Racing took place in near perfect conditions over the six-day event, with the fleet split into three classes. Sir Peter Davis’s new Oyster 54, Cygnus of Anglesey, competing in her first regatta, finished an easy overall winner in Class 2, with three first places across the five race series.
With so many Oyster 56’s attending the regatta, they competed in their own class, with Chris and Susan Shea’s Magrathea winning the Yachting World Trophy for best in class. In Class 1 some of the newest Oyster 655’s afloat battled for top place against the Oyster 72’s and 82’s, with Richard Smith’s beautiful 655, Sotto Vento, taking the Oyster Trophy for Class 1 and the Windboat’s Trophy for the top scoring yacht in all classes in the regatta.
As usual, a highlight of the regatta were the parties and dinners, which included a gourmet barbecue on a deserted beach, the always popular Harmony Hall at Brown’s Bay and, for the first time, a wonderful evening hosted by the exclusive Carlisle Bay Hotel. With numbers exceeding 200 people at every event, Antigua’s catering resources were tested to the limit but, without exception, the Oyster fleet enjoyed great service and hospitality.
The Oyster regatta ended with a splendid prize giving dinner and party at the St James Club, which was attended by the Governor General of Antigua, Dame Louise Lake-Tack, who graciously presented the trophies to the major prize winners.
“A wonderful experience. I had been dreaming about attending a regatta ever since the Oyster magazine started showing up 10 years ago! I was not disappointed - count Blue Dreams in for next year.”
John McTigue - Owner, Oyster 56,
Blue Dreams
Results
Class 1 (Over 56’ LOA) The Oyster Trophy
Sotto Vento, winners of the Class 1 Oyster Trophy.
1. Sotto Vento – Oyster 655 – Richard Smith
2. Flying Duckman – Oyster 655 – Chris and Corinne Ducker
3. Zig Zag - Oyster 82 – Richard Matthews
Class 2 (Under 56’ LOA) The Oyster Trophy
Cygnus of Anglesey, winners of the Class 2 Oyster Trophy.
1. Cygnus of Anglesey – Oyster 54 – Sir Peter Davis
2. Sobriyah – Oyster 485 – Richard Watson
3. Tomia – Oyster 435 – Anthony and Celia Mason
Oyster 56 Class - The Yachting World Trophy
Magrathea, winners of the Oyster 56 class Yachting World Trophy.
1. Magrathea – Oyster 56 – Chris and Susan Shea
2. Blue Dreams – Oyster 56 – John McTigue
3. Astahaya – Oyster 56 – Tom Howard