By STEPHON NICHOLAS Tuesday, May 13 2008

DEFENDING champions Bruggadung II and Wayward sailed to victory on day one of the 26th Angostura Tobago Sail Week held off the western coast of the sister-isle yesterday.

The day was sponsored by the Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (YSATT) and president Tommy Johnson was on hand to distribute the prizes to the winners.

The 2007 champ in the Racing class, Bruggadung II, was in full control topping the fleet by over 14 minutes as they sought to retain their title with an efficient performance in the opening race.

The boat skippered by Dick Stoute finished in 1:39.45 taking four points into today’s Day Two.

Bmobile Enzyme finished second but would be disappointed after being beaten into third in race one with a time of 1:40.51 but was disqualified in race two.

Crew member Aaron Barcant pointed out that conditions were excellent for sailing and was optimistic that they could improve on their result.

In third position was Drunken Monkey in 1:32.05.

And Wayward was anything but, cruising home in the Cruiser/Racer category in 1:39.17 ahead of Rapajam who clocked 1:43.11.Petit Careme followed in third place sailing past the finish point in 1:47.03.

It was no fun and games in the Cruising class as Business Machine took the honours on day one of the international regatta.

Brenda Farfan had her crew working like clockwork cruising home in 1:42.02. Last year’s champion, Nirvana is in prime position to lift the Cruising crown yet again, however just 47 seconds behind Business Machine. In third was Les Remous in 1:47.53.

Chequeamegon was first in the Charter category timing 1:52.44 while Hemo was second (1:53.33) and New Horizons third in 2:00.49.

YSATT president Johnson pointed out that his company was committed to the improvement of the sport of sailing locally as well as using the sport as a tool to promote Trinidad and Tobago as a tourist destination.

Today bmobile will be the sponsor of the races and it is expected to be keenly contested as yachts that did not perform well on day one attempt to reduce the deficit of the leading boats.