Dorade races in the BVI Spring Regatta

After a month away from Dorade, the team are back in the sunshine and competing in the BVI Spring Regatta. Dorade’s program is predominantly based around offshore and ocean races but for the next two regattas we get to return to the dock after the days racing. We are now two races into the the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival having sailed an around the islands race on Tuesday in which we claimed third place and yesterday’s pursuit race which concluded in a tight and very exciting finish and a well earned victory. The scenery is stunning and the water so clear you can navigate close to the rocks just by looking over the side to see where you can and can’t go. In addition to the regular team we have welcomed JJ Fetter on board as our helms woman and Brent Ruhne as a trimmer. With plenty of islands to round we need hands for sail changes so extra crew are a welcome addition.

We have all been revelling in the light airs and flat seas that have dominated the conditions out here. The big sea state we experienced during the RORC 600 is not ideal for Dorade particularly sailing upwind so it has been a very pleasant and dry ride so far. JJ has lined us up for some nail biting starts and done a spectacular job of squeezing Dorade into almost impossible spaces. This bodes well for our next regatta Antigua Classics where she will be at the helm again with an all female team racing the boat.

After two days of finding our feet and gaining knowledge on local wind effects we are treated to a lay day before the serious racing begins on Friday. The team, never wanting to be too far away from the sea have chartered a motor boat for the day to explore the islands and enjoy the last day of light airs before the wind fills in later today. We look set to have some great conditions for the conclusion to this regatta and as ever we are aiming for that top spot.

Hannah