Contact us

Web Posted - Wed Aug 25 2004

Five young Barbadian sailors, Jason Tindale, Lily Dash, Holly Trew, Gregory Douglas and Sarah Douglas are now back in Barbados from Ecuador after a two week trip to compete in the International Optimist Dinghy Association World Championships in Salinas, Ecuador.

The youngsters competed in the 8-15 age group and faced some tough opposition as they competed against 234 competitors from 54 countries. Despite being exposed to foreign conditions in Ecuador, the young sailors dawned full cold weather gear and braved the cold.

Each competitor was required to sail 15 races with an average of three races a day and were in the water from around 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Competitors were evenly divided into groups so that each race consisted of three starts of around 78 boats.

Young Tindale was Barbados’ best performer at these World Championships. The young sailor received the highest rank by a Barbadian competitor at the World Championships with the position of 98, and he also finished third in the Long Distance Race and received a Salinas Yacht Club Cup.

Fellow compatriot, Gregory Douglas also performed well in the Long Distance Race, receiving a plaque at the official Closing Ceremony in recognition of his seventh placed finish in that event.

China’s Wei Ni is the new World Champion, finishing ahead of competitors from New-Zealand and Spain who finished in second and third positions respectively. In the girls’ division, Tina Lutz of Germany came first while Peru and the United States of America were second and third respectively.

It was the first time at the Word Championships for the three younger female members of the team and although they didn’t rank highly overall, they have gained immense experience from that level of competition and this will stand them in good sted for future competitions.

Coach Peter “Wipers” Hoad and chaperones, Dale Douglas and Peter Douglas, felt that the Barbadian team behaved in a responsible and disciplined manner and they were pleased with their efforts.

All the competitors enjoyed a great camaraderie with other teams, as they exchanged memorabilia from their respective countries at the Closing Ceremony.

The next World Championship takes place next summer in Switzerland.

Compliments of the Barbados Advocate

Web Posted - Wed Jun 16 2004
Skipper Ralph Johnson, ably assisted by his crew aboard “Bruggadung II”, out-sailed an impressive fleet to carry off overall Racing Class honours in the last weekend’s Harris Paints Regatta.
“Bruggadung II”, with veteran tactician Andrew Burke back on board, further stamped its authority in local circuit, sailing unbeaten in the two-day event which was very keenly contested.

Other outstanding boats in the regatta was “No Compromise”, which was also unbeaten over the two days, to continue on its unbeaten run from the recent Mount Gay Rum/Boatyard.

Quite an interesting battle ensued between in the Laser Class with Russell Streeter coming to grips with conditions to get the better of the opposition.

Skipper Johnson gave clear indications of his intentions from first day, winning both races in the Racing Class, sailing in average conditions. < Read more >