The Grenada South Coast Yacht Club hosted twenty-two boats at it’s 3rd annual Round-the-Island Easter Regatta March 24th to 28th at Prickly Bay Marina (formerly known as The Boatyard) in L’Anse-aux-Epines. The Regatta began with the traditional Girl Pat Feeder race from Trinidad which set off at 6:02 AM on the 24th ending in Grenada that same night. First to cross the line was Wayward, Captained by Jerome McQuilkin but on corrected time the winner of the 27 year old Girl Pat Cup was Beex, skippered by Paul Hatch.

After a skipper’s briefing Friday morning, there was the Short Course Friday Race. One class dominated the regatta, cruising class, and two hours and some later, local entry Saga, captained by Tim Sudell had captured third place (corrected time: 1:54:35), with Trinidadian skipper, Joe Brown, securing second place in his boat Mayumi (corrected time:1:49:53) and Jermone McQuilkin, originally from Carriacou (now residing in Trinidad) racing into first place on Wayward (corrected time: 1:42:23).

Saturday morning the winds pick up for the old race with a new twist, the Carib Round-the-Island Challenge. Unfortunately, due to Ivan’s wrath, many of the regular entries were destroyed or seriously damaged and unable to sail. Nevertheless, the Grenadian community has made a remarkable effort to get back on their feet and showed tremendous heart in getting back out there and racing! Trinidad, there before, during and after Ivan, also showed support having six boats sail up to compete. High winds and exciting neck-and-neck finishes with closely contested crossings between Wayward and Second Wind then Farrfly and Saga brought excitement for spectators and participants alike. Third was local trimaran Second Wind (corrected 6:18:46) captained by Daryl Braithwaite. In second was another local ‘Tumda’ (corrected 6:14:49) skippered by Richard Szyjan with Wayward coming in first (corrected 5:54:18) captained by Jerome McQuilkin. Carib cooler bags were given to all participants in recognition of their conquering the challenge.

The round-the-island winner on corrected time was Wayward winning the prestigious Sir Peter Blake Trophy donated by Spice Island Marine Services. Sadly the hand over from the 2004 winner to the 2005 winner was dampened as Dougie Myers of “Legacy” passed on in 2004. Myers epitomized Caribbean Sailing and was so recognised by the regatta committee who called not for the usual moment of silence but instead, a hearty round of applause to celebrate Myers’ life. Helmsman McQuilkin, in accepting the trophy, said touching words ensuring that he would carry Dougie’s ‘legacy’ with him always.

Next presented for Saturday’s race was the ‘line honors’ trophy, presented for the fastest elapsed time, the perpetual Carib Cup collected by Wayward (14:54:07)! At this point McQuilkin seemed to have reached the pinnacle of happiness, graciously bowing his head to the crowd and committee as they cheered him.

Sunday rolled around with grey skies and white caps but not as much wind as previous days. Bodies were worn, brains were tired but sailing prevailed. The day’s race commenced at noon, a Short Course race on the South Coast of the Island. Placing third was Tabasco (corrected 1:49:01) captained by Henry Crallan. This little red boat was well chuffed after a late Saturday morning start. Then a tie for first - Mayumi captained by Trinidad’s Joe Brown and Wayward captained by Carriacou’s McQuilkin; both boat had corrected times of 1:43:57. Spirits high, the crew of both boats raised hands to cheer as cameras flashed and the crowd gathered, laughing and clapping.

The overall winners were recognised for three hard days on the water and the overcoming of challenges. Placing third was local boat Saga captained by Tim Sudell and crewed by the ‘Youngest Crew’ prize winners (all aged under 20!). Second was Mayumi and in first Wayward swept in once again.

The Regatta closed off with the Post race Party on Monday 28th on Grand Anse beach at ‘Journey’s End.’

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