After two gruelling offshore passage races between Phuket and Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, the 2nd Kata Group Andaman Sea Rally was won by Intrigue of Stornaway.

Winds were a consistent 12 plus knots as this year’s fleet of 9 jostled for position at the Stage One start line in Kata Bay, Phuket. Careful manoeuvring and perfect timing saw Rusalka, sailed by husband and wife team Kevin and Sheila Perrins, first over the line, closely followed by the 47ft S&S Ketch Emerald Blue, skippered by Nick Band and El Samali, the 49ft Van Der Stadt Sloop, with Philippe Roolant at the helm.

The rest of the fleet, including the classic 72ft Van Der Stadt Ketch Stormvogel, skippered by Italian businessman Ermanno Traverso, was not far behind. Intrigue of Stornaway, the 59ft Warwick Sloop skippered by Gary Foster, was last over after having problems with the mainsail.

The fleet raced in good breezes all the way to Port Blair, with the leading boats chasing the 48-hour record. First over the line was Stormvogel in a time of 48 hours and 52 seconds, a whisker too slow to set a new record. And after time correction Stormvogel finished a disappointing third, behind Intrigue of Stornaway, and Rusalka respectively.

Boats lined up off Port Blair for the return race on the 15 January and the first 24-hours saw 15 knots plus of consistent wind, only to drop out to almost nothing. The next few hours proved difficult for all and tested tactical skills to the full.

At exactly 46 hours and 55 minutes after the start, Intrigue of Stornaway crossed the finish line in Kata Bay. The 48-hour mark was smashed, and a new record set. Even with a spell of light winds Gary Foster and crew brought home Intrigue of Stornaway in record time. Despite this, after time correction Stormvogel finished first on Stage Two, with Intrigue of Stornaway second and El Samali a commendable third.

Intrigue of Stornaway took the honours in the sailing class, followed by Stormvogel and El Samali. And Mozart, skippered by Wolfgang Riessbacher took first place overall in the multihull class.

Overall Results

Sailing Class

1st Intrigue of Stornaway

2nd Stormvogel

3rd El Samali

Multihull Class

1st Mozart

STAGE II (Port Blair to Phuket)

1st Stormvogel

2nd Intrigue of Stornaway

3rd El Samali

STAGE I (Phuket to Port Blair)

1st Intrigue of Stornaway

2nd Russalka

3rd Stormvogel