The fall regatta formerly known as the Mumm's Cup now has a new name, but same great racing and atmosphere have been promised for November 5 to November 7 by the host St. Croix Yacht Club.
G.H. Mumm & Co. has been sold and this has thrown primary sponsorship of the regatta into limbo. The St. Croix Yacht Club was not to be deterred, and VitelCellular has stepped forward to fill the sponsorship void. The local Mumm's distributor, Premier Wines and Sprits is still providing sufficient Mumm's champagne for the now traditional prize of the winning skipper's weight in champagne. Cruzan Rum is still the sponsor of the Thursday afternoon Welcome Party.
Therefore the only change to be noticed by sailors is the different name of the regatta and the loss of the Sunday evening sit down awards dinner. Many of the participating boats and crews need to return home on this non holiday weekend, and the choice of a Caribbean style beach tent awards ceremony appealed to both organizers and sailors.
Racing classes this year include one design classes for J-24's and Melges 24's. Classes for beach cats and larger multi-hulls will have special courses with additional reaching legs. In addition to Caribbean Sailing Association handicap rated classes, there will be a CSA Jib & Main ‘Fun Class,' designed to encourage more participation by boats not usually racing.
The ‘Fun Class' will be given a temporary rating based on boat measurements given by the owner, without the usual detailed actual measurements taken by a CSA official. This avoids both the cost and time usually taken to get a regular CSA handicap.
For complete information and entry forms click on www.stcroixyc.org or call (340) 773-9531.