner), the regatta was organised in identical Dragons chosen by lots. The event attracted top quality competition and was won by the Mill Reef YC team, led by Poul Hoj-Jensen who has been undefeated in any Dragon competition in Antigua for the many years but then again, the double Olympic Gold medalist and three-time Dragon World Champion, is probably the best Dragon Slayer to have ever lived. Karl James, skippering the Antigua Yacht Club team was runner up with Carlo Falcone snatching third in the medal race for the Monaco YC.
The week-long event featured a variety of racing including; a long coastal race from Falmouth Harbour to the brutal windward side of Antigua but the majority of the races were held in Falmouth Harbour with the Dragons racing right up to the superyachts. The top mark was right outside the marina restaurants and bars with plenty of cheering from Seabreeze Cafe and Scullduggery's (Great Expresso Martinis!).
The racing was incredibly close with boats frequently ducking and crossing with a few nudges along the way, most of the races were decided by just a few seconds and the whole fleet was very compressed.
The final medal race counted double points and the 212' superyacht, Imagine decided to anchor very close to the start line. "Imagine, Imagine Imagine – This is the Race Officer for the Dragons" Haled John Coveney and continued..."We will be racing shortly but don't worry we won't scratch your paintwork." The response: "Yes we have been so impressed we decided to get a better view!"
"Would you like to join in the fun? First warning signal is 1050 then its 5-4-1 go."
Imagine's decibels rang out across the water exactly on schedule!
Next up the RORC Caribbean 600... 61 entries by 11th February and an amazing big boat class.
For more information go to the Racing Section at www.harmonyhallantigua.com