Caribbean Multihull Challenge
Check out the inaugural Caribbean Multihull Challenge
Multihull classes were virtually nonexistent in most major Caribbean regattas. Sure, some events like the St. Thomas International Regatta run a small beach cat fleet and in recent years, the BVI Spring Regatta and Antigua Sailing Week have hosted a half dozen Gunboats, but the only regatta through the years to consistently welcome nearly 30 large multis, enough to divide them into three to five classes, is the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. It’s no wonder then that St. Maarten Yacht Club members, originators of the Heineken regatta, will kick off the Caribbean first this month.
The inaugural Caribbean Multihull Challenge is scheduled for February 8-10. “This is a 100-percent multihull event, catamarans, and trimarans, in five classes,” says Steve Burzon, a member of the race committee chaired by St. Maarten racing legend, Sir Robbie Ferron. “That means the race courses will be designed for multihulls with reaching or downwind starts, long legs as much as sixty miles and no windward/leewards. This all comes on the heels of the huge interest in multihulls today, for everything from cruising to racing.”
Over 30 entries are expected. Some include the Spronk 50 Twin Sister, the Dick Newick-designed trimaran Tryst; and the Bieker 53 Fujin. Burzon says there will also be a Pirate Racing Class for those owners and crew who just want to participate in an informal way. Parties, beach games, and even a small boat show will round out the fun.
smyc.com/caribbean-multihull-challenge
By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating February 2019
