MARIGOT/ST. BARTHS—The Greek pair, Paschalidis IOrdanis and Trigkonis Konstantinos on “Relwen” won Thursday’s 20-mile around the island race to take an early lead in the 10th Annual St. Barths Cata Cup.
47 teams set off in winds of eight to 12 knots from the South-South East. Positioned next to the committee boat and with perfect timing, Pierre Le Clainche and Antoine Joubert (Design Affairs - 001) took an early lead in the fleet. Impeccably negotiating all of the traps on the course, and especially the tricky passage around Grenadin, they led the race for quite a while until they were overtaken in the final 100 meters by the Greek duo, Iordanis Paschalidis and Konstantinos Trigkonis (Relwen).
“It’s frustrating to have been ahead for 99% of the race, and to be passed at the very end,” noted Pierre Le Clainche once back on shore. “Leading at the point of St. Jean, we found ourselves between the Greeks on one side, who took advantage of a little more wind further off the coast, and on the other side the Cammas- Vandame duo who were gaining speed, but we managed to control that attack.
“But for the Greeks, we should have been a little more aggressive and placed ourselves between them and the finish line. We did not do enough to protect our lead, but that’s easier to say with a little hindsight,” added teammate Antoine Joubert, a little disappointed but aware that they have already established themselves as one of the teams to beat this week.
“Pierre and Antoine sailed really well, and we worked hard to stay on their heels. Finally, we closed the gap in the last few boat lengths with pure speed. It was a great race and the conditions were great in the end. At the start we were a little afraid of confronting large holes, yet the wind remained constant throughout,” commented Iordanis Paschalidis.
Meanwhile St. Maarten duo Frits Bus and Bernard Sillem on Great Bay Express finished the first race in 31st place.
(photo Pascal Alemany).
