Race Day 1
It’s the 2025 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, and Bluejay is right in the thick of the action. Competing in the Island Time class alongside six other boats, today was all about teamwork, smart sailing, and making every maneuver count.
Downwind Start & Strong Positioning
With a perfect port-side downwind start, Bluejay was first across the line, setting the pace as we powered toward the northwestern islands and into the bay. The crew was fully dialed in, working seamlessly to keep the boat moving fast in a Force 5 breeze, flying the Y1 and full main.
One of the biggest battles of the day was with Victoria, a 57ft Grand Soleil-style yacht that matched us tack for tack. We traded positions around the course, following each other tightly through the marks. The teamwork on board was outstanding, with Sophie and Sue delivering top performances on the helm, keeping us competitive and focused.
Tactical Moves & a Strong Finish
At the final mark, Victoria continued out to sea in an unexpected move, while we stuck to our plan, tacking cleanly to round the mark. A quick final gybe set us up for a 10m sprint to the finish line, and Bluejay stormed across in second place in class. A fantastic day of racing, with the crew working together flawlessly. Spirits are high, lessons were learned, and we’re ready to go again tomorrow.
Celebrating at Regatta Village
After a solid performance on the water, the team is soaking in the post-race buzz at Port de Plaisance Regatta Village, where the heart of the regatta comes alive. The prize giving kicks off at 18:00, followed by live music from Livin High Band, Twenty Montana, and Eduardo at 19:00. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a brilliant day on the water and enjoy the camaraderie of the event.Tomorrow, we go again, ready to push harder and keep the momentum going. Stay tuned for Race Day 2!
