Press Release. 7th March 20116. The Harbour Regatta Committee announces the winners of the 88th Baron Bliss Regatta.
Optimist: Gold- Kevin Velasquez San Pedro Racers
Silver- Trent Hardwick Belize Sea Scouts
Bronze- Abner Lopez Placencia Sailing Club

Laser: Christopher Young Corozal Bay Sailing Club

Bosun: "Seagull" Keith Hardwick of Belize Sea Scouts

Lighter: 1st "Radio" Marlon Smith
2nd "United" Collet Maheia

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sir Colville Young, the Baron Bliss Harbour was held Sunday 6th March.
Having been classified as a ranking regatta by the national authority Optimist races were held on Saturday 5th March. Bad weather delayed the start by an hour. This race was abandoned due to the wind dropping, strong harbour current getting the better of half the fleet and approaching drizzle threatened white out condition.
Sunday 6th March the actual Baron Bliss Regatta brought sunshine and a fresh steady north easterly to the harbour. The Bosuns started promptly at 9 and half way around one retired due to broken rudder leaving "Seagull" skippered by Keith Hardwick to complete uncontested. Later Bosun "Seagull" was to take the "All Commers" Prize as well.
There was a laser duel by two of the Olympic Class single hand boats by Christopher Young winner and Antonio Ricardez 2nd.
The little Optimist fleet (white fleet only) battled it out on a shortened "reversed" triangle course for 5 races. Kadia Andrewin of Gales Point Manatee was awarded the youngest female to complete for 2016. Kevin Velasquez first place, Trent Hardwick second and Abner Lopez in a close third.
The Lighters had an exciting picture perfect "neck and neck" start that made up for their late arrival. After rounding the first marker Radio eased ahead and continued to space United by almost 2 miles by the end of the gruelling 2 lap (8nm) race. Marlon Smith the owner of the 131 year old "Radio" had judged the wind conditions right with a small crew and flat sails while United was crewed for heavy wind. United had been on a winning streak for the last 2 years perhaps if the wind had stiffened…
The Committee will reconvene at its annual general meeting at 530pm on Friday 18th March at the Bliss Institute to commence planning for the 89th Regatta. Interested persons are invited to participate.
Belize City
7th March 2016