During the past weeks, Pata Negra, a Lombard IRC 46, has competed in some high profile events in the Caribbean. Doing both inshore and offshore events, Pata Negra has shown her potential by finishing all events on the podium.
The boat exceled in January, when it smashed the record for the circumnavigation of Barbados for monohulls under 50 foot. In strong breeze, it took the team just over 6 hours to sail round Barbados, leaving the island to Starboard.
In February it was time to get ready for the iconic RORC Caribbean 600 race. With a very competitive crew from Ireland on the boat and with strong winds forecasted, it was clear that this was the opportunity for Pata Negra to rise and shine. After three days of gruelling offshore racing in winds up to 45kts, Pata Negra finished second in IRC 1, beaten only by the current Mumm 36 world champions onboard Albator. Back ashore, Boat Captain Oliver Heer stated “It was relentless out there! For 3 days we never had a moment where conditions were benign, it was full on from the start all the way to the finish. We are very happy with the result and how the boat performed. With half the fleet retired, finishing the race is an achievement in itself. Being in 2nd place in IRC 1 is great and lets you forget all the hardship of the past days.”
Three days after finishing the Caribbean 600 the team moved the boat from Antigua to St. Marteen, to compete in the Heineken Regatta. With light winds forecasted and inshore races on the program, it was a big contrast. In spite of unfavourable conditions, Pata Negra managed to sail 6 consistent races over the course of the week and again finished 2nd in class.
At the moment the boat is out of the water in Antigua, enjoying a well deserved rest. Next on the Agenda is the 935nm race from Antigua to Bermuda, before moving to Newport for the New York annual regatta, followed by the Newport to Bermuda race and the AAR back to Europe.