The 2022 Seagull Race took place with the start and finish off the Sandys Boat Club in the West End. Click Here to see Bermuda Seagull Race 2022
Despite the weather gods laughing at us and making the rain date a true rain date 0.8 of rain fell yesterday most of it during the day as a front sent squalls through and made south shore even rougher than was anticipated.
Of the 43 boats registered we had 6 boats that did not show 14 boats broke down 2 boats arrived back at the club but took a short cut so did not complete. So half the fleet made it home safe. Cold/wet but safe.
Amazingly enough a record was broken Class F Unlimited Original seagull engine with a pipe In Loving Memory driven by Kenneth Matthie and crewed by Danielle Lightbourn they broke the previous record of 2 hours 16 mins held by James Anfossis Win Race by 4 minutes. The new record is 2 hours 12 mins. As they had set off early they decided that they should try and break their own record just set!!! So they set off again!!! They almost made it around the island twice but broke down on North Shore.
It was sad to see that some boats broke down on North Shore. After running the gauntlet of South Shore safely there were a few that had engine issues and did not finish apparently James and Adrianna Anfossi broke down 15 minutes from the finish line.
I have to mention Spencer Wood and Robert Pantry they won the best dressed captain and crew prize. They donned wigs, multi coloured clothes and sunglasses (not exactly sure whether they were 1980s or before) and went off in the rain boogying to their shoulder held boom box!!! Everyone could hear it over the noise of the engines so at least they had music!!!
We also had at least 3 sets of young newbies to the race Samantha and Robin Stempel (who broke down on North Shore); Owen DeCosta and Christian Rogue; Jaden Kowalchuk and Callum. The latter two sets of people completed the race. So well done to you all for braving the weather for your first attempt at seagulling round the island. I hope to see you all out there next year.
