Women ruled the waves and courts for the first annual St. Thomas Radiology Women’s Sailing Regatta and Tennis Tournament, held out of the St. Thomas Yacht Club, November 10 to 12.
“It’s been a great weekend,” said Verian Aguilar, who co-chaired the sailing portion of the event with Jessica Rosenberg. “We had a nice mix of sailors who were new to the sport, along with those who have sailed for several years, and a number of sailors who paired up to sail double-hand on the 420s who had never raced together before.”
Meanwhile, Elsbeth Rowaan-Bartlett, tennis tournament organizer, said, “We expected about 20 players and had thirty-six compete. There was a broad range of ages and abilities. Everyone had a great time.”
The 70 participants represented all three U.S. Virgin Islands, and included a large contingent of KATS (Kids and the Sea) sailors from St. John.
The sailing portion of the event saw women compete single-handed in Laser dinghies with either a 4.7 or larger radial sail and double-handed in 420s.
St. John’s Mayumi “Mimi” Roller won the Laser Radial division.
“I do best in light winds and this weekend was perfect — no more than 6 to 12 knots,” said Roller.
St. Croix’s Sydney Jones and St. John’s Callie Burks finished second and third, respectively, in the Laser Radials.
Christine Thompson, Elizabeth Anderson and Silvie Scott rounded out the top three, respectively, in the Laser 4.7s.
In the 420s, St. Croix’s Sydney Jones and Krista Siino came from a tied-position after the first day to win the event.
“The trick was to get boat speed and decide which way to go with the shifts, because each of the races was so short,” said Jones.
The team of Mayumi Roller and Kate Kiefer placed second in the 420s, with Callie Burks and Chutney Mohler third.
Women competing in the tennis portion of the event started their first sets Friday night and finished up all flights by late Sunday afternoon.
Ultimately, Finella Cooper won the Women’s Open Singles 6-1, 6-2, with Greeba Richmond runner-up.
In the Women’s Open B Singles, Jaurel Harley won 6-3, 6-2, leaving Safia Taylor as runner-up.
Finally, Safina Guller and Nicole Syms won the Women’s Open Doubles, 7-5, 6-2, with the doubles team of Pat and Jaurel Harley runners up.
At the awards ceremony, event sponsor George Rosenberg, of St. Thomas Radiology, answered the wishful thinking of participants who hoped for a repeat next year.
“This is the start of something big,” said Rosenberg.