Two Caribbean nations played host to WIMRA-sponsored Introductory Match Racing Clinics. Liz Baylis, WIMRA Executive Director, and Bill Gladstone, North U. Director, ran two clinics - one in St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, and the other in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, over the past two weeks.

The St Maarten Yacht Club hosted the first event in their fleet of Jeanneau Sunfast 20s with support from Budget Marine and North Sails - St Maarten (Tropical Sail Loft). The conditions in Simpson Lagoon were perfect for learning and some spirited racing as eighteen sailors learned to match race and sharpen their boat handling skills.

The Royal BVI Yacht Club hosted the second event with boats provided by the IC 24 fleet. The two-day clinic was followed by The IC24 BVI Match Racing Championship for the Pete Sheals Trophy. Clinic participants (and instructors) competed in the open match race and were treated to a talk by Alinghi’s Peter Holmberg (USVI) on Saturday night.