The vacation has officially begun with Bloody Marys and breakfast at SMYC. Disappointing to find out that there will be NO Heineken Regatta hats this year. So much for my consecutive years of hat collection. I've been told that they didn't make any this year. Bummer.

Where did you read regatta was cancelled? Still posted as being Feb 29 - March 3 and the race lineup was just posted.

RonDon--he just said no Regatta HATS this year.

This is how rumors get started.

RonDon - As Carol just said only the Regatta Hats are not available this year. The Regatta is a definite go. There are plenty of Regatta shirts and stuff available.
It's kind of an iffy day weather wise so I'm spending a little time on the lanai watching the planes and checking out the marine traffic. Noticed that
Zanshin's boat is along the south shore of the island headed towards Simpson Bay. So that definitely means that the Regatta is on as he is on the Race Committee boat.
Welcome back to SXM Zanshin.

For sure

so much for the "Evelyn Woods" speed reading course. LOL

@Whale Tail - thanks for the greeting!

I sailed up from Grenada in one straight shot, most of it was a wonderful sail at 9-10 knots (with a reef in the sails, because I'm chicken and alone aboard) and parts were in 0 knots of wind. I arrived with the sailor's dream weather - after an ocean passage everything is covered in a slick salty layer that eats its way through all metal types; so you have to wash down your boat. Right as I anchored the skies opened up with a long heavy rainshower that did all of my cleaning work for me!

I don't know about the hats, I was at the committee rooms earlier and saw all the "swag" stacked up, but didn't notice any hats. I have a volunteer meeting in an hour and we usually get our clothing (and hats) then - so I might be able to add to this thread later on today.

They haven't gotten started with building up the stage, booths and other items at PDP, but I think it was the same last year and they didn't start until Wednesday morning.

The number of boats is slightly higher than last year, and the winds are going to be on light side (10 knots) on Thursday and then pick up a bit; so it will be "champagne" sailing for the racers and a perfect year to be on a spectator boat since the swell won't be bad at all and conditions just perfect.

I'm going to enjoy my first 17:00 bridge opening from the SMYC in 45 minutes YAY!!!!!

Zanshin - Reefing the sails in 9 to 10 knots solo is not being chicken, I would say that's being smart, I know. We're at the pool bar at Simpson Bay Villas and are headed over to the yacht club for dinner.

Cool and enjoy Gary ! Bon appetite .

@Whale Tail - the boat was doing 9-10knots and the wind was between 15 and 20 knots. Nominally I shouldn't have to reef until it goes higher, but the boat heels too much with that much sail out, and doesn't really go appreciably faster. I get a kick out the charter boats sailing with the toerails in the water. It might be exhilarating for a bit, but with less sail and less heel modern hull shapes actually go faster. Plus it is more comfortable aboard and puts less stress on the rigging.

I couldn't find any hats!

Zanshin - Nine to 10 knots with a reefed main is pretty good boat speed. Putting the toerail into the water is fun for some but not necessary, and yes I've done it when we had our boat. We looked for you at the yacht club last night but to no avail, but the shrimp cocktail and the beer battered fish fingers were excellent though.

I was at the yacht club until around 18:00, then had a tasty burger at the Tap and Still. I was there again today for the last bridge opening and the place was absolutely packed. I ended up at Little Jerusalem for an early dinner and am going to call it night soon - tomorrow is going to be a long one on the committee boat and the first day is always the most difficult.
I'm sure our paths will cross, it is a small island!

Look forward to it.