Antigua & Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Recap

Twenty one boats registered for the ABHC regatta on Saturday July 22^nd all hoping to win the grand prize on the race-course in Noyack Bay.  The winner of the regatta - - the skipper and 5 members of his or her crew - - would receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2018 Antigua Sailing Week. All racing hopes were dashed, however, by an uncharacteristic lack of wind on the race-course.  After nearly three hours of delay, and still no wind or any prospect of wind, Race Committee PRO Tony Dill was forced to abandon racing for the day.

With no winner from the day’s racing, the Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy, the Honorable Asot A. Michael, decided that prizes would instead be awarded based on a drawing at the Regatta Party that evening, with the names of each boat placed in a hat.  A keg of Antigua rum was won by Dave Whalen, and lunch for four at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor was won by Greg Ames.  But the grand prize went to Skilligalee, skippered by Jim Ryan.  Jim is a former PBSA commodore, and he borrowed Skilligalee for this race from Tom Samuels, another former PBSA commodore. Jim and his crew (including Tom Samuels!) will be going to Antigua next April.

The Regatta Party took place at Haven’s Beach in Sag Harbor, and a separate raffle was held for prizes that included a week’s stay in the historic Copper and Lumber Store Hotel at Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua.  This prize was won by PBSA members Bill & Helen Coster.  

The ABHC event was, in part, a fund raiser, and over $2,000 was raised for the non-profit organization i-tri (http://itrigirls.org) to help empower young women by overcoming their fears to compete in a triathlon.

PBSA wants to thank Rob and Theresa Roden, from Captain’s Guide, and the Race Committee for their hard work organizing this regatta and after-party.

Buy tickets for the Awards Party at Haven’s Beach in Sag Harbor 5:00 – 8:00 pm Following the Antigua Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta - sailors and landlubbers alike will gather for a Caribbean Beach Party, under the tent at Haven's Beach to enjoy, great music, food, wine and beer! The entry fee includes two party tickets. Additional party tickets are available at [url] for $40.00 prior to July 19th and for $50.00 on July 20th.  The Regatta prizes- including the GRAND PRIZE trip for winning Captain and Crew of 5 to compete in the 2018 Antigua Sailing Week will be awarded.