Twenty junior sailors from the region competed this past weekend in the Second Annual Anguilla Opti Regatta. The regatta was organized by the Anguilla Youth Sailing Club (AYSC) and the Anguilla Sailing Association (ASA). Children from St. Barths, St. Martin and Anguilla competed in a series of six races at Road Bay starting at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 16.

The Anguillian sailors with William Ferguson in the middle

Nine students from the AYSC represented Anguilla in the competition. They were: Butchy Gumbs, Kenny Richardson, Noah Gumbs, Jordan Peabody, Michael Curtis, Zachary Richardson, Ethan Lloyd, Starlin Rosario and Marco Piazzi. The participants of course competed in optimists which are one man boats designed for children. They have one sail and are primarily used for learning purposes. They are called a one design because everything is built the same therefore not allowing the boat’s design to be a factor in the outcome of the races. It is the most raced one design in the world with 500,000 models worldwide. Anyone can win in it with a child from Trinidad placing second in the world last year.

All of the junior sailors

The races finished by 4 pm and there was much to see and do for the public. Lunch was available for purchase in which all the proceeds went to the AYSC. There were two fleets, both a Gold and Silver, in which the members of the Gold fleet primarily were categorized that way because of their previous sailing and competition experience. In both fleets, trophies were given to the first, second and third place finishes. For the Gold, first prize went to Rhone Findlay (St. Martin), second went to Harry Antrobus (St. Martin) and third went to Steven Looser (St. Martin). The silver fleet saw two Anguillians finish in first and second. Marco Piazzi (Anguilla) took first prize with his compatriot Starlin Rosario placing second. Third prize was awarded to Kevin Greaox (St. Barths). Additional prizes were given out for Newest Competitor (Zachary Richardson), Best Start (Butchy Gumbs), Worst Luck (Noah Gumbs, for capsizing twice, once while in second place) and Most Improved (Marco Piazzi).William Ferguson, the newest director of the AYSC spoke with The Anguillian about the race and the students. He mentioned that the nine participants representing Anguilla are the top students in the programme. There are little criteria to become a junior sailor in the AYSC or even compete in the races. With 25 students currently enrolled, the AYSC is answering the call to provide positive social development options for the youth in what is known island-wide as the national sport of Anguilla. Currently, classes run five days a week with a race every Saturday. The AYSC has eight boats in total and recently acquired four Lasers and four 420’s. They are still accepting applications for new students and during the Easter break there will be a week-long programme for anyone interested. William was quite excited to be part of this regatta as it was his first chance to showcase the students. Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, he grew up sailing and is currently enrolled in University in Newfoundland specializing in Ocean and Naval engineering. He said, “I think the opti regatta provided great competition for the junior sailors allowing them to develop their skills as well as have fun in a competitive environment.”

Junior sailors preparing to round the buoy

Many sponsors and organizers made the event happen. The ASA and AYSC wanted to give a special mention to the following people for their support and efforts: Gayle Enzel, Jim and Sue Dutmers, Sally and Fred Randall, Roselyn and Bill McKenna, Gordon Andrews, Bruce Hearn, Carolyn Permuy, Chatal Piazzi, William Ferguson, Alex Orchard, Fiona Curtis, Gabi Gumbs, Anne Parles and the board of directors of the ASA.
Moreover, this event would not have been possible without the kind donations of the following sponsors: Sol Petroleum was the major sponsor for the second consecutive year, Merchant’s Market, Tropical Distributors, Digicel, Edward at Frito Lay, Green Cuisine, Johnno’s Beach Stop/Fish Hunter/Captain Raymond, Diana at the Roadwell Café, Anguilla Techni Sales, Play A Round, Corner Bar Pizza, The Pumphouse and Straw Hat Restaurant.
Finally the organizers wanted to thank their friends from St. Martin and St. Barths for making the trip to Anguilla for the second year in a row.
For more information on how to get involved or enrol a child in the programme call 584-SAIL or e-mail at AYSC@sailanguilla.com.

-Jason Allen

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