SIMPSON BAY--Team Budget Marine / Gill skippered by Andrea Scarabelli was the overall winner in the 12th annual Course De L’alliance. The Regatta is a three day event which spans the three neighboring islands, Sint Maarten, St. Barths and Anguilla.
Team Budget Marine / Gill was first in class all three days to win the overall title. Erwan Le Normand’s Carib Diesel from St. Barths was second in racing class a great achievement considering it was the first time racing his new boat. Ian Hope-Ross's Melges, Kick 'em Jenny finished the regatta in third place.
The Cruising Class was won by Speedy Nemo from St. Barths, with Nico Cortlever’s Ni” in second followed by Robbie Ferron’s Ossenfeffer / 99.
The Multi-hull class was won by Petro Jonker’s Quality Time, followed closely by St. Barth’s Jean-Michel Ricour’s Guimamalou.
Beginning on Friday outside the bridge, the sixteen-strong fleet raced in big seas and high winds to St. Barths where they enjoyed a beachfront dinner at the St. Barths Yacht Club and the first daily prize giving.
Saturday’s race to Sandy Ground, Anguilla was heard being described as a “champagne sailing day,” with sunny skies, flat waters and high winds on a mostly downwind course. Competitors had to struggle with the choice of rounding St. Maarten on either side which made for an exciting decision and ultimately a game changing one. Prize giving that evening was held at Roy’s on the beach.
The final day of racing and prize giving culminated back at the St. Maarten Yacht Club.
Experienced racing sailor and Sint Maarten Yacht Club Commodore Hope-Ross summed it up when he said "This really is one of my favorite events every year; great friends and sailors, terrific courses and a laid-back atmosphere.”
"We'll definitely be back next year" said Chris Marshall of Racing Class winner “Budget Marine/Gill” speaking after the prize-giving, "this event mixes competition and fun".
The welcome party and daily prizes were sponsored by ILTT. Each day’s winning boats were awarded bottles for first, second and third prizes and the final overall prizes were special JOI table lamps from sponsor Budget Marine, a weekend at the Alegria Resort, day trips from Swaliga 2 and Pizza Galley gift certificates.
Each of the entered boats were given back packs, courtesy of The Sint Maarten Heineken Regatta, stuffed with ILTT goods, Budget Marine items and their crews were all wearing T-shirts sponsored by FIJI Water.
