The Tribune

THE 47th Long Island Regatta turned out to be one of the best ever in Salt Pond, but it was sad that it ended up on a controversial note in the last race on the final day of competition on Saturday evening.

According to reports coming out of Long Island, the Ruff Justice apparently slowed down to allow her fellow boat from Mangrove Bush, Rupert’s Legend to eventually win the A class title over the Red Stripe.

Based on the point system, the Rupert’s Legend needed to finish second in order to win the overall title over the Red Stripe. As they headed to the finish line, the Red Stripe crossed the line first, but rather than taking their second place, Ruff Justice apparently slowed down, allowing the Rupert’s Legend to move into second to secure the top spot.

In the final results, the Rupert’s Legend, skippered by David Knowles, took first place, followed by the Red Stripe, skippered by Lundy Robinson out of Black Point, Exuma.

The Lady Muriel was third and the Original Courageous ended up fourth. The Ruff Justice, skippered by Stefan Knowles, was not even in the top five.

“There isn’t anything in the rule that forbid them from doing what they did,” said Chester Fox, commodore of the regatta. “Although there is nothing in the ruling, I was hoping that the guys would just let their integrity take over and give the title to Lundy Robinson because he earned it.

“But everybody don’t look at it that way.”

While the A class had its share of controversy at the end, there was smooth sailing in both the B and C classes.

In the C class, the Whitty K claimed the crownd over Lady Diana. It Ain’t Right got third and Bulla Reg was fourth. In the B class, Lady Sonia was the winner, followed by Susan Chase, Barbarian and Ants Nest.

“This was definitely our best regatta ever. In my opinion, as far as fans support, support from the sailors, I think this is the most boats and the fans we ever had,” Fox said. “It’s just sad that it ended up on the note that it. It was tough for me to see that happen, but that has no reflection on the committee. The committee can’t do anything about what the sailors do on their boat.”