Fast Times in Paradise 33rd Regatta Time in Abaco July 3-11 By Rebecca Burg Cover photo: Susimi, a Sweden 37, took first in the PHRF Spinnaker fleet.
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Close action in the Green Turtle Race on July 4.
ust before the month of July, vessels from various places in the states migrated to Florida and beelined across the Gulf Stream. They converged in northern Abaco, Bahamas, for a much-anticipated event. Famed for its unique venue, structure and cruiser-friendliness, Regatta Time in Abaco celebrated its 33rd year with a nine-day extravaganza of racing and parties. Boats gathered around Green Turtle Cay and the nearby out islands, crews making repairs and gathering general provisions for the long week ahead. Race vet, Glory Daze, Carl and Suzi Wehe’s Catalina (yes, that’s a smiley face, not boobs, painted on her hull below the waterline) lost a propeller on the bank, but handily sailed to Green Turtle to await a replacement. Tortuga, Jay Crawford’s 25foot Albin Trawler, traveling with returning racer, Blown Away, was searching for a replacement alternator bracket. Despite a few bumps, people were quite pleased to be here. On July 3, Stranded Naked’s Cheeseburger in Paradise Party, now a traditional kick-off and welcome party to Regatta Time, brought everyone into the tropical moment. Visitors, locals and fourlegged friends were all welcome to this grand-scale, but laid-back fiesta. The uninhabited island of Fiddle Cay and its soft beach made an exquisite setting. Two hundred gallons of margaritas and rum punch was served at the bar while people formed a patient line for cheeseburgers, dogs and fries. By day’s end, some 1,200 burger patties had been grilled and consumed. “It’s been an incredible experience,” said Ann Bolduc, holding her little dog, Casey. Fur wet after a romp in a tidal pool, Casey pointed her sandy nose at Ann as if in agreement. Bolduc sailed with husband John and their three kids on the family’s Hunter 30, Latitudes. July Fourth — Green Turtle Race July Fourth arrived with sunshine and a 10-12 knot southeasterly breeze. The Green Turtle Race, the first of a series of five, began. Competitors were divided into four fleets, and the “mother tub,” or cruising class, was divided into three subfleets. A total of six first-, second- and third-place trophies were awarded to the top finishers after each day’s race. The hard-core competitors in the spinnaker RTIA fleet started first. Terry William’s J-120, Tampa Girl, pushed ahead of the red-hulled Rockstar by the second leg. Rockstar, Tim Tucker’s C&C 115, dug her shoulder in and her experienced team found the groove, passing Tampa Girl with a rush. “Rounding that last mark was a little hairy,” noted Amy Pierce, Rockstar crew. The sizeable cruising fleets were jostling for space around the buoy while the faster Rockstar adroitly
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August 2008
SOUTHWINDS
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