Photo: Optimist sailor confronts harsh wind

PLACENCIA VILLAGE, Stann Creek District, Sat. May 6, 2023

The smokey haze overshadowing the sail area was foreboding at the Placencia Sailing Club (PSC) Annual Regatta for 2023 held on Saturday and Sunday, May 5th and 6th. By midday, sea conditions were rough and winds were gusting between 18 and 20 knots. George Coleman, Optimist sailor of the Placencia Sailing Club, was a marked sailor after dominating the Optimist class at the Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta held in March. However, Coleman comes with sailing in his DNA, and he was on his home turf in the 3-foot seas in front the beach at Placencia Point.

Before the end of the 1st day, 4 sailors in the Optimist class had dropped out under the blistering sailing conditions. By the end of the regatta on Sunday, Coleman stood as the champion of the Placencia Sailing Regatta. It was a clean sweep, with Serenity Sutley and Jaydon Leslie, taking 2nd and 3rd place, respectively, in the Optimist Class.

Women are emerging in sailing in Belize, and Jasmine Brown of PSC took first place in the Laser class. Joshua Marin of Corozal took 2nd, and Glen Supaul of PSC took third.

Special mention must be made of Head of the Placencia Sailing Club, Commodore Alvin Cabral and Mrs. Maria Cabral, who organized and hosted the event with the support of volunteers. Cabral was vigilant for the safety of the sailors with the support of Pedro Joo, and there were no incidents at sea to report.

press release