Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 - Day 2
by Louay Habib 11 Apr 2013 19:41 BST
8-13 April 2013
Racing at the Oyster Regatta Grenada continued with glorious conditions for the predominantly downwind passage race to Camper & Nicholson's Port Louis Marina sponsored by Pelagos Yachts.
A reciprocal course to yesterday's high-octane opener was blessed with fabulous sailing conditions, clear blue skies and 15 to 20 knots of southeasterly breeze provided a sublime reach back to Grenada's capital, St Georges. The Oyster fleet was a magnificent sight, gliding elegantly downwind with colourful spinnakers reflected in the crystal blue Caribbean water.
"This is just fantastic!" Beamed, Irishman Graham O'Donnell sailing on board Oyster 66, Elvis Magic, skippered by Graham's son Séamus. "There is nothing like being afloat in the Caribbean in an Oyster. The conditions are just magnificent and the boat is so comfortable. I have owned a few boats and none of them have been anywhere as well built and solid as an Oyster. We stay on the boat whenever we sail her and there is not a squeak below deck and personally I love the hardwood finish; you can keep your plastic interiors. The one thing I did miss whilst cruising was fresh bread until we installed our bread maker and now we have lovely fresh bread everyday. Elvis Magic will be available for charter in the BVI but we have plans to go cruising up in Newport, New York and possibly Maine in the near future."
In today's race, Oyster 82, Starry Night of the Caribbean romped home winning by over 14 minutes in Class 1. The magnificent yacht did have a secret weapon; 10 year old, Sasha Tydeman who is quite a whiz at maths and the crew roundly applauded her for her excellent time keeping, which led to their great start. Roberto Bisiani, Italian Oyster 72, Bill and Me sailed well to take second with American Oyster 82, Rivendell, taking third by a whisker, just seven seconds behind after time correction.
In Class Two, Chris Glossop's, British Oyster 575, Dreamer of Hamble dominated the class winning by over 14 minutes on corrected time. In second place Harvey & Sue Death's Oyster 56, Sarabi added a second place to their points tally and Paul Bateman's British Oyster 56, Stardust of Burnham was third.
"Race sponsor, Pelagos Yachts are represented by Declan O'Sullivan who is sailing with Ray & Birgitte Charmak's Oyster 53, Out of India for the regatta. "I am delighted to be here" said Declan. "And not just from a business point of view, Oyster Regattas are great fun and the people are special, real characters and entertaining to be with. I have sailed with Ray & Brigitte before and it is just fantastic to see them again and enjoy sailing in one of the world's finest locations."
After racing, Oyster owners and their guests enjoyed a cocktail reception at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina hosted by the Marine & Yachting Association of GrenadaLa followed by a fabulous night at La Luna Resort. Tucked away near Morne Rouge Bay, the award-winning designer resort has been the secret hideaway of the rich and famous. Voted by The Sunday Times as one of the best hotels in the world, La Luna is the benchmark for luxury in Grenada. Oyster owners and their guests enjoyed a fabulous cocktail party and supper with an Italian flavour, echoing the owners' Calabrian roots.
With a lay day scheduled for Thursday, 11th April, the party went on long into the night, no doubt many of the Oyster family will be enjoying refreshing Virgin Coladas today, on one of Grenada's many fine pink sandy beaches. Racing will continue on Friday, 12th April, starting and finishing at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina.
For more information visit: www.oysteryachts.com