Antigua Classic Race Week

Antigua Classic Race Week is quite something. There are about all the coolest sailing yachts on the planet here. It is neat that the Maggie B is a little part of it. Check out their web site at Antigua Classics.

I raced the Maggie B yesterday in the single handed race and we were first through the course, but only third on corrected time. One might ask how you can handle a 62 foot gaff schooner by yourself, and the answer is “not too well.” You have to have an emergency second person aboard and I chose the designer, Nigel Irens.

You can have extra crew to get your sails up, and John Steele, Dorian Steele, Sandy MacMillian of North Sails and Paul Baskett got us going. They have to be off the boat before the ten minute gun and Paul and Dorian exited in great style with cannon balls. John and Sandy stepped off into a passing outboard. There were about 30 boats of all sizes and we got a good start and just stayed out in front.

Today was the “Old Road” race and we finally had a nice blow. Tons of huge boats like the Ranger, one of the famous J-boats. There were lots of photo boats and helicopters around, so hopefully someone got a good photo of us.

It was just marvelous to have the builder, the designer and the sail designer aboard. We all learned so much about the boat as well as seeing some of the coolest sailboats in the world banging around us. I have never participated in such a sight. And we get to do it again tomorrow!

All is well.