The St Edmundsbury Sailing & Canoeing Association’s ‘10th Antigua Sailing Day’, which was held at Lackford Lake, near Bury St Edmunds, on Sunday, was a great success.
The event was initiated nine years ago as a fun event to celebrate and coincide with Antigua Sailing Week. Amazingly, through a Google news alert, the Regatta came to the attention of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, who were so impressed with the initiative that they contacted the club are offered to become the event sponsor. With ABTA’s generous support, the Regatta has become the highlight of SESCA’s racing and social calendar.
Mike Steele from SESCA said ‘This year, the weather conditions were truly fitting with bright sunshine, a balmy south easterly breeze and the air temperature rising to a tropical 30 C. The race officer, Norman Savager, set a long, figure of eight course, taking in the extreme corners of the lake, which proved interesting for both the competitors and spectators, as there were many place changes.’
There were two races in the morning and one in the afternoon, after a barbecue lunch with a delicious selection of Caribbean inspired cakes made by members. The Dallaway Steel Band provided fantastic lunchtime entertainment and really gave an authentic feel to the occasion.
Kevin Bilham, in his Solo, won overall, with an impressive two firsts and a second. Debs Steele, in her Topper, came second overall and first lady helm, with Sam and Margot Parrett, in a Firefly, third overall. Penny Davies and Bertie Parrett, in their Toppers, shared the junior prizes.
Prizes were presented by Shakyrah Davis from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
Next year’s Antigua Sailing Week will be held from 27th April to 3rd May, with SESCA’s 10th Antigua Sailing Day Regatta to be scheduled again in early June.
