Mariquita has debuted at Les Voiles d’Antibes once more, and although the wind decided not to show up, our crew certainly did.  Against exhausting conditions in swell and heat, they fought it out to get across the finish line.

Perhaps most importantly, we were able to see familiar faces once more, both on board and next door.  We had rockstar race crew return to see the ‘Quita out in her first series of the year, and around us were good friends aboard Eilean, Moonbeam IV, Moonbeam of Fife, Altair, Mariska, and even some faces from Shamrock V!  All were busy catching up on the events of the winter, and admiring each others work getting the boats gleaming again for the New Year.

We had a windless day before the racing started, so Mariquita’s owners took all the crew out for a lunch on the Antibes waterfront.  It was a fantastic way to relax and bring the crew together before the season kicked off.

Of course, there is a particularly momentous occasion to celebrate this year, and that is of course the 100^th birthday of Moonbeam IV!  In true fashion, they arrived to Antibes and within a short time had a roaring barbeque with delicious seafood for all.  The next evening was an unveiling of a centenary plaque on the boom end, followed by several hundred litres of free rum for anyone with a thirst.

Entertainment was everywhere!

  The very first race day saw only the briefest puff of breeze, and the committee attempted to send us off.  Moonbeam IV had an excellent start and found her own pocket of breeze to leeward, walking away from the fleet.  On a rarely-used rule, the fleet was recalled, and the second attempt resulted in a far more frustrating race for most as the wind died.  A small group went inshore and rode the lighter breeze to the first mark of the Cap and across the bay for an abridged course.  Mariquita fought tooth and nail to make it up to the weather mark, rounding it just before the finish line closed.  As the evening arrived, a light wind came in to give us a final 20 minutes of lovely reaching before the clock was up.

Although we put up a good fight, Mariska proceeded to win the regatta, with some great starts and tactical calls to stay close to the shore of Cap d’Antibes, where the little remaining wind was still blowing.  Moonbeam IV came only a point and a place behind to take second.  As they received their award on stage at the prize giving Sunday evening, our owners joined them to present an original photo of Moonbeam IV from 1932, when John Caulcutt’s father had been sailing on board!

Next up: Argentario Sailing Week, where we’ll battle with a stellar fleet on the coast of southern Tuscany!