The 2026 racing calendar got underway with the Latitude 18 Halyard Challenge on January 24, 2026.  Photo: BVIYC/TRand

Airgasm 3 took line honours and a relatively comfortable win on corrected time in the 2026 Latitude 18 Halyard Challenge on January 24, 2026. Photo: RBVIYC/TRand

Bleue, the only monohull in the race captured the monohull category. Photo: RBVIYC/TRand

The multihull fleet course took the three boats up to Hog Valley Green, down channel to a laid mark off Nanny Cay, a lap around Dead Chest, back to Hog Valley Green, before another downwind leg to Nanny Cay and returning to the clubhouse to finish. 

Rapdio 40 Spike was first across the start line, and all were looking forward to how these three would match up against each other, BVI Yacht Club said in its press release. 

Spike, skippered by Sam Talbot were forced to retire after their rudder came up after they rounded the first mark. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and they were able to make their way back to base. 

Barney Crooks Airgasm3, whose crew included BVI Olympian Robert Hirst, were certainly rapid and extended their lead over Chris Haycraft’s Ting a Ling2 to take line honours and a relatively comfortable win on corrected time.

With just one monohull in the fleet, Bleue had a great sail to victory! From the start in Road Harbour, they sailed across the channel to round the easternmost Rhone Anchor marker, then down to the laid mark off Nanny Cay before returning up the channel to finish off the clubhouse.  Congratulations to Emme and her all-girl crew.

Results 

Multihulls:

1. Airgasm3, Corsair 31D, Barney Crook, 1:58:38
2. Ting a Ling2, Corsair 31, Chris Haycraft, 2:07:39
3. Spike, Rapido 40, Sam Talbot (RTD)

Monohulls:

1. Bleue, Beneteau F210, Marentia de Villliers