After the hurricanes few thought that organisers would even run most of their 2018 regattas, let alone so successfully. Sailors and locals worked together to rebuild, because when you love something, you fight for it
I n late 2017 hearts sank for millions of people who know and love sail racing in the Caribbean as they watched the desperate news roll in hour after hour. Three major hurricanes tore an ugly path of destruction through the Leeward Islands during September and October. Two of them, Hurricanes Irma and Maria, both reached the highest measurable wind rates, revolving up to a level of Category 5 in strength.
Those who observed the satellite meteorology were shocked to see the deeply-distressing images of three major hurricanes progressing in a merciless line through the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The sight of the tiny islands of Barbuda and St Barts, clearly identifiable and visible in the eye of these monstrous systems, was genuinely heartbreaking.
Considering how much catastrophic damage and devastation was caused to the civil and marine infrastructure in some areas, and considering how this destruction occurred only a matter of weeks before the opening of the Caribbean sailing season, one was left in little doubt that the CSA (Caribbean Sailing Association) regatta year would be somewhat different in 2018, to say the least.
How could the various regatta organizers even hope to arrange racing in the face of such overwhelming logistical challenges?
Read on.
