SIMPSON BAY--Kick 'em Jenny took first place in a nearly windless St. Maarten Yacht Club's Offshore Regatta Sunday.
A total of nine boats competed in the race that started last week Friday in St. Maarten, saw the fleet travel to St. Eustatius, then onto Nevis Saturday and then return to the Friendly Island. Second in spinnaker class was Panic Attack despite having to be towed for two legs of the race.
"It is never a dull moment on Panic Attack," said skipper Jan van den Eynde. "I love the long stretches of this race and flying home when there is wind. I have been doing these kinds of races for 20 plus years, and I will definitely participate in this one next year. On Sunday we snapped our rudder which is why it took us almost 10 hours to return to St. Maarten, a trip that would normally take us 5."
First place in the non-spinnaker class went to Garth Steyn and his crew on Pelican Marina Residence, Second place to L'Esperance and third place to Caribella.
Mulithull class was won by Too Rhum Punch the only boat to finish the race on Sunday. Second place went to Katzenellenbogen skippered by Robbie Ferron and third place went to Leo Lighthart on Star Chaser.
Panic Attack needed a tow earlier in the race during the second leg from Statia to Nevis when the wind died near the midway point between the two islands. Bobby Velasquez sailing on his vessel L'Esperance was kind enough to lend a hand and bring them into Nevis. Velasquez was honored with a special Sportsmanship Award for his efforts in helping a competitor.
Leo Lighthart and his crew of Star Chaser were named the most Melodic Boat due to their harmonious football song presentation during clearing in at customs.