SIMPSON BAY—Eight teams competed in three class in the Simpson Bay to Friar’s Bay sailing race Sunday.
In the Keelboat CSA 1 class the J 105 Solstice won tanking first place in both races. Caraibes Diesel was second. He trimaran Tryst was the only entry in the Multihull class so took first place. In the Diam 24 competition four catermarains raced. Air Nest won both races and thus won the class MDN finished second. The competition was hosted by the St. Maarten Yacht Club in collaboration with the Club de Voile de Friar’s Bay and their new association; Saint Martin Voile pour Tous (SMVT). The morning race started in Simpson Bay in 17 – 20 knots gusting winds. The Tryst and the Diam 24 fleet were sent on a course to Indigo Bay. The CSA 1 class raced a windward-leeward course in Simpson Bay. The CSA 1 fleet consisted of the J70 Franny, J105 Solstice and Melges 24 Caraibes Diesel. Franny's rigging gave in which resulted in the mast coming down 20 seconds in the first race. Nobody was hurt. Solstice and Caraibes Diesel ended up in a very close fight for line honors in the second race and had a intense battle in the Anguilla chanel, beating up to Friar’s Bay. Solstice finished 2 seconds in front of the Melges 24 team and took the win. In the Diam 24 fleet two Texan Teams were on St. Maarten. Philippe Betler on MDN and Bill Coon on Crybaby. Regular Diam 24 teams Merlin and Airnest were represented as well.
Air nest cross the finish line in Friar’s Bay, just 40 seconds ahead of MDN in 20 kt wind conditions.
