Jamaica sets sail after 10-year absence

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Despite being the brainchild of the Montego Bay Yacht Club, Jamaica has not been represented in the Pineapple Cup, one of the world's most prestigious offshore races, for a decade. This has, however, been set right, as Hark-Jamaica took its place in this year's race, which commenced last Saturday.

For the 811-mile race participants set sail from Fort Lauderdale, travelling past The Bahamas, then between Cuba and Haiti before turning west and heading to Montego Bay.

Andrew McGlone, captain and owner of Hark-Jamaica, disclosed midday yesterday that they were currently 180 miles off Montego Bay and were expecting to dock today.

Some of the much faster boats have already completed the race but this does not rule out the possibility of Hark-Jamaica claiming the top prize.

Handicap system

"There are 23 boats in the race, but the race works on a handicap system," McGlone explained. "Some of the fastest boats in the world have already finished. These boats are world-record holders and physically they are able to go much, much faster than some of the smaller boats.

"It is a bit like golfing with a handicap system to rate all the crews evenly. We can finish behind the other boats and still win the event overall," he expounded.

The crew has enjoyed mixed experiences during the race but generally satisfied with their progress.

"It has been frustrating and it has been great; we have had some really rough ocean conditions and there were a couple of days when there was no wind," McGlone shared. "We just sat still for five to six hours not being able to sail. It has been a great experience for everybody, but it has been a little frustrating at times, but we have been doing well," he added.

McGlone also provided insight into why he decided to get involved in the race.

"I have a great boat and I came into Jamaica about seven months ago and I got very involved with Montego Bay Yacht Club," McGlone recalled. "When I got to understand that it has been so long since Montego Bay had an entrant, and certainly, so long since Jamaica has had an entrant, it didn't seem right. After a little bit of planning and working out, we made the decision to race my boat," he concluded.