Blazin’ fires to Tobago Regatta title

BLAZIN’ held off a determined challenge by Storm to capture the Racing Class as the 2005 Angostura Tobago Sail Week ended at Store Bay yesterday. Blazin, the Beneteau First 10m boat owned and led by Barbadian Peter Burke, held a four-point lead entering yesterday’s final stage. But Storm, the 2004 champ under its American owner Les Crouch, finished second yesterday to end with 24, one point behind Blazin who was sixth, for an overall tally of 23. Another pre-race favourite High Tension Lucozade placed third on the final stage for a total of 25, while Bruggadung II was fourth (five points yesterday) with 30.

Other boats in the Racing Class were Slippery When Wet (one) and Enzyme (16) with 37 each, Team McFly (eight) with 41, Paulie Wants A Cracker (four) and Bacchanal Woman (seven) with 49 apiece, Brut Force (ten) with 56, Wajang (16) with 63, Whistler (11) with 67, Grind It (nine) with 68, Ambition Sailing II (13) with 80 and Pump It (12) with 82. Petit Careme failed in its bid to repeat its 2004 success as it was beaten into second spot in the Cruiser/Racer class. Rapajam, a Beneteau 53F5 vessel led by Ralph Johnson, won yesterday’s stage to capture top spot overall with six points. Petit Careme, who was second yesterday, and last year’s runner-up Wayward (second last year), both finished with nine points.

Completing the group are Aquarela (five) and C-Mos (six) with 19 each, Joia (four) with 23, 1st Home (eight) with 30 and Titan M (seven) with 31. The local San Juan 34 yacht Nirvana, skippered by its owner Lloyd De Roche, glided to victory in the Cruising class. The 2004 third-place finisher won yesterday’s stage and completed the event with a score of six points. Hotel California Too (three) placed second with nine points, followed by Sea Wyf (two) and Business Machine (six) with 16 apiece, Les Remous (four) with 20, Blurred Vision (seven) with 22 and Jump Up (five) with 24. With a second-place finish yesterday, Annie T retained its Charter class title with an overall score of six points.

The British-based Jenneau 51 boat, guided by Colin Rudge, was well ahead of Galasminda (four) and Team 1955 (five) with 12 apiece, Pooglette II (three) with 19, Inspiration (seven) with 21, Saga Boy (one) with 22, Vindaloo (eight) with 29, Monowai (nine) with 31, Lauraus (six) with 35, Carino (ten) with 38, Hienga (13) with 44 and Ambition Sailing I (13) with 47. Eurasia copped the Comfort Cruising class after tallying 11 points overall, including two yesterday. The Scottish Hunter 33 vessel, owned and led by John Clouston, got the better of Alexa (three) with 12, Pegasus (four) with 13, De Rob (six) with 18, 2004 champ Ala Mor (five) with 19, Tangalanga (eight) with 22 and Anna Maria (one) with 24. The 24th annual edition will be held from May 14-19, 2006 in Store Bay.