Dawn of Sunday, February 27, broke over the waters of Corozal Bay revealing 4 marker buoys bobbing excitedly on the white capped waves, as nine Pico, Lasers were being returned to the Bay from the previous day’s practice. The regatta was part of the Corozal Water Festival and Expo, organized by a committee headed by Rick Rosalez.
The BFATC Picos were brought to the Bay the previous day by road on a flat bed truck provided by Maheia’s United.
Douglas Gabourel trailered his Hunter 14 from Honey Camp Lagoon.
Two Hobie Cats sailed in from the Consejo Yacht Club, arriving on a run in the ever freshening south easterly breeze.
Trent Miller from Caye Caulker provided coaching and Andy Aspinall race supervision.
Sea Scouts, Liberty Children Home participants, parents and friends arrived on the Liberty Children’s Home Bus from Belize City, 90 miles from the south. Observers included the Chairman of the Baron Bliss Harbor Regatta Committee, E. D. Flowers.
Other nationalities partaking were depicted by country flags for: Canada, Germany, UK and USA.
Soon, Rainbow Park at the north end of Corozal Town began to fill with hundreds of people, and with the BBQ and tacos stalls in full swing, and the shore side official ceremony completed, the races began. With Gilharry Seven providing music, there were several stage activities, including the “mauga-man” contest, that kept spectators entertained between races, as did banana boat rides.
The weather held throughout: popcorn clouds, blue skies and wild water in the Bay! Lots of children and adults were fascinated with the Regatta. Many had come expecting to see the Optimists!
Race Results:
Multihull: 1st Place – HC Helgoland in a time of 36 minutes (Gerhard Cordts, Barry Fitzgerald, Jim Maltais and Trenton Miller); 2nd Place – HC Catty Dread in a time of 37:05 or 37 minutes 5 seconds (Jason Pierce, Perry Chow, Dan Morey and James Boyd).
Doubles Class: 1st – Andy & Zoey Aspinall in a time of 17:40; 2nd – Richard Archer & Lucy Tuyub in a time of 20:00; 3rd – Roberto Pott & Austin Lorenzo in a time of 20:30.
Hunter 14 Class: 1st – Wilson Logan & Orlando Pineda in a time of 21:05.
Pico Class: 1st – Andy Aspinall in a time of 17.05; 2nd – Ron Fioole in 18:10; 3rd – Wilson Logan in 20:40; 4th – Mark Rodriguez; 5th – Trenton S. Miller; 6th – Roberto Pott.
Next event is theBaron Bliss Harbour Regattaon Sunday, March 6, in front of the BTL Park in Belize City. (BzSA)