According to sloop owner Eleazor 'Barber J' Johnson, the Campari Lady Nathalie is in excellent condition and is ready to defend its title in one of the most popular sailing races in the country.
About a dozen A-Class sloops are expected to challenge Johnson's prized B-Class possession in the much anticipated 'Catch Me If You Can' race next month at Fort Montagu. The race will be the featured event of the 25th edition of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, set for February 11-12. With this being the Silver Jubilee year, Johnson said that a number of festivities are planned for the joyous occasion, which will be held under the patronage of Sir Durward Knowles. Johnson said that the sailors would be remiss not to pay homage to the local sailing icon.
"There is no one more deserving," Johnson said yesterday. "Sir Durward is someone who has run the course, financed it, and someone who has always been there. We want to give him his flowers while he is still alive. A lot of boats are expected to take part this year, and we want Sir Durward to be right in the middle of it. He has been helping out with this event for the past 16 years and we just want to say how grateful we are."
On Saturday February 11, the C-Class sloops will take to the waters, and then on that Sunday, about a dozen A-Class sloops will attempt to overcome a 15-minute head-start which will be given to the Lady Nathalie. Optimist races are also set for that Saturday.
"There are activities planned for the whole weekend," said Johnson. "We want everyone to come out and enjoy themselves... bring the whole family and come celebrate 25 years with us. We're expecting a real good crowd."
Johnson said that he is thankful for the support he has gotten from all of his sponsors, particularly the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and Sands Beer. He said that businesses such as Gardiner's Super Market, Jiffy Cleaners, Butler and Sands (Campari), and Furniture Plus have also been very supportive over the years.
"There are so many who have contributed to this regatta over the years," he said. "I am thankful for everything that I have received. I also want to thank the Prime Minister for developing the regatta site. It is beautiful and all the boats are ready to go. The Nathalie is set and ready to go. I think that we'll come out on top again this year. Only three boats have beaten me three times - that's the Courageous, Silent Partner and Red Stripe. I don't see anyone beating me this year though. This the 25th year so the Nathalie has to come out on top. I want to win by at least 20 seconds so no one could say anything," he added.
Johnson's Campari Lady Nathalie leads the overall series, 14-10. A-Class boats expected to take part this year include the New Courageous, the Red Stripe, the Southern Cross, Anna Nicole, Ed Sky and the Good News just to name a few. Johnson said that they are also attempting to lure the Rupert's Legend for the first time in eight years, and the Running Tide for the first time ever.
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