Martinique
Held this year off the town of Schoelcher on the west coast of Martinique, the Caribbean Dinghy Championship was sailed in variable conditions and resulted in a big win for the home team. About 36, mainly youthful, sailors from around the Caribbean sailed nines races during the event.
The Martinique team was able to hold off its biggest challenger, last year’s champ, Puerto Rico, with a score of 97 points to 131 points. Martinique topped Puerto Rico in the Sunfish and the full size Laser class whilst the Puerto Ricans out sailed them in the two Optimist classes and the Laser Radial.
The depth of talent in Martinique is clear, given that their second team was able to take the third place in the event. Fourth place went to Barbado, Trinidad took fifth and the USVI placed sixth.
Outstanding sailors in the event included Andrew Lewis of Trinidad who decisively won the Optimists, Ivan Aponte of Puerto Rico who won the under 11 Optimist class, Franciso Medina of Puerto Rico winning the radial Laser class, Kevin Dufeal of Martinique winner of the open Laser class and Mathieu Moures, who won the Sunfish class.
The most closely contested class was the open Laser class where Kevin Dufeal with 11 points just held off countryman Rodrigue Cabaz (12 points) and Adrian Afoo of Trinidad (14 points).
The well-oiled regatta machine of the Circle Nautique de Schoelcher hosted the regatta, which was sailed in light to medium conditions with challenging wind shifts coming off the land. The Circle Nautique de Schoelcher on behalf of the Ligue de Voile de Martinique and the Caribbean Sailing Association organized the regatta.
Having only won the event in home waters, Martinique last won the championship in 1985. Already, the sailors have committed to defending their title in the 2004 event, which will be held in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
© Copyright 2001/2002 caribbeanracing.com
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