Published: Friday, January 16, 2004 at:11:24 PM




Team Bitter End Shines at 2001 HIHO


HIHO Team Bitter End: (l to r) Gordon Overing, Chad Emmanuel, and Aaron Turpin.

Close to 70 racers from all over the world took part in the 2001 Hook In and Hold On event held last week in the beautiful BVI, and mother nature made sure that the wind and the weather cooperated to ensure a fantastic event for all participants.

The Bitter End Yacht Club was well represented, with three entrants vying for a “place in the sun!” Chad Emmanuel of Virgin Gorda, 19 years old, was back to improve on his 22nd place 2000 HIHO finish, while Aaron Turpin, born in Tortola and currently teaching sailing at Bitter End was out to test his skills after only a year of serious windsurfing. Finally, Gord-O Overing, Watersports Director at the Bitter End Yacht Club was out to prove that older is better after witnessing the past 10 years of HIHO from the spectator seats.

The wind proved to be the judge of who was the best of the best as tough sailing conditions prevailed over the course of the six day seven race event. Eli Fuller proved to be the class of the field followed closely by Andy Brandt of the USA. Young Chad Emmanuel took 7th place in front of a talented collection of sailors while Gord-O, the old man of the Bitter End battled for 23rd position overall. Aaron Turpin, the young upstart grabbed 27th spot.

The key to the success of this event is fun. Andy Morrell of Ocean Promotions staged a fantastic event featuring great racing, lively parties and classic Caribbean weather.

The 2002 event promises to be even better as HIHO celebrates its 10th anniversary. Team Bitter End will be back to battle for top honors and to enjoy the great sailing conditions the BVI has to offer.