Caribbean Compass Yachting Magazine - December 2017

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What makes it extra special is that Marc Rooijakkers (Curaçao Marine’s CEO) and
Gareth Weber (Yard Manager of Curaçao Marine) are both on the team. The sailing
team is a partnership between Curaçao Marine and SAFE, a subcontractor on
the premises of the boatyard specializing in safety and fire equipment for buildings
and boats. The three founders of SAFE, Ed, Don and Frido, are also part of the
“CMsailing” team, with Ed Versteeg as skipper. The rest of the team members are
experienced sailors that competed in sail races together before.
The team together with the boat makes the dream team! And the boat sure is a
special one! The sailboat, Casse Tete, is a Nautor’s Swan 441R. Forty-five Swan 44s
were built, in 1978 and 1979, but only five were designated as the “R” or racing version.
The yacht had to undergo slight modifications before participating in this special-edition
race series. The results of the regatta prove its racing qualities.
Marc says, “Part of the team sailed upwind to bring the boat from Curaçao to
Bonaire, and after the rest of the team flew in we made a few practice rounds to
get acquainted with the Bonaire sailing conditions. During the 50th Bonaire Regatta
there were three racing days and on each day two races in our category. In all six
races, Team CMsailing came in first! It was beyond belief. We knew we had a good
team and that we stood a chance, but after Day One and Day Two in the pocket,
we thought it was great beginners’ luck. Day Two was again a heavy competition
and the team got excited after two more wins. Day Three we really went for it, realizing
that we could actually win this thing! And that was it: first place for our category
and first place overall! Can’t get better than that!”
Gareth also looks back on a great event: “It was absolutely great to be racing with
this team and on this boat! We are looking forward to many more endeavors on the
Casse Tete with the CMsailing team. Props to the organization of the Bonaire Regatta
— the 50th edition was a great celebration, bringing together many passionate sailors
and curious bystanders. The races and the entertainment at the event were outstanding.
There was a great vibe and we really felt at home for these few days!”
Visit www.regattabonaire.com/index.php/results for full results.
Ocean Passage Race to Antigua starting on January 24th. Off the water there will
be social events every night, and the Regatta Surf and Turf polo match will be held
on January 20th.
PETER MARSHALL
ON THE HORIZON
Next Month: Barbados Sailing Week 2018
Alene Stone reports: 2018 sees the rebranding of the Mount Gay Round Barbados
Race Series as Barbados Sailing Week, a move initiated by our sponsors to allow us
to promote the event to a wider audience, and showcase more of what Barbados
has to offer on and off the water. For all who love Mount Gay Rum, their commitment
to the event remains, and the signature Mount Gay Round Barbados Race will
continue to bear their name. It wouldn’t be Barbados without the ability to earn
your red cap, enjoy the world’s oldest rum and to race to win your skipper’s weight
in Mount Gay Extra Old.
The event will run from January 16th to 24th and features three days of coastal racing,
the 82nd Anniversary Mount Gay Round Barbados Race, and the Ocean
Passage Race to Antigua. Join one part or all!
The skippers’ briefing will be held on January 16th, with coastal racing on January
17th, 18th and 19th for all classes except the one-design J/24. The J/24 Coastal
Racing series will be held on January 19th and 20th. As always, the Mount Gay
Round Barbados Race will be held on January 21st. The series concludes with the
See you in Barbados in January!
For details visit our new website www.barbadossailingweek.com or follow us on
Facebook – Barbados Sailing Week.
For more information see ad on page 12.
Fleet is Building for Grenada Sailing Week
Rosie Hoggarth reports: Boats are signing up fast for the Island Water World
Grenada Sailing Week 2018, to be held from January 29th through February 3rd,
with more than 25 boats from 11 countries committed so far. In the racing mix are
some sporty fast flyers such as a modified Hobie 33, a Caribbean 33, a J/105 and an
RP37, along with competitive Beneteaus and well-sailed Swans, not to mention the
larger Farr 65 or the classic Alfred Mylne 65.
The racing and sailing are all well and good, but what about the parties? Rum and
fun are to be had in equal measures with the spirited Mount Gay Red Cap Party and,
back by popular demand, the infamous pirate party, both at Secret Harbour Marina.
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DECEMBER 2017 CARIBBEAN COMPASS PAGE 13