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193--St. Maarten: Heineken Regatta Day 2 @ CherieSpotting     Mar 10 2004 - 12:20 PST cherie writes: Athletes often report of a phenomenon called a “moment.” A “moment” is a time when all of a crew’s training comes together and everything is simply perfect. We may only be gifted with a few moments like this in our lives, but surely Saturday’s race was a big “moment” for “BVI Yacht Charters 1.” It was as if the crew heard the commands before they were shouted. Our tacks were so fluid it was if we were gliding across the water. Nothing could stop us. Not even mechanical failure. Even when we heard the snap of the jib halyard breaking, no one panicked. The crew rigged another halyard and re-hoisted the jib. We barely lost any time. In the end, BYI YCI finished 1st and won the “Most Worthy Performance” award which is given to “the yacht that wins the most competitive class in the most convincing fashion.” Our corrected time was 2:31:41, 7 minutes 50 seconds faster than the number two finisher—Guadeloupe Sailing Team. Phil Otis was calm, even in the face of chaos. Rounding marks the Newport Beach crew watched other yachts collide as Phil would slide “BVI Yacht Charters 1” effortlessly between them. “I think Phil is a great driver because he was a Navy Pilot,” said Dale. “He pushes the boat to the edge and then holds it there.” Once Phil slipped the Beneteau 45f5 into a space so small, he yelled for the “rail meat” to lift up their legs. Four ladies promptly lifted their appendages as “BVI Yacht Charters 1” came within inches of its competitor. A piece of paper slipped between the two yachts would have held. If any of the women had the inclination, they could have leaned over and kissed the other yacht’s crew. Carla looked at me and said: “These are just very expensive bumper boats, aren’t they?” As we coasted out of the turn, the competitors clapped their hands in pure admiration. It was a “moment” I will never forget. I have sailed on America’s Cup Boats and with World Record holding champions. I have never seen better drivers than Phil Otis and Mark Duranty. The crew of “BVI Yacht Charters 1” consisted of 17 rotating sailors. Mark Duranty and Phil Otis were the Newport Beach crew’s co-captains. Phil’s father and cousin also joined the race—Papa Otis and Manuel Selma (from Spain.) The six females aboard were: Carol Benassi, Beth Mackenzie, Carla Dunnett, Els Kraakman, Elizabeth Arnold, and Cherie Sogsti. Newport Beach racers Mark Brueggemann, Dale Shrout, Joe Engoglia, Lee Griswold, and Jeff Keenan also flew to the Caribbean to compete. Prominent Dutch racers Gerard Kraakman and Arjan Stoof (CEO of BVI Yacht Charters) joined the team as well. For more results and photos from the 24th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta click on www.heinekenregatta.com. Click on the logos. .. Click on each picture to see it full size. read comments (0) | write comment| views: 14588    | rated: 0.0    printer-friendly version   Cherie celebrates "BVI Yacht Charters 1" win on Day 2 American Style--with "super-sized" bottles of Heineken! Yachts exit the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Sailboats line up for the bridge opening. Arjan's ready for another great day! Dale, Jeff, Carol and Mark are ready in the cockpit. Carol on the jib and Mark on the main. Racing by. TUI ducks behind us. TUI. Gerry looks on. I know it doesn't appear that way, but Lee is having a really good time. Carol. Another day on the water. Beth, Elizabeast and Els. BVI Yacht Charters 1 crew. The gang's all here. Look at that! The relay...Arjan talks to Phil who talks to Mark. Carla just smiles. Carol and Dale. Is anyone listening to Phil? BVI Yacht Charters 2, a Beneteau 505, skippered by Jim Douglas. Co-captains Phil and Mark. Mark and Mark. Beth, Elizabeast and Carla. Manolo. A few of the ladies. The crew of BVI YC1, a Beneteau 45f5. 2004 Heineken Regatta photos courtesy of Tim Wright at www.photoaction.com 2004 Heineken Regatta photos courtesy of Tim Wright at www.photoaction.com 2004 Heineken Regatta photos courtesy of Tim Wright at www.photoaction.com 2004 Heineken Regatta photos courtesy of Tim Wright at www.photoaction.com 2004 Heineken Regatta photos courtesy of Tim Wright at www.photoaction.com Elizabeast, Beth, Cherie and Merry celebrate. Look!!! We won! Papa Otis and Phil hold up the award for Saturday's "Most Worthy Performance." Heineken girls. Beth, Elizabeast, Lauri and Cherie. Cherie with the Budget Marine girl. She should really use more sun-block. Everyone wants a photo with the painted girl. Even kids have a blast at the Heineken Regatta. Lauri and Cherie. Personally, I think she's wearing a bit too much make-up.