The January Series of the Lagoon Regatta continues with competition that is very close. The FKG team with Shags Morton driving is proving to be very consistent and stays at the top of the score board with 26 points but the gap between the leaders and the rest of the fleet has narrowed with good results by Garth Steyn, Chris Goedhart and Rien Korteknie (sailing on behalf of Frits Bus) and Luc Knol. FKG suffered from a premature start and being held up by a collision just before the weather mark. Regardless, these setbacks did not prevent the team from coming from behind to a reasonable finishing position. This week the winning places were shared by four different teams which included Luc Knol , Mathew of the 12 meter team and Chris Goedhart as well as Shags Morton. Following FKG with 28 points is Robbie Ferron with 32, Luck Knol with 39, Garth Steyn with 48 and Frits Bus with 53.
For next week's Electec Regatta, the entries will be primarily local but fierce competition is expected. A women's team boasting extensive talent will enter under the name of "Good Cards" and will include Stans Goedhart, Janet Robertson, Victoria Pope and if possible Lucille Fry. Chris Goedhart has teamed up with Rien Korteknie and word has it that these old Laser rivals can produce a winning combination . Luc Knol was closer to his old form this week end but seems to miss Simon Manley as his cockpit support which included hailing duties to other boats. Word on the street is that he is exploring alternative lady crew options. There is still one open slot for the Electec Regatta next week. Interested parties should mail rferron@megatropic.com to enter. The final registration will take place at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club on Friday 24th from 6 PM onwards with the skippers meeting at 7 PM.
In other one design news, the organization in St. Maarten has been approached by organizers of the IC 24 one design class in St Thomas with a view to exchanging invitations. Not only is one design sailing doing well in St Maarten and St Thomas (where 14 private boats now sail ) but fleets are committed in BVI and are being discussed in Puerto Rico and St Croix.
