Jochen Schuemann (SUI 210 - Artemis XII) is the new 5.5 world champion.

Bahamians Gavin McKinney (BAH 17 - John B Once Again) and Craig Symonette (BAH 18 - Silver Fox) finish 6th and 7th respectively. Congratulations!

By Gavin McKinney - There were 27 boats from nine countries. The favorite and winner was Jochan Schumann one of the top sailors in the world. He has won two or three Gold medals in the Olympics, numerous world championships and was a key member of the Alinghi Team that won the Cup. This year was the first year we raced ten races with two discards, which I think was enjoyed.

The course was in Sydney Harbour, which is an extremely busy harbour, and as a result we were plagued by Ferry boats running through the fleet on a regular basis. Additionally a few times we were subjected to massive transport ships coming thru the course, which had big impacts on some of the competitors. Needless to say it was frustrating at times. For the most part the regatta was held in winds of 10 to 15 mph. One day we had about 15 to 18, and one day it was quite light. All winds were very shifty. That coupled with huge difference in wind pressure depending on where you where on the course made it challenging to say the least. Having said that, at the end of the day the top boats were consistent and ended up with the medals. The race committee for me was a disappointment. They never changed the course once the race had started, and made some starts when there had been dramatic wind shifts prior to the start. They once cancelled a race half way up on the first windward leg after having allowed it to start in what was a not so biased line. All a bit strange. As always, I enjoy racing no matter how strange it gets sometimes, but would not go back there again unless they held the races out on the open water as they have done in the past.

It makes me realize how lucky we are to have such good winds on our own doorstep! Maybe it is time to have a permanent race committee at the Club and invite classes here on a year round basis*.

(*I certainly support Gavin's idea here, contact me at contact@bahamassailing.org if you are interested in race committee work. We need you!- Thierry)

Results

Staniel Cay, Exuma – Less than an hour by small plane from Nassau but a million miles from the traffic jams, cruise ships and noise of the capital. For many Bahamians, the Yuletide season was a time to get back to the islands and back in touch with what makes them beautiful – the sea and the people.

This year there was a new option for locals wishing to make the journey home - the brand new Australian built Island Express, owned and captained by Emmett Munroe of Ragged Island, which ran an excursion trip to Staniel Cay.

A focal point for many was the action in the bay, and the 20 to 25 knot winds over the New Year holiday did not deter them from racing in the Junior Sunfish Regatta, which saw Ronnie Smith and Rumeal Gray grabbing the top spot with Megan Rolle and Natajia Miller second. Third place went to Dreko Chamberlain and Sanchez Gray, with Travis Nixon and Shaun Rolle fourth.

But the star amongst the young racers was 16-year old Nioshi Rolle, who made her debut in racing at the age of 10.

Nioshi has been local Sunfish champion and has had wins at George Town, including the 50th Anniversary C Class Juniors.

Currently a student at the Doris Johnson Senior High in Nassau, Nioshi races Snipes at the Royal Nassau Sailing Club and Sunfish at Nassau Yacht Club.

But the always popular C Class "Mixed Doubles" race proved most entertaining this year.

Held on New Year's Eve, the race allows visitors to experience the thrill of sloop racing first hand. Names were drawn to provide plentiful "novice" crew for the boats of Black Point and Staniel. This year Black Point took the $1,500 first prize. Leander "Magic" Pinder with "It's Magic" sailed to victory.

Nioshi led Staniel Cay to a close second place aboard "Termites" with Black Point C Class "Smashie" taking third.

Brooks Miller's "Sprayhound" didn't quite make it home after a turn around a windward buoy caused a spectacular nose dive. She subsequently sunk.

Brooks said, "By the time I shouted for everyone to come back it was too late." The event might have earned him a new nick-name - "Captain Nemo!"

The New Year's Day event saw six visiting yachts brave the windy conditions, with some tight competition and dramatic action at the buoys.

Bruce Sarandria's "Different Drummer" of Maryland, which came second last year, took the overall position this year.

"Terre des Hommes" of Canada with owner Michel Fortier and his crew from Quebec and Denmark finished second, with Andy and Barbara Heap of Ottawa racing their live-aboard "Moxy" to a third place finish.

On land throughout the weekend there was just as much activity as on the sea.

The Annual New Year's Auction was a popular and generously supported event, which raised $2,200 towards the regatta.

Auctioneer Malcolm McGregor got high prices for everything from a cheesecake, plane rides, a needlepoint cushion and even the offer of one hour's dancing.

All good things come to an end, and too soon the Island Express was sounding its horn to gather the crew for Nassau.

As Atlantis loomed large and the traffic and bustle of Potter's Cay became a reality, Staniel once again felt a million miles away. Please take us back there again next year, Captain Munroe!

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