Nov. 13, 2006 — Women ruled the waves and courts at the first St. Thomas Radiology Womens Sailing Regatta and Tennis Tournament, held over the weekend out of the St. Thomas Yacht Club.
Its 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.
Elsbeth Rowaan-Bartlett, tennis tournament organizer, added, We expected about 20 players and had 36 compete. There was a broad range of ages and abilities. Everyone had a great time.
The 70 participants represented all three islands, and included a large contingent of Kids and the Sea (KATS) 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. Johns 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," she said.
St. Croixs Sydney Jones and St. Johns Callie Burks finished second and third, respectively, in the Laser Radials.
Christine Thompson, Elizabeth Anderson and Silvie Scott rounded out the top three in the Laser 4.7s.
In the 420s, St. Croixs 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, Jones said.
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 Womens Open Singles 6-1, 6-2, with Greeba Richmond runner-up.
In the Womens Open B Singles, Jaurel Harley won 6-3, 6-2, leaving Safia Taylor as runner-up.
Finally, Safina Guller and Nicole Syms won the Womens Open Doubles, 7-5, 6-2, with the doubles team of Pat and Jaurel Harley runners up.
This is the start of something big," said event sponsor George Rosenberg of St. Thomas Radiology at the awards ceremony, answering the wishful thinking of participants hoping for a repeat next year.
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