The 2012 Captain Leroy Watson Regatta was held at the Reef Resort, East End, Grand Cayman and certainly lived up to all expectations.

Fair winds and smooth seas provided perfect conditions to allow all sailors to give their best performance, unlike the previous year when sailors were confronted with waves crashing up the beach and winds up to 20 knots.

The racing was divided up into three major classes: The Laser class for the more experienced sailors; the Pico class for the intermediate sailors; and the Optimist class for the junior sailors.

The double-handed Picos raced right off the beach at the Reef Resort giving the supporting parents the chance to run along giving helpful coaching tips during the races. After many races, final winners were Jake Bailey and Doug Rowland.

The Lasers and Optimists raced around the corner where a longer course could be set between the reef and the beach. Beautiful conditions and a leeward mark close to the beach enabled enthusiastic spectators to see all the action at the mark rounding and encouraged competitors to show off their best sailing.

Conditions were breezy, at 12-15 knots, but well within the capabilities of the sailors. Four races were completed on day one, at the end of which Rob Jackson led the fleet by just one point, with Nick Taylor in second position. With four races ahead for day two, and a race to drop, the competition was far from over.

On day two, conditions were just as fine, but, to mix things up a little, the race officer decided to have the fleet race ‘Starboard rounding’ (clockwise) – opposite to their regular ‘Port rounding’ (anticlockwise). Whilst not a difficult change for the sailors, it added additional colour to the event and would help separate the leaders.

Rob Jackson and Nick Taylor continued their tussles for the lead, with Kelvin Browne at their stern. After five races, the final positions were Nick first, Rob second, Kelvin third.

The Optimists sailed very well and in most races there was not a lot between them. Florence Allan won 5 of the 8 races to take first place ahead of Allena Rankine and Finley McDougall.

All the sailors would like to thank Peta Adams and her support crew for putting on two days of perfect racing; the Reef Resort and HealthCare Pharmacy for sponsoring the event; and the Cayman Islands Sailing Club for managing and organising another successful regatta.

Video of regatta taken by Sean Crothers, including some great underwater shots, can be viewed online at: http://vimeo.com/35480351