Smith & Ebbin Secure Third Long Distance Race Title
IslandStats.com
Ben Smith and his crew Christian Ebbin have claimed their third Edward Cross Long Distance Race title, expertly sailing "Sommer" across the finish line in St. George’s Harbour with a time of 1 hour, 24 minutes, and 6 seconds.
The iconic race began off the West End Sailboat Club, with a fleet of 15 boats embarking on the challenging course towards the Fort St. Catherine point. This particular stretch was anticipated to be a key battleground, and it certainly delivered.
Rudy Bailey initially led the fleet for the majority of the race, maintaining a strong position. However, the chasing pack, notably Benn Smith and his crew, along with Alan Frith and his crew Sarah, steadily closed the gap. In a decisive manoeuvre just before Fort St. Catherine point, Smith and Ebbin, along with Frith, managed to overtake Bailey.
From that pivotal moment, Smith and Ebbin demonstrated their class and held off the challenge from Frith's team ("the Smith's" seems to be a typo here, likely referring to Alan Frith's team), maintaining their lead to win the race for a third time. Their victory underscores their continued dominance in the Comet Class and adds another prestigious title to their sailing partnership.
Edward Cross Long Distance Race
1:24:06 Ben Smith & Christian Ebbin - Sommer 1:26:53 Alan Frith & Sara Frith - Orion 1:26:59 Quinton Simons & Greg Proctor - Stir De Pot 1:27:32 Rudy Bailey & Corey Bean - My New Mary 1:28:07 Dale Brangman & Joshua Greenslade - Rogue Wave 1:31:48 Jack Swikart & Helena Palmieri - Starburst 1:32:06 Maxwell Curtis & Wesley Tucker - Pole Position 1:34:24 Geovanni Hayward & Eli Furbert - Mai Lucy 1:35:11 Zaniko Hendrickson & Zane Hendrickson - Silent Rage 1:36:14 Gregory Wade & Geno Smith - It’s a Standard 1:36:59 Ja’Cal Washington & Geravono Williams - Lady Commodore 1:42:39 Lorenzo Lambert & Shane Morrissey - Sea Hawk 1:42:40 Gladwin Lambert & Stefan Maybury - Melody 1:46:35 Anthony Smith & Zenikae Hendrickson - Rebel DNF Antoine Wingood & S Van De Weg - Swizzle
