This three day, three race international sailing event, sponsored by the St. Thomas Yacht Club, attracted 98 vessels from 13 countries.
Weather conditions were nearly perfect, with light to moderate winds gradually becoming brisk. Sea conditions were light to moderate.
The first two races were held to the south of St. Thomas, in open water. These were the Ocean Triangle courses (Course Bravo), and offered no 'home court' advantage to our local sailors. Easter Sunday's race was the Ocean World course(Course Charlie), which took place in the Pillsbury Sound area. Wind shifts, wind shadows, and strong ocean currents became major factors in this race.
Why did Tom Hill win the Rolex Cup again? "We did very well the first two days, despite being over the line early in the first race. We had a great crew, and our boat is sailing as fast as ever. She's fairly competitive in all wind and sea conditions. Despite a sixth place finish in the final race, we managed to pull it off."
Tom Hill, who has attended every Rolex Regatta since its inception, is one of the most consistent race winners in the Caribbean. He has previously won the Rolex Cup in 1988, 1990, and 1995. (Only one other man, Dick Johnson of the STYC, has won it as many times.)
"We're real pleased with the boat," said Hill of Titan, "We've made no major changes to the boat since we took delivery of it a couple of years ago. Nelson/Marek gives you a hell of a racing machine right out of the box, and all we're doing is sailing it as well as we can. I chalk up our successes to the crew work you just couldn't get a better bunch of guys..."
There seems little question that Tom Hill and his crew are becoming the dominate 'team' in yacht racing throughout the Caribbean. Peter Holmberg (STYC) may be the fastest sailor in our area, but Hill has the team, boat, and equipment which wins the most regattas.
In second place (spinnaker racing fleet), it was Carlos Falcone (Antigua) on a Melges 24 named Cheeta (formerly Enerserve). Although his performance was a little off in light airs as soon as the breeze built on the final day, he led the entire pack.
In third place it was Tony Amador's J-105 Break Away from Puerto Rico.
Peter Holmberg (STYC) sailed a B-28 named Sterling Job. He finished fourth.
There were no major mishaps. A number of boats suffered minor gear and sail damage. The Kiwi 35 Wild Thing (BVI) dismasted in the heavy airs of the final day.
There were the average number of (rule) protests for such a large fleet of boats. The most newsworthy was between Donnybrook (US) and Morgana (Italy). Both vessels were approaching a race mark, with Donnybrook on port tack. Donnybrook tacked (or was tacking), and a collision resulted during (or soon after). Donnybrook was then protested by Morgana, and Donnybrook DSQed (disqualified).
Donnybrook then declined to participate in the following two races. Since she failed to complete a single race during the Heineken Regatta in Sint Maarten, she has now failed to complete six out of the last six races she has entered which surely must be some kind of a new Caribbean record. The J/24 fleet was highly competitive. Eric Tulla (PR) aboard Son of Syndicate pulled it off. John Foster won his class on the J/27 Magnificent 7.
The Cruising/Racing (spinnaker) class was won by Stanley Lopez (PR) aboard his Pearson Flyer Sassy Lady.
In the big boat fleet, it was Morgana (Italy) clinching the top spot, with Peregrine (US) having the Best Elapsed Time. Titan won Best Visiting Yacht in addition to the Rolex Cup.
Rudy Thompson on the Beneteau Dazzler (STYC) won the cruising (non-spinnaker) fleet, while Paul Scarano's Maniac of St. John won the Swan class. Neil Newhart's lovely old yawl Herondelle won the Jib and Main class. The beach cat class was topped by H. Martinez (PR) of Lost Boys. Bill Beer won the J2 beach cat class.
Results: Overall in racing fleet: Titan, Cheeta, Break Away Class A: Morgana, Orchidea, Peredrine Class B: Titan, Break Away, Fatal Attraction Class C: Cheeta, Sterling Job, Cellular One Class D: Magnificent 7, Mulata Antilla, Broken Drum Class E: Son of Syndicate, Exodus, Jersey Devil Class F: Sassy Lady, Bullicio, J. Doe Class G: Maniac, Splash Tango, Isabella Class H: Dazzler, Cayenne, Vitelco Class I: Herondelle, Karen Lea, Windflower Class J1: Lost Boys, Aquavite, Duncan Disorder Class J2: Senor Pizza, Nacramania, Port of Call |