Hirst brothers demolish the competition at the 2006 Nanny Cay Nations Cup

Having teamed up with last years' second placed helm Colin Rathbun the Hirst brothers counted nothing worse than a third place in their 10 races.

The perpetual trophy stays in the BVI for another year and the question is will anyone be able to dethrone these guys next year?

The winds were a little light but on Sunday a steady SE'ly set in with glorious sunshine and perfect racing conditions. The fight for second place was intense, at the close of play on Saturday it was team Holland who looked favourites with a 6 point cushion over the USVI. However Simon Manly and his St. Martin team came out blazing on Sunday morning scoring two bullets. It all came down to the last flight with St. Martin scoring two second places which knocked the USVI into third place.

Mike Masters, Robin Tattersall and John Walsh, the Beefeaters, were all at sea on Saturday morning with one crew member short. A young lady offered her services and was quickly snapped up by these veterans. The Beefeaters went on to sail brilliantly managing to knock Holland into fifth place in the overall standings. They received the award for 'best dressed crew' with their white flannel shorts and old school ties. It should be noted that even with their 21yearr old crew onboard they still managed an average age of 54!

Rob Lyons who was crewing for John Holmberg and the BEYC team managed to launch himself into the briny. A lifeline fitting snapped having been subjected to a tremendous shock load. Skipper John managed to pull his soaked and surprised crew back onboard to finish the race. The pair were awarded double XL regatta shirts.

Seamus Hennessey was awarded 'bravest man in the regatta' for sailing with four spirited Irish ladies and surviving to tell the tale. Barbados were awarded a bottle of Moet for traveling the furthest and showing great spirit at the back of the fleet.

Nanny Cay did a fine job helping stage the event, the RBVIYC catered and quenched thirsts. Ting, Stella Artois, Penfolds wine and Highland Spring water were in plentiful supply all supplied by TICO.

All in all the regatta was a great success, John Holmberg was overheard muttering that his brother Peter would be onboard next year to 'sort those Hirst boys out'.

Now that is something worth waiting for.