Antigua, May 11, 2017
Skippers from boats representing nine different nations competing in the first Antigua Bermuda Race organised by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in association with Antigua Sailing Week, gathered together for a race briefing held in the historic restored Officer’s Quarter building at Nelson’s Dockyard where the victor of the battle of Trafalgar, Admiral Lord Nelson was based from 1784 to 1787.
With the intention of making the race into an annual event and a firm fixture on the international sailing calendar, Les Crane, Race Chair and PRO, Stephen Parry welcomed skippers and navigators to the Race Briefing before the start from Fort Charlotte, Antigua on Friday 12th May.
It was then time for everyone to swap stories, get to know each other and relax at the Welcome Party for crews, held on the lawns of the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel overlooking English Harbour. Following a busy day of boat preparation, provisioning and last-minute checks before the 935 nautical mile race, sponsor, Goslings Rum provided a taste of what was to come once in Bermuda. Dark ‘n Stormy and Rum Swizzle cocktails were served to over 230 crews from around the world as a lively band played at the Antigua Bermuda Race Welcome Party. All are looking forward to the race tomorrow and to heading offshore after a fantastic welcome in Antigua.
