Winner Marc Fitzgerald and Crew. Photo credit: Kevin Johnson Photography.
Nine skippers were finally on the line to compete for two places in the 2015
Nonsuch Bay RS Elite Challenge yesterday at Nonsuch Bay Resort.
Starting from 10am each team took part in six races to determine who would
move forward to the finals. Racing took place on the 24ft RS Elite keelboats
located at the resort which provided close competition, and by 3pm the
winner was determined to be Marc Fitzgerald. No stranger to Antigua Sailing
Week, Marc is better known as the skipper of Peter Harrisons Farr 115
Sojana, which is currently undergoing refurbishment, and many time
participant and winner of the Lord Nelson’s Trophy in Antigua Sailing Week,
and has a home year round in Antigua.
In second place was Martin Beck, a homeowner from Nonsuch Bay and owner of
an RS Elite and third place was won by Robbie Ferron, owner of Budget
Marine.
There was much rivalry and ribaldry throughout the day and all of the teams
came off the water smiling, tired and delighted with an excellent day of
sportsmanship.
The first two teams automatically go forward to represent Antigua on Lay Day and also won a brand new 2015 Antigua Sailing Week Gill branded hat and a long sleeve UV technical shirt from the 2015 merchandise range while off the water a full house in the Bay@Nonsuch Restaurant enjoyed spectating the event and relaxing pool and beachside as well as a full buffet and drinks throughout the day.
RS Elites at Nonsuch Bay Resort Antigua. Photo credit Kevin Johnson Photography.
Nonsuch Bay Managing Director, Cameron Fraser, comments, ‘The day was about
getting residents and Antiguans on the water for some good, clean
competition. The winds were perfect and the crews had a great time. We are
already looking forward to the 2015 edition. So if you want to compete register your interest for the Nonsuch Bay Summer Series starting in May next year.’
Now the Antigua representatives for the Nonsuch Bay RS Elite Challenge which
will take place on Lay Day, April 29th, 2015, have been established, Nonsuch
Bay Resort are inviting applications for skippers who would like to take the
much coveted remaining six places. Last year’s winner was ex-America’s Cup
skipper Peter Holmberg, who is also invited back to defend his title.
Skippers who plan to attend Antigua Sailing Week 2015 and are interested in
making the short list are invited to e- mail
mark.whinney@nonsuchbayresort.com or roc@sailingweek.com to register their interest.
