The Anguilla Sailing Association (ASA) hosted a well attended cocktail party at the Pumphouse Bar & Restaurant, Sandy Ground on Saturday evening March 27th. The purpose of the gathering was to acquaint individuals and businesses in Anguilla with the ASA and its projects as well as updating everyone on the planning progress for this year’s Anguilla Regatta which takes place in Road Bay May 7th – 9th.

In attendance among other distinguished guests were the Hon. Victor Banks, Minister of Finance, Mrs. Amelia Vanterpool Kubisch, Director of Tourism, Sir Emile Gumbs, Chairman of the Anguilla Sailing Association and Mr. Calvert Carty, Chairman of the Anguilla Boat Racing Authority.
Attendees were able to access the Regatta web site at www.anguillaregatta2004.com using four laptop computers and a movie of the 2003 event was also screened. Wonderful food and beverages were provided by The Pumphouse and Straw Hat restaurants.
Proceedings were opened by the Chairman of the Anguilla Sailing Association, Sir Emile Gumbs and his welcome was followed by an address from Richard West, ASA president. Mr. West described the focus of the ASA, which is to inaugurate a sailing school for boys and girls aged eight and up. Great excitement was caused by the announcement that four pledges had been received of one thousand dollars each to purchase four OPTIMIST sailing dinghies. Donor’s names will be affixed to the hulls of these boats in recognition.
The ASA is determined to purchase twelve of these boats which are recognized worldwide as the best beginners training vessel and has set an initial target of thirty thousand US dollars to establish the school with equipment and the necessary infrastructure. Display boards were on view to describe the program which will be based on the very successful Kids and The Sea (KATS) program for boys and girls operated in the Virgin Islands.
Attendees were also asked to make contributions as sponsors of the Anguilla Regatta 2004 and many did so Some pledged accommodations for race officials, boats for press and safety and many made cash commitments. The ASA was most pleased to announce the Anguilla Governments commitment through the Tourist Board of $15,000.00 US dollars and was extremely grateful for a cheque of $2,500.00 presented at the function by Mr. Donald Curtis on behalf of Caribbean Cable Communications. Persons were also able to join the ASA for the modest annual fee of $20.00 and many did so. Others committed $200.00 to Life Memberships. What was very gratifying was the fact that some parents made their children members, which bodes well for the future of the Sailing School.
The Hon. Victor Banks, in an address, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to developing events in Anguilla to enhance the tourism product and demonstrated great enthusiasm for the sailing school. Mr. Calvert Carty enthused about the sailing school as being a vehicle for producing the next generation of racing boat sailors in Anguilla, paid tribute to Mr. Percy Romney who was in attendance and who has declared his intention to retire after many years of dedication to the sport of boat racing in Anguilla. The ASA’s board of directors has decided to make Mr. Romney an honorary Life Member of the Anguilla Sailing Association in recognition of his efforts.

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