Despite the current flight disruption in Europe that has left many competitors struggling to reach Antigua Sailing Week, there were nine entries in today’s Guadeloupe to Antigua Race. This 42-mile event opener not only serves as a feeder race for Antigua Sailing Week (24- 30 April 2010) but is also the first of three offshore events within the Antigua Ocean Series. It also gives the largest yachts in Antigua Sailing Week fleet an opportunity to have a go at breaking the overall speed record of 2h, 18m, 42secs set by Bob Miller’s 140ft schooner Mari Cha IV, in 2004. With winds reaching no more than 10kts today however, there was little chance of any record-breaking taking place but those who took part enjoyed a relatively straightforward race up to Antigua. Irish sailor Adrian Lee and his international team aboard the Cookson 50 Lee Overlay Partners matched their star performance from last year by – once again – winning the Racing Division of this opening race in the Antigua Ocean Series, beating Peter Morris’ Frers 43 Jaguar by less than four minutes on corrected time. A 0900 start from Des Haies, Guadeloupe this morning created plenty of interest from spectators as the fleet made its way across the line in a steady 7-10kt breeze. Roman Paske’s 90ft catamaran R-Six Team (Gemini) was first nose ahead and cross the finish line off English Harbour but Team Lee Overlay Partners stole the show with their race-winning performance. READ MORE HERE;http://www.allatsea.net/article/May_2010/Antigua_Sailing_Week_kicks_off_with_the_Guadeloupe_to_Antigua_Race_2010
