Boat of the Year - Cochise, Skippered by Robert De Vlaming

This years Prize Giving marked approximately fifty five (55) years of racing at the Sailing Association. From the days of the boats battling for Presidents cup to the moments where there’s the second that takes one away from the glory of winning a race.

The four classes of racers this year were, Racer Cruiser I (Spinnaker), Racer Cruiser II (Jib), Racing Class and the Navigator Class. Passion and diligence can be the most befitting words to describe the 2006-2007 season, as the proof of the pudding was in the results for each of the boats that went home boat of year in their category.

Racer Cruiser - Spinnaker Class was taken this year by the only Dutch skipper and the boat Cochise. Robert Da Vlaming proved more than an adept skipper as he demonstrated his skills by not just winning races but also taking home the Skipper of the Year trophy which this year was judged on the criteria of participation, good sportsmanship and leadership.

The most photographed boat in the region! Ever wondered why, well I guess when the skipper is a woman and her ‘mostly female crew’ as she fondly calls them, set out onboard the Business Machine they mean Business! Marsha Farfan took Boat of the year for the Racer Cruiser - Jib Class this year.

Melges 24, formerly Super Goose. The only boat that raises an eyebrow at each race, as the race officer always questioned the name of this boat. But there was no question on Prize Giving night when Colin Barcant was awarded Boat of the year in the Racing Class for his Melges 24. Taking the prize away from the likes of Crash Test Dummies, Enzyme, Wayward and High Tension to name a few. Melges 24 sailed in smooth for this finish of an exciting racing season.

‘Small Titan’ or ‘Baby Titan’ as she is warmly referred to but know to all as Titan, skippered by Nicole Williams this year attested the overall boat of year in the Navigator class. Titan was far from little, topping eight (8) out of ten (10) races, always at the top and first to cross the line.

Only the wind knows and can tell as much is to be desired for next years racing season. August marks the end of yet another TTSA calendar year, the promise of off season racing would soon fill the air as we continue with the trend of passion and enthusiasm for sailing in 2007-2008.

BOAT OF YEAR RESULTS

Navigator
1st S/V: Titan, Skipper: Nicole Williams, Points: 625
2nd S/V: Mariposa, Skipper: Stephen Guillard, Points: 616
3rd S/V: Wanderin Star Aubrey O’Callahan, Points: 473

Racer/Cruiser Class I
1st S/V: Cochise, Skipper: Robert Da Vlaming, Points: 887
2nd S/V: Joia, Skipper: Brian Wallace, Points: 862
3rd S/V: Nirvana, Skipper: Lloyd De Roche, Points: 861

Racer/ Cruiser Class II
1st S/V: Business Machine, Skipper: Marsha Farfan, Points: 748
2nd S/V: China Doll, Skipper: Calder Hart, Points: 689
3rd S/V: Tanga Langa Christopher Izatt, Points: 550

Racing
1st S/V: Melges 24, Skipper: Colin Barcant, Points: 794
2nd S/V: High Tension, Skipper: Mike Rostant, Points: 757
3rd S/V: Enzyme, Skipper: Peter Ballie, Points: 71