By Herb McCormick
The eighth running of the Caribbean Multihull Challenge Race and Rally at the end of January saw some mishaps and recoveries, some solid favorites and some surprises.
There was no disputing the top boats in all three racing divisions. In CSA 1, Marcos Sirota’s well-traveled Nigel Irens-designed trimaran, Sophia, was class champion and Most Worthy Performer. In CSA 2, the Rapido 40 Spike topped the leaderboard in a race that became a war of attrition as shifting winds took their toll. And in the ultra-competitive Diam 24 class of sporty trimarans, Miha Krumpak’s Fastnet outlasted the fleet.
Of course, the racing is only part of the CMC’s mission. So, too, is the rally, which this year attracted four boats for a spin around St. Maarten’s inviting bays and anchorages, and an overnight visit to St. Barth’s. Among the many rally festivities, one of the best, said skipper Ron Boehm of the 52-foot cat Little Wing, was the time trial predicted-time pursuit “race” that was ultimately won by the all-woman Team Island Water World. To be clear, it’s not a “race” at all.
“Back in my home yacht club in California, the pursuit races are the most popular events,” said Boehm. “It’s super safe, there’s no starting line and it’s open to everyone. You sort of estimate how much time the rabbit gives to the turtle. Everyone likes to play catch-up. It’s a great way to promote more participation, which is really the point of the rally. It’s great to have a non-racing option. But there’s still competition. Let’s go catch that guy!”
When all was said and done, however, perhaps nobody enjoyed the regatta more than first-timer Thomas Kassberg, the skipper of the ORC 50, Malolo, who wrapped up a solid CSA 1 series with a second in the final race. Kassberg, from the Pacific Northwest region in the US, previously sailed Melges 24s and J/105s in Oregon before commissioning his 50-foot cat.
“When we decided to get into multihull sailing, we wanted the speed and excitement but also felt more comfortable with cats than tris,” he said. “I think we made the right choice. It’s been a super fun boat.”
Super. Fun. He might just have described the eighth running of the CMC Race and Rally.The best part? The ninth CMC is already scheduled for 2027. See you there.
The St. Maarten Yacht Club will host the ninth annual Caribbean Multihull Challenge Race and Rally February 4-7, 2027. The event is open to all multihull sailors on racing catamarans and trimarans as well as chartered cats and cruising multis. For more information visit www.caribbeanmultihullchallenge.com.
