The regatta, as always, was the weekend's centerpiece. Solid breezes from the northeast promised a high-energy (but not overly serious) event and the competitors did not disappoint. The 27 -meter Ferretti Hye Seas served as the starter boat as the 36-meter modern schooner Yanneke Too, the 33-meter cutter Naos and the 31-meter Fife schooner Sunshine set their massive sails and crossed the starting line.


Owner Patti Seery was forced to withdraw her 48-meter Indonesian Phinisi Silolona, a fan favorite, due to rigging problems. Committee boat and finish line duties fell to the beautifully refit, turn-of-the-century Great Lakes motor yacht Maid Marian II.


Visitors and crew on the other boats, including the event's two largest motor yachts, the 55 meter Feadship Samax and the 40-meter Heesen Serenity, had the best seats in the house to watch Yanneke Too and Naos overcome Sunshine's early lead at the first buoy along the three-mile course. Turning for home, Naos cut her deficit in half, but it was too little, too late.


In the end, skipper Charlie Dwyer brought Yanneke Too in for an impressive win. The victory made the schooner the event's first two-time winner after she narrowly lost her bid for back-to-back wins in 2003.


The weekend wound down with a post-race cocktail party aboard Silolona, where Indonesian musicians provided a lively accompaniment to the fiery sunset. The Invitational culminated later with the traditional buffet feast and live music on the yacht club's terrace overlooking the Andaman Sea. The participants were each presented with a certificate of appreciation and a bottle of champagne for their participation.