Rodney Bay Marina is assisting the St. Lucia Police Force in financing the repair of two police vehicles in an effort to help fight crime directed at yachtsmen and the broader community. This is yet another effort by the marina to join the fight against crime. Last year that the marina provided the St Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) with a 18-foot Boston Wailer to help the ports police patrol the Rodney Bay lagoon and marina. General Manager Mr Cuthbert Didier was approached by the Rapid Response Unit of the Police Force about vehicles which were in need of repairs to make them operational again. Following discussions, Didier said the Marina undertook to finance the cost of putting two of the police vehicles back in service, and this has been done. Said Didier: “It proved a very creative way of getting additional police patrols and security for the entire northern area, not just for the yachting or tourism interests there.”

The 1st Annual Yachtbuddy.com Photographic competition is underway. Photos have been submitted from Thailand, New Zealand and the United States. The first prize of US $ 1,000 is up for grabs. The competition ends on the 31st August, 2007. You still have time to take those special pictures. Everyone can enter. Photos can be of every aspect of yachting, motoring, cruising, sailing, boating, crews, still lifes, chartering…use your imagination. Follow the Photographic Competition links.

Many people seem to believe that getting a position on a yacht is glamorous and easy living – after all, the pay is good and there are almost no expenses when living all found on a luxury yacht. However, if what you are looking for is a fun thing to do in a gap year, or a short term goal to see the world whilst getting paid, then you may find yourself severely disappointed. Becoming a professional yacht crew is a career move not a summer job – you will be competing against many skilled and experienced contenders for only a relatively few coveted positions on yachts each year.

Yachting’s Ultimate Solo Challenge, The Velux 5 Oceans, started it’s final leg on Wednesday 18th April at 12.20 p.m. (local time). The start had been shifted several times due to servere weather conditions. The four remaining competitors set off from Norfolk, Virginia, USA to the finish line in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain. Unai Basurko’s ‘Pakea’ was first across the line after Bernard Stamm, ‘Cheminees Poujoulat’, and Kojiro Shiraishi, ‘Spirit of Yukoh’, had to power down to avoid crossing the line early. Robin Knox-Johnston took up the rear in ‘Saga Insurance’. The start took place in the calms waters of the sheltered bay with Northerly wnds of 15 knots.

The 20th Annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta sponsored by Panerai has offically started with the Boat International sponsored Concours D’Elegance. Some of the most beautiful sailing vessels in the world were on the Antigua Yacht Club Marina dock today, dressed up in their finery and ready to be judged for this most prestigious event. Racing starts tomorrow (Friday 19th April, 2007) and lasts 4 days. An extra day has been added this year due to popular demand. A lot of social activities have been planned too. You will be able to see race photos and results as they are announced.  In the meantime here are some pictures of the beauties on the dock and preparing for tomorrow.