Mother Nature threw out a challenge to sailors young and old, the participants in the Buttonwood Bay Regatta on Sunday, February 12.
Some 18 young sailors from the San Pedro (Ambergris) Sailing Club and 24 from the Belize Optimist Dinghy Association, comprised of sailors from Liberty Children Home, Hummingbird School and the Sea Scouts, gathered at the Seashore Restaurant on the Buttonwood Bay Belize City. With enthusiasm they readied their craft in anticipation of an exciting race day, one that would determine their first individual standings in the race to be a finalist in the National standings.
Meanwhile, at the shoreline of Maheias United, several groups were preparing to set sail, including two teams from the Consejo Yacht Club who sailed their Hobie Getaway catamarans over to the race venue, as the winds and the waves became increasingly stronger from the north at 20 knots, reported by Belize Weather Bureau.
The challenge from Mother Nature was met head-on by all participants. The sailors, young and old, took to the water with unbridled enthusiasm. However, the wind conditions proved to be more than some could handle, and our safety boat had to assist several sailors to return to shore. Races were conducted for other classes such as the Bosun, Sunfish and Laser Pico.
The weather conditions deteriorated further and became too difficult for even the most experienced of sailors. After several hours, with safety being a top priority, the Regatta Committee cancelled the remaining scheduled races.
In order to give all the sailors equal opportunity to compete, the races will be scheduled again at another Regatta some time this year.
The Baron Bliss Harbor Regatta Committee invites you to participate in the Baron Bliss Regatta at BTL Park, Belize City, on Sunday, March 11. This Regatta will be the second in a seven-part series leading to the Belize Nationals in November. It will also be an Open Class event and includes the traditional classes such as Laser, Pico and Sunfish. The Notice of Race has been issued and more information is forthcoming from the Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta Committee Chairman, Mr. E .D. Flowers.
For more information on participation in the Regattas or to become a member, please contact us at [email protected].