Guatemalans are victorious in two international Regattas held in San Pedro – Throughout the day, on Saturday, June 23, 2012, 21 Optimist sailing dinghies and six Laser sloops competed off Central Park in what is called the First Belize/ Guatemala Friendly Regatta.
Despite the variable and puny winds of the day The San Pedro Sailing Club along with junior sailing squads from around Belize battled it out against Guatemala’s superb and amiable ASOVELA continent comprised of 13 young skippers, 3 expert professional trainers, and some chaperones.
The Guatemalan sailors proved to be so good that not a single Belizean skipper was able finish ahead of any one of them. “Yet the Guatemalans were also so gracious and friendly with their opponents that the Belizean skippers felt pride and excitement about the experience of competing against them,” stated a press release form the San Pedro Sailing Club.
On Sunday, June 24, a large crowd of visitors gathered at Caribbean Villas for the formal First Annual San Pedro International Sailing Regatta. Taking first place once again was Guatemalan skipper Jauan Carlos, who also won the previous day’s friendly regatta. Rupert from Liberty Children’s Home took second, and Faith Noel from San Pedro placed third.
Over 50 young sailors from both nations who participated in Belize’s historic first two international regattas were very happy and expect this to become an annual event.
