Dinghy Racers prepare for Stormchaser

(CISA): The Cayman Islands Sailing Club will host the 4th annual Stormchaser dinghy regatta on the weekend of June 9th and 10th 2012. The Stormchaser regatta was introduced to mark the arrival of the Hurricane season and takes place in June every year. It is one of only two regattas held during the year where different classes of sailing boat sail together. The senior fleet races in Lasers whilst the juniors, who have been much in the news recently for their success in local and overseas competition will be in Optimist dinghies. On Sunday the Cat Boats will be joining in racing in North Sound, a true spectacle of the traditional and modern sailing in Cayman.

True to its Stormchaser title, the early June weather has usually brought strong variable wind and waves, making for exciting sailing. Last year’s champion Raph Harvey is looking forward to defending his title. “We have plenty of very good dinghy sailors in Cayman and the conditions are such that anyone could have a good couple of days and take the trophy.

With seven or eight races the lead can change hands several times. You just have to try and be consistent and always make sure you are in the mix”. Rob Jackson came second last year and he is hoping to overcome Harvey this time around. “I have been out practicing as much as work constraints would allow. You cannot beat time on the water to improve your fitness and skill levels. I’m just hoping it pays off”.

In the Junior division we are hoping for increased participation with some of the “Green” fleet coming through the ranks to compete with the regular team racers.

The regatta is open to anyone who wants to sail although club boats are limited. Cayman Distributors and Red Stripe are kindly sponsoring the Senior regatta once more. Club Manager Rick Caley explained “Sailing is very thirsty work and after a day of physical exertion it is traditional to wind down and exchange stories over a drink or two. We are delighted that Red Stripe look after the Seniors whilst the Juniors recharge their systems with Lucozade!”

If you would like to know more about Stormchaser or any other regattas, please contact Club Manager Rick Caley at admin@sailing.ky