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!

Love Not Bullets.

Hi guys

Life can be wonderful, fulfilling and carefree but in the blink of an eye it can be depressing, heartbreaking and panic filled. Life is unpredictable. There are things you can control and then there are other things you cannot control. You often cannot predict what will happen from one moment to the next.

What you can do is structure your thoughts, attitudes and actions in a positive way to help make life go more smoothly but serendipity good or bad always lurk around the corner. We can not predict what will happen from one moment to the next.

Generally as you know from my blog, I am optimistic and faith-filled. However, I am well aware that a stray bullet (not so unrealistic these days), a car accident or a life-threatening disease for example can change the course of my life or your life in an instant.

My purpose today is not to depress you but to make you think about your purpose and your legacy. What role can you play to reduce negative and harmful behaviour? How do you want to be remembered?  Let’s look at an example.

Anguilla lost a young man last week. Like so many others, what I will remember about him is that big smile and that huge wave and exuberant greeting, I got every single time I passed him on the road. He definitely knew how to make you feel special and his smile was contagious.  He exuded rare qualities which will be missed by all those who were fortunate to interact with him. He may not have been perfect (none of us are) but he touched the hearts of many and I believe in that way he left a positive legacy. RIP Gustave.

I am saddened that I am updating this post to reflect that yet another promising life has been taken. He was a talented chef, a loving son and friend  to many who brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to know him.  RIP Jordel.

Another young man also lost his life and from what I have heard he also was a positive young person. RIP Marcus.

How about you? What message are you sharing with the world? How would you like to be remembered? Take a few minutes and think about this.

If we all displayed love, consideration, compassion and kindness...these young men would still be with us. There is nothing smart or cool about guns, murder, blasphemy, drugs or gangs. If you participate in, keep the silence or glorify that behaviour or that life, you are part of the problem.

Everyone needs to seriously stop and think. What is your purpose? Is it to contribute to a ‘wonderful Anguilla and world’ or is it to wreak havoc on our ‘wonderful Anguilla and world?’  Also think about the legacy you hope to leave behind.

Here is a hint. Love is always greater than hate, peace is always better than war and the pen will always be mightier than the sword (or so we pray).

Have a blessed day! Talk to you soon.

This picture was taken at Scotchies, Montego Bay, Jamaica last week. I love Jamaica but in some places the gun and the bullet reigns which is why specific tourist areas and the all-inclusive concept became so popular. As a popular calypsonian said here in Anguilla 'We too small for dis'! Peace!

No More Excuses!

Spring is in the air! Break out the swimsuits!

I know you are thinking...Shelly, really? You are probably saying it feels like 96 degrees in the shade – and that it is more like summer is in the air...I know, I know.

On the update and positive side, my small mango trees have sprouted new leaves. The grown mango tree in my front yard which did not give us any mangoes for the last few years is heavy with young grafted mangoes and my pumpkin patch is full and overflowing. If you want to buy a pumpkin, let me know.  

Spring is always associated with renewal. If you observe nature, it appears to rejuvenate itself. The grass and leaves are greener and everything just seems brighter. If you are fortunate to get showers, they are cleansing and refreshing. If you live close to the beach like  I do in Anguilla or near a lake or river, the water is warmer and more inviting!

As corny as this may sound...I have been feeling like spring...Renewed and rejuvenated. I have been praying, laughing, singing, dancing and loving.

As you saw in my three month challenge, I am tackling new self development and professional development projects which help to give that sense of renewal. In addition, I have had the opportunity to follow through and complete some activities which I wasn’t looking forward to but which went pretty well. Finally, I have confronted the pockets of frustration which have been nagging at the back of my mind...and lo and behold – I feel refreshed and renewed.

I know most of you can relate. There are areas in your life which you want to improve but excuses are holding you back. There are activities which you have to do which you may not want to do or like to do but maybe fear of failure or ridicule is holding you back. There are people or situations in your life which are frustrating you but your voice is not being heard.

Mary Mary said it best ‘Nobody told me the road would be easy, but I don’t believe he’s brought me this far, to leave me. As you ‘Say Yes to Today’, my advice is to demonstrate faith, courage and positivity in whatever you step out today to do.

A couple of people including my two lovely aunties are doing my three month challenge. Thanks aunties and others. Good luck! If you have started the challenge, we are almost two weeks in. I hope it is going well. Continue to say yes to today and constantly improve!

Remember to post a comment below. Thanks!