Pete Holmberg (right) held off the challenge from Colin Rathbun and Andrew Waters to win the 10th Annual Pete Sheals Memorial Regatta on Sunday. Photo: RBVIYC

Nikki Barnes from the USVI won the innaugral Spirit of Sailing Award

The conditions made for highly competitive racing, which was held in Road Harbor for the benefit of spectators in the RBVIYC Club House.

With all teams racing in one-design IC-24's, on Saturday November 12, 2011, a total of 30 races were held, after which Holmberg held a clear, but not unassailable lead. On Sunday the breeze picked up, so the course was lengthened to allow for the increased speed that the racers were achieving. Nonetheless, Holmberg and his team maintained their form to emerge as clear winners after the third and final set of 15 races.

After the regatta finished on Sunday lunchtime, every boat sailed in a fleet race to Nanny Cay, presenting a magnificent spectacle of every boat flying their Spinnakers between Road Harbor and Nanny Cay.

Since this was the tenth regatta to be held in commemoration of Mr Sheal's memory, his parents Norman and Yvonne requested that an additional “Spirit of Sailing” award be introduced. This was awarded to the only all-women's team in the regatta, skippered by Miss Nikki Barnes of the USVI.

At the prize giving, Mr Andrew Waters, a close friend of Mr Sheal's, spoke warmly of his contribution to sailing in the BVI. Mr Holmberg praised the organisation and spirit of the event, and stated how much he had enjoyed it.

Full results of the 10th Pete Sheals memorial Match Race regatta:

1st: Peter Holmberg (USVI), 2nd Colin Rathbun (BVI), 3rd Andrew Waters (BVI), 4th Chris Haycraft (BVI), 5th Nikki Barnes (USVI), 6th Frits Bus (St Maarten).

Spirit Award: Nikki Barnes (USVI)