Boat Racing - It's Anguilla's Ting!

A Boat Racing Story

On June 04^th 2012 I boarded the Miss Anguilla (a top performer sailing boat) and we set sail from Sandy Ground to Crocus Bay to start a boat race. We raced from Crocus Bay to beyond Dog Island and back. I was excited because it was my first experience (hence my choice of a short race).

Miss Anguilla

About a year earlier, I had mentioned to Ponto (the Captain of the Miss Anguilla), my interest in participating in a race. He was more than happy to have me on board. However, while it sounded good to say it, for various reasons, I just didn’t follow through at that time.

That happens in life a lot doesn’t it? There is something we want to do...we put off our dreams until a later date. Sometimes we are scared of the unknown (hey the sea can be scary), sometimes we are afraid of what others might say or think (laughing right now as I remember the funny comments my friends made). Thanks for your support guys. Whatever the reason, the result is that too often that date never comes. Today if there is something you really want to do refocus and recommit to getting it done.

Both Ponto and Tim (a passionate boat racer) refuelled my commitment to race. Plus, I knew other females who had raced. Shout out to Lisa Rey! I totally enjoyed my boat racing experience, from the trash talk on the beach, to the trash talk on the boat as the guys argued about what to do. The Captain looked dapper in his sailing cap and remained calm amidst all the chatter and ‘expertise’ and guided the boat to a second place finish...Congrats Miss Anguilla.

The sea was calm, the sun was warm upon my face, the breeze was refreshing, and the sails of our boat and the other boats were majestic. It was a beautiful day but hey no sleeping!

For any person who has raced, they know though that on the boat you have to be constantly alert as the wind may shift or you may have to tack and this requires a quick response which often means moving to the other side of the boat. I was one female among 19 males and I did not get stepped on...whew what a relief. In fact the guys were great...they explained what was going on, carried me on their neck on and off the boat, ensured I got food etc. They were gentlemen indeed.

I think we have one of the coolest national sports...a sport which can be enjoyed if you are on water or if you on land.  To be successful at it though takes strength and endurance, skill and an understanding of angles and degrees, a keen sense of direction, quick decision making, team work, leadership and a personal responsibility for the whole.

I now have a strong respect for what it takes to participate in our national sport and I am geared up and excited to hit the seas again in a few months during the Anguilla Summer Festival.

There are quite a bit of young people who race on the boats but I do fear that they may not be learning or grasping the skills and love inherent in some of the older folk. I would hate for us to lose the skill of boatbuilding or the love of racing. Today I want each of us to say yes and watch David Carty’s documentary on boat racing in Anguilla and also to seize the opportunity to race if it arises. It’s part of our culture. Participate.

Last week we celebrated Anguilla Day where we showed our patriotism through our colours, parades, round the island boat race etc. We also had Welches Fest where we enjoyed our national dish and other traditional food. Culture can only stay alive if we ensure it does. The older generation must teach the younger generation and the younger generation must be willing to learn and listen. Boat racing is we ting...an Anguillian ting...let’s keep it going!