Boats from four different islands are leading the six spinnaker racing classes after two days of racing at the Heineken International Cup in Puerto Rico.
The highly competitive Melges 24's had their own class in this regatta, with six of the small speedsters. At the moment the top two Melges, Marriott Frenchman's Reef of St. Thomas and Carib Mantra of St. Maarten are first and second overall in the regatta. Following closely behind them is Crash Test Dummies from Trinidad.
Crash Test Dummies is leading Class A. Rushin Rowlette from Tortola is leading Class B, Colibri of Puerto Rico leading Class C, and Orion of Ponce, Puerto Rico is leading the J-24's in Class E. In the heavier spinnaker boats, Catimba of Puerto Rico is closely followed by Pipedream of the BVI.
The weather has been perfect for racing with winds in the 8 to 12 knot range and flat seas. Although the weatherman has warned of rains in the center and west of Puerto Rico, not a drop has spoiled the Heineken International Cup party yet.
Crash Test Dummies is the surprise of the regatta. The boat was launched only last Sunday and then sailed to Puerto Rico from the Soca Boats in Trinidad. Paul Amon, the owner of Soca, is planning to race the entire CORT Series. Judging by his results in the first races, watch out for Crash Test Dummies over in the Virgin Islands.
