A typical view of Payment Zone for most competitors

Friday October 11th was the last day of racing for most of the competitors at the 35th International Bonaire Regatta and the big awards ceremony was held downtown.

Yesterday, Thursday, there was a full card of racing on the west side of Bonaire while the windsurfing action at Lac died down. In an incredible Freestyle Windsurfing sail-off, Tati Frans narrowly defeated his brother Tonky to win the title of King of Lac Bay. Tati earlier in the day set "a record on fire," by circumnavigating Klein Bonaire in one hour and 48 minutes, a new record! Last year Christiaan "the Bonaire Jet" Dammers, did it in one hour and 58 minutes, also a record.

In the tight Racing Class I, Synergy accidentally went over the start line one minute early in the afternoon race and was disqualified. The all-out Henderson 30, Payment Zone, was first to finish. Earlier there was a near collision at the start between the two boats, but it was avoided by the narrowest of margins which had the crewmembers screaming. The start itself was full of excitement, as Payment Zone, Synergy and the J-24 Chamba II took off together.

Friday's racing did nothing to upset the pattern of the past week. With a strong, steady breeze the top boats continued their winning ways. Examples of good sportsmanship were evident many times during the Regatta. But perhaps the best example was in the J-24 (Racing II) Class where the crew of Merlin helped their rival, Chamba II, repair her broken rudder to continue racing. Chamba II went on to win top boat in the Regatta.

The award ceremony was packed with tension and excitement as the winners were announced. Bonaire's emphasis on young people sailing and windsurfing was evident with the large and enthusiastic kids' contingent who came on stage and were applauded by their fellow competitors. In the yacht classes several boats should be singled out: Rennelt Gortet (Augustijn) and R. Gravensteijn (Aerandir) for their perfect record of first place finishes; Co-captains Davidson and van Haren (Payment Zone) for their come-from-behind finish and Jan Ackermans (Chamba II ) for overall excellent performance.

The four youngsters from Jong Bonaire participating in the Regatta, two with the windsurfers and two with the Sunfishes did well. One of the Big Kids windsurfers, who lives at the Maria Hoppner Home, also did very well. In Bonaire sailing is not just for the privileged.

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