Yes folks, it's only 4 days until 'Big Saturday'.
The finest IC24 sailors from the reigon will battle it out off Nanny Cay for the 3rd annual RBVIYC Quantum IC24 Regatta that we fondly call 'The Worlds'. Winds are forecast to be over 20Kts from North of East all weekend...bring it on!
The line up reads like a 'who's who' of Caribbean racing stars. It doesn't look like it will be the most IC24's ever on a start line which is a shame BUT there is no shortage of talent...so let's see who is coming.
First up and 'most far away' are the P.Ricans. I tell you, it's no joke towing an IC24 from R.Rico when the tradewinds blow hard. Last year only Fraito Lugo made it all the way from Ponce. It's not a trip for the fainthearted. There should be at least two other P.Rican IC24's making the trip...rumour has it that there are 7 IC24's built so far, well done guys!
Closer to home are the St.Thomians. They are of course the originals, they started the IC24 class and fancy their chances in the BVI. Chris Rosenberg is hungry to win this year with a boat full of rockstars. Chris Carrerri follows suit with team 'Alinghi' as his crew. They have both won this event before and should not be taken lightly.
It has to be said, 'The Worlds' is all about the BVI IC24 fleet and the RBVIYC showing the rest of the NE Caribbean how to put on an owners regatta. We have never managed to attract large numbers from St.Thomas... P.Rico may even overtake them this year...but it's the BVI owners who really make this regatta tick.
So, who do you watch? Try Haycraft LAT 19, Waters CONCHQUERER, Anderson/Plaxton INTAC, Rathbun bMobile, West/Masters B.PEARL, Robbie Hirst MIO, Emma Paull on CCT KATS, Simon Woods on First Caribbean KATS, visiting Fritz Bus on Desperado and yours truly Richard W on RIP. Here is the bulk of the fleet.
I doubt if we'll be using spinnakers, class rules are meant to bag them at 18kts true. It will be about sailing clean and being up to weight. Already 80llb Oppie sailors are in big demand...crews will want to weigh in close to the 850IIb maximum.
There is a buzz of anticipation in the air, it will be lively, it will be a case of 'be big or go home!'
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