SIMPSON BAY—Island Water World (IWW) claimed first place in Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) 1 class and Merlin was first in the DIAMS group of the 22nd edition of La Course de l’ Alliance.
Organized by the St. Maarten Yatch Club the regatta sent the fleet in challenging conditions to St Barths on Friday, Saturday to Anguilla and Sunday back to St. Maarten.
La Course de l’ Alliance included the “Round the Rock “ fun cruising class experience for Charter boats.
“On Friday it was a rough upwind ride in windy conditions and rough seas which favors the heavier “ upwind yachts “ and Zessin was first over the line,” said Island Water World skipper Frits Bus.
The Diams , a one design class all faced the same challenge and Merlin finished in first.
On saturday the race takes sailors to Anguilla. The day began with heavy squalls passing over the island and gusty easterly winds, causing the race committee to postpone the start an hour. After the bulk of the rain passed and breaks of sunshine poked through the clouds, both classes started downwind in dramatic fashion with spinnakers flying and all crews hiking hard.
“Team IWW took off from the start and where far ahead of the competiton finishing first
Merlin in the Diam won again.
Day three started with IWW and Zessin equal points to fight for first place.
Team IWW nailed the start and kept in front of Zessin the whole race , claiming Overall win.
Merlin won again in the Diam class.
In the CSA class the J/105 More Zessin’ placed second and the Melges 24 Caraibes Diesel was third.
In the Diam 24 Class, K.I.C took second place and Look Up grabbed third place.
The regatta was made possible by sponsor Quantum Finance.
