The first day of Les Voiles de Saint Barth, which is being organised for the second time this year on the Caribbean island of the same name, saw sunshine, winds of up to force seven and some breakneck speeds of up to 30 knots. There are 44 boats entered in four classes, including Rambler and Genuine Risk, which are competing for victory in the Maxi class.
In the first race, Rambler was ahead with the American Ken Read on the wheel. For Read and his colleagues from Puma Ocean Racing, this regatta is part of the preparation programme for the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race. Genuine Risk with the Swede Hugo Stenbek at the helm is behind Rambler in the intermediate classification, but the yacht reported a short-term top speed of 30 knots during the downwind leg in the Atlantic swell on the east side of the island.
The Racing Cruising class, in which 24 boats are entered and which is led by the British boat Black Hole, is a little more cosy. Things did not go so well for the German team on Tara II, which is in 22nd place. Sailing continues until Saturday, except Thursday, which is reserved for the supporting programme. More information on the Regatta page.
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