December 2019 Events
December 2: Onwards – RORC Transatlantic Race. A wonderfully varied fleet ranging from one-design Volvo Ocean 65s, such as the Australian Ocean Race Project and Childhood I, as well as Maxi yachts like the 100’ Wally, Dark Shadow, should start arriving to the Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, in St. George’s, Grenada after departing on November 23 from Marina Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Two-handed teams will especially add a fascinating dimension to this bucket-list race.
“RORC competitors arrive in Grenada during daylight and nighttime hours,” says Nikoyan Roberts, manager of nautical development for the Grenada Tourism Authority. “Visitors and Grenadians join to meet and greet teams at Camper & Nicholson Port Louis Marina and give a resounding warm welcome to these amazing sailors who have made this 2,995 nautical-mile trip across the Atlantic. Welcome baskets filled with local gifts are presented to each boat on arrival.”
The best way to know who’s arriving and when to head to the docks is to check the fleet tracker on the event’s website or download a free mobile phone App of the race from YB Races. Line honors awards take place shortly after the first boats arrive, while the main prize giving is held at the marina’s Victory Bar. rorctransatlantic.rorc.org
December 4 – 9: Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting (ACYM). Three marinas, five viewing days, 80-some magnificent yachts and nearly 300 brokers. There’s no doubt this industry show is a ‘must-go’ for globally-based brokers, the sales force of the crewed charter industry. The focal point are the yachts themselves, docked at the Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, Falmouth Harbour Marina and the Antigua Yacht Club Marina. Other signature events are the Concours de Chef culinary competition, Informative Hours on topics this year such as cruising in Cuba, and a host of parties in or near the Nelson’s Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site. New this year, is the Deep Blue Sea-themed event. This will take place on December 9, from 7 pm to 1:30 a.m. at the Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre at the entrance to Shirley Heights. US $50 pp; crew free.
“We are combining the captain’s soiree and crew party this year into one event that benefits the Ocean Voyages Institute. This is a non-profit organization based in California that is working hard to remove plastic pollution in the oceans, something that very much affects the charter industry. Half of the proceeds we raise will be used in the Pacific and other half towards Caribbean Sea plastic clean up,” says Sarah Sebastian, who co-directs the ACYM with Afsaneh Franklin. “Mary Crowley, founder of the Institute and of Ocean Voyages, Inc, an international yacht charter company, will be on hand to speak to and we will also have a short presentation. Since it is a party, though, we invite crews, brokers and other industry professionals to come dressed as their favorite Sea Creature or make a costume out of recyclable plastic.” www.antiguayachtshow.com
December 15: Yay Ray Laser Race. The Petite Calivigny Yacht Club (PCYC), located at the Le Phare Bleu Marina in Grenada, hosts this annual event.
“The name came from one of our non-resident members, Ray, who one day when on island volunteered to donate his laser and a friend’s laser to the Club. We said: ‘Great! Yay Ray!”, explains John Whitsett, PCYC commodore.
The event is a fun, round-robin elimination race run over a short course to get in as many races as possible. This year, 3 to 4 lasers will be available to anyone who registers to race. Nominal entry fee. Great competition. www.pcycgrenada.com
December 31: Nelson’s Pursuit Race. Some 35 to 40 sailboats from 24- to 140-foot LOA participate in this annual Antigua Yacht Club (AYC)-hosted event. The regatta commemorates the pursuit of the British Royal Navy’s Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson of the French fleet across the Atlantic. Nelson was stationed in English Harbor during the late 1700’s. Four classes: Racing, cruising, Racer-Cruiser and Classic. Jib and main only. The course is set off Antigua’s south shore.
“Each boat is assigned a start time,” says Tom Paterson, organizer and AYC’s dock master. “The first boat to start carries the French tri-color and every boat flies its flag. The object is to pass the French and win the day.”
There’s an after-race rum punch party at Chippy’s Fine Yacht Woodwork, near English Harbour, where Paterson emcee’s the awards dressed in Lord Nelson garb. Win or lose, everyone gets a prize of rum. www.antiguayachtclub.com