SIMPSON BAY--Gill Race Team took first place in the 13th annual Course de L’ Alliance Regatta. The three-day with racing from St. Maarten to St. Barths, to Anguilla and back to St. Maarten is organized by the St. Maarten Yacht Club and this year sponsored by Bobby’s Marina.
Gill racing was skippered by Gill North America’s President David Pritchard. Former SMYC commodore Ian Hope-Ross on Kick ‘em Jenny 2 placed second in the racing class and was followed by Jan van den Eynde on Panick Attack.
Action began Friday outside the Simpson Bay bridge as the fleet of sixteen raced in lumpy seas and medium winds to St. Barths. The beachfront dinner was held at the St. Barths Yacht Club and the daily prize were awarded.
Each day the top three finishing boats were awarded bottles by ILTT with their brands of Mt. Gay, Kettle 1 Vodka, Casillero del Diablo wines, Heineken and Carib.
Saturday’s race to Sandy Ground, Anguilla was described as with sunny skies, great surfing conditions and lightening winds on a mostly downwind course. Competitors struggled with the choice of sailing on either side of Tintamarre, which made for an exciting and game-changing decision. Prize giving that evening was held at Roy’s Bar & Restaurant.
The final day of racing and prize giving culminated back at the St. Maarten Yacht Club. "This really is one of my favorite events every year; great friends and sailors, terrific courses and a laid-back atmosphere,” said St. Maarten Yacht Club Commodore Chris Marshall who raced with Team Gill.
The Cruising Class was won by St. Barth’s Raphael Magras’ Maelia. Albacore IV also from St. Barths was second and Robbie Ferron’s “Ossenfeffer / Micron 99” finished third.
The Multi-hull class was won by Mitch-Silvano and Michaux-Corroy’s Carib Cat followed closely by Jean-Michel Ricour’s Guimamalou. Third was taken by Luc Scheulen’s Green Flash.
