J24 action expected on Rodney Bay.

Set for January 13th-16th 2005, the St. Lucia Regatta is anticipating along with the racing and cruising classes, the J-24's to again bring some exciting racing to Rodney Bay.

Last year saw boats from Puerto Rico, Antigua, Bequia, Barbados and Martinique, and of course St. Lucia, take part in the five race series, along with a number of international entries from the A.R.C. and the USA; with Hugh Bailey on Hugo from Antigua returning to take top place in cruiser class - again. But for many local sailors, it was the J-24 class, which was action packed.

With the fresh arrival of five J-24's to the island last year, the last St. Lucia Regatta saw J-24's competing for the first time, and with other J's joining in from around the region, produced some fun and exciting racing in that class. The 2005 Regatta already has James Arrindell & crew signed up to join the J-24 fray on what will probably prove to be the boat to beat, Jahaji Bhai from Trinidad; whilst Peter 'Wipers' Hoad from Barbados, the well-known skipper of Green Flash, a Surprise 25, and the best overall at the St. Lucia Regatta '03, has recently acquired a J-24 (perhaps after taking some licks in the Surprise at the '04 Regatta at the hands of the Lucian J's, it would seem Wipers is out to reclaim his title). Along with hot local sailor Mike Green in the mix, some stiff competition looks set for 2005, and with J-24's from Bequia and Grenada expected this year, the class looks set to be a firm part of the annual regatta.

Located in the ideal sailing waters around Rodney bay and the north east coast of the island, the St. Lucia Regatta, like any regatta, is hotly competitive on the water, but it's the friendly atmosphere on and that also brings many back. The free dock space provided by Rodney Bay Marina for the regatta naturally lends itself to getting the crews together, both before and after the races ... all with the evening entertainment conveniently within stumbling distance away later on. And with all the boats docked together, the regatta has a true community atmosphere, with everybody helping each other tie up after races, and the bonhomie of neighbors (no doubt lightening the race weight) sharing food and drink. Last year boxes of bananas and fruit were delivered to the dock in the mornings before the races for crews to help themselves, and Bajans Green Flash and Lucians Ladera rafted up at the docks after races to get the impromptu dock party going. Naturally the Bajan supply of Mount Gay helped draw the crowd. The crew of Ladera however, maintains it was their music..

Registration will take place on the afternoon/evening of Thursday, January 13th 2005, and the three days of racing will kick off on Friday 14th with the first two races, two more on the Saturday, and the final race on morning of Sunday 18th. Sunday afternoon everyone hits the beach at the Yacht Club for “funday Sunday” and prize giving.

Information, courses and entry forms can be found on the official website, or you can email, or contact Tricia Lawson, St. Lucia Regatta, c/o R. B. Post Office, St Lucia, W.I. / T: + (758) 458 2083 / F: + (758) 459 2252.

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