SIMPSON BAY—A total of 19 boats competed in the first day of racing in the Hope Ross Sailing series on Saturday. Races were held on the far side of the Causeway Bridge, as seen from the yacht club, with sailors taking advantage of ideal wind conditions.
Despite some challenging gusts, the sailors demonstrated great skill throughout the day. The competing fleet included four ILCA sailors, three Optimist sailors, three Optimist Green sailors (beginner class), four RS Quest teams, and five RS Zest teams. In the ILCA Class, Frits Bus leads, with Massimo Lapierre close behind. In the Optimist Class, Nathan Sheppard holds the top spot, followed by sisters Harper and Adilyn Treadwell in second and third place.
In the Optimist Green class, Adam Gumbsfrom sailing school Saint Martin Voile Pour Tousis leading, with Axel Vanden Eyndefrom the Sint Maarten Yacht Clubin second place. Team Alain Pansiot-Villon and Malia Maisonneuvefrom MDAhave secured the lead in the RS Quest Class, while in the RS Zest Class, Oskar Versteegden and Chris Meekhoffrom the Sint Maarten Yacht Club top the standings after a strong performance. The second and final race day of the series will take place on Saturday, November 16.
