Lively winds and a heavy afternoon squall made conditions tough on the opening day of the Mount Gay Rum Regatta when 37 boats took to the water in beautiful Carisle Bay. Racing was lively in the competitive J24 Class where Bruce Bailey won the morning race and Neil Burke the afternoon race after both made the most of excellent starts. But the main danger in this class may well be Robert Povey who placed well in both races and who has the consistency to capture the overall award come Sunday. It promises to be an entertaining series.