Fast-paced action at last year's Culebra Heineken International Regatta.

Expectations are running high for the 4th annual Culebra Heineken International Regatta (CHIR). “We expect good winds and 75 to 80 boats,” says regatta director, Angel Ayala. Highlights of entrants to date include nearly a dozen each in the J/24 and IC/24 classes. “We’ll have six IC/24s from Puerto Rico and expect another four or five from the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands,” says Ayala. “The J/24 class is strong in Puerto Rico too, so those numbers will be up.”

Performance Cruiser, Racer-Cruiser and Jib & Main classes are also anticipated to be strong and competitive. The Performance Cruisers, which will fly double headsails, will include J/105s, J/80s, J/30s, an Olson and a Pearson Flyer. The Jib & Main class will likely see enrollment of 16 to 17 boats.

Opportunities abound for young sailors in the Culebra International Dinghy Regatta (CIDR).

“Several of our top Optimist sailors will be away competing in the Optimist South American Championships. This, however, offers a wonderful opportunity for younger sailors to have their shot at the podium and trophies,” says Ayala.

Late registration will open at 2 pm on Friday March 14 at the Natural Resources Bay, in Ensenada Honda. There will also be Customs & Immigration Officers available here as well as a CSA measurer who can assist with last minute handicap certificate renewals. The entry fee is $250 for Racing and Cruising boats, $150 for Chalanas and $100 for Beach Cats. Dinghy registration is $50.

Racing kick-offs at 10 am Saturday March 15, with windward-leeward courses for the racing classes and more scenic island courses for the Performance Cruiser, Racer-Cruiser and Jib & Main classes.

An exciting harbor start is planned for Sunday March 16. The fleet – except J/24s, IC/24s, and Hobie 16s – will circumnavigate Culebra and possibly Culebrita, depending on wind.

Big, block party-style festivities will take place both Friday and Saturday nights in the town of Culebra, featuring food, fun and live music.

An Awards Ceremony will cap the two days of racing.

The CHIR is the second leg of the Cape Air C.O.R.T. Series.

For more information, call Angel Ayala: 787-413-7702 or 787-785-2026, or Jose Casanova: 787-948-2835, or visit: www.culebrainternationalregatta.com or www.culebrainternationalregatta.com/dinghy/home.html

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