Thursday, October 07, 2010

Mid-Week Recap of 2010 Regatta Events

As noted in a previous story, this week marks the 43rd Annual Sailing Regatta.  Weather has played an important role in the events so far, in both the Swim to Klein Bonaire, as well as sailing and windsurfing competitions.

The 10th annual Swim to Klein Bonaire was held Sunday October 3, 2010, hosted by Jong Bonaire.  It’s always a popular and well attended event by participants and observers, consisting of both island residents and tourists.

Even with rain pouring down, hundreds of swimmers turned out to make the annual trek to Klein Bonaire and back, with the youngest being only three years old.  Mother Nature decided to keep the event interesting by unleashing a heavy rain squall with a strong wind reversal shortly after swimmers began, making the swim exciting with large swells and heavy headwinds. Ample rescue boats and volunteers were on hand for those who tired or wished not to battle the waves.

Bonaire’s home-grown national swimming champion, Samson Evertsz, was the first to finish at around 28 minutes. This was no surprise as, for several years, Samson has been a national champion and in 2005 was the first Bonairean swimmer to win a medal at the national level. He swims for the Bonaire Barracudas Aquatics Club. Right behind Samson was Peter Zweers, of Botika Korona.  Even this reporter turned in a respectable time, completing the round-trip swim at the front of the pack in about 42 minutes.

As for the sailing events, unfortunately, the wind forecast for the week was not good, with unusual weather conditions persisting with westerly winds and overcast skies. Races were held on Monday morning and Tuesday, but Monday afternoon’s race around Bonaire and Lac Bay routes had to be canceled due to low wind. Wednesday was lay day for the sailors, but that’s when the micro-boats, fishing boats, kayakers, and free-style windsurfers tried to make the most of what wind there was.  Events continue today through Saturday night, when the island will turn out to say good-bye to the Netherlands Antilles and welcome our new status as a part of Holland.  (Source: Bonaire Insider Reporter, images courtesy of Tim Nesselrodt, Boto Blanku Marine Services)