By Royal BVI Yacht Club

The BVI was represented by five sailors at the Virgin Islands Optimist Dinghy Association (VIODA) regatta in St Thomas during the weekend of April 8 – 9.

Samuel Allen came home first in the white fleet (age 10 and younger) and Rayne Duff was third in the red fleet.

Ten races were sailed in Great Bay with a pleasant 10 to 12 knots on Saturday, decreasing on Sunday to 7-8 knots.

Samuel Allen topped the podium in the white fleet, with steady results that included his first ever bullet in the Championship fleet in race three. Finishing tenth overall is an excellent achievement since graduating from the green fleet in January this year.

Rayne Duff finished in fourth place overall and 3rd in the red fleet for sailors aged 13 and over. With two bullets and three second place finishes it was a mixed event for Duff who has won his division at the past two editions of this event.

Ryan Lettsome had a challenging weekend at his first regatta racing in the blue fleet. Lettsome finished in 18th overall with three top ten finishes. Just two places behind was Kael Chalwell at only his second regatta in the Championship fleet, his best finish a ninth in race eight.

Antonio Cisneros finished 23rd, racing in the Championship fleet for the first time and continues to make great improvements at every regatta he competes at.

VIODA is the second of the three regattas in the Triple Crown – the winners will be decided at the BVI Dinghy Championships on 20-21 May.

The RBVIYC thanks the organizers and hosts, St Thomas Yacht Club, The Moorings for the team mother-ship, and all the parents who helped with loading, unloading and meals as well as John Puig and Taylor Penwell for looking after the team for the weekend.

Results
4. Rayne Duff (3rd red fleet)
10. Samuel Allen (1st white fleet)
18. Ryan Lettsome
20. Kael Chalwell
23. Antonio Cisneros