War Canoe wins tough round island race

(CISC):Ten boats entered the 47th Easter regatta round island race but only six finished including winners, War Canoe. The race started about a mile inside the North Sound’s main channel on Grand Cayman early in the morning and finished at Governor’s Beach some 60 nautical miles later. The competitors met with challenging conditions once they got out of the Sound and had to tack down the north side of the island into ENE winds of around 20 knots with higher gusts. The sea was rough with wave heights of 6-8 feet at times off the north shore and East End. A few boats sustained damage, including a blown out mainsail and several boats turned back due to breakages or the lack of progress on the north side.

The sailors that got past East End were rewarded with easier conditions on the south and west shores and were very grateful to be able to enjoy a calmer passage to the finish.

First over the finish line was Bruce Johnson in Blue Runner, a 37 foot J boat with a crew of ten. Blue Runner made the circumnavigation in 7 hours and 14 minutes. Second to make it to the finish line was Carson Ebanks in War Canoe a 23 foot Sonar. Although War Canoe finished over 30 minutes after Blue Runner, they won the race on corrected time for the second year running. In third place overall, although the first non-spinnaker boat, was Jonathan Cuff taking his boat Pie Sees III round for the first time.

“It was a great challenge and after we reached East End the conditions calmed down a bit and we were able to enjoy the ride” commented Cuff after the race which took place on Good Friday.

The next cruisers race is the Harbour House 12 mile Banks and Back race which takes place in June 2011. If you would like to find out how to get involved in big boat racing contact admin@sailing.ky