Jeff’s dedicated spirit, commitment, passion and love for his country’s National Sport, boat racing, were celebrated on Sunday February 24th, when family and friends made the event in memory of him the success it was.

Storm and Magician off to Shoal Bay

At 1:45 p.m. the captains and crews of two out of seven Class B boats got off to a start from the Island Harbour beach, headed for Shoal Bay, where the excitement on sea was built as the Magician, captained by Urvin “Mumba” Webster, and the Storm, captained by Gerard “Bill” Smith, faced each other ready for battle.

Magician and Storm goes face to face

Running down - U. F. O. and Eagle

Sailing toward an easterly direction, and followed by fans on sea and land, the two boats battled it out for first and second positions. Completing the race in about two hours after it commenced, the Magician became the first boat to touch the winning stake which bobbed on the water just outside Koko’s Beach Bar and Grill.

U. F. O. seconds away from stake

A view of crowd at KoKo’s from sea

The race we all anticipated, expecting to see ten of fourteen Class A boats on sea (four under repairs), only saw two, when the captains and crews of the Eagle and the U.F.O decided they would do it for Jeff, stem to stem. This race sailed off at 4:05 taking the same route as the Class B boats. The momentum built on sea, as the boats got closer and closer to the finishing stake, will never be forgotten. The fight fought between the two boats during the last minutes of the race will remain etched in the minds of all those who watched by land and by sea as the U. F. O. took home the first place prizes. The donkey prize for the last boat to touch the stake, was won by the Eagle. The prize was sponsored by City Liquors and presented by Lanston Connor.

Trophies on display

Jeff’s dad, Russell Webster, expressed dismay that more boats did not participate in the race. “I was much disappointed to see that in our small country where we should share much concern for each other that the race was not more patronized. This is especially so in this time of bereavement over someone who had such a passion for the sport. I am grateful to the captains and crew of the racing boats for their participation in the race and the appreciation they have shown for Jeff. With so many prizes and trophies available, it was disappointing that other boatmen turned their backs on the race.”

Lanston Connor presents plaque to Ernie

Expressions of thanks and appreciation are extended to Napa Auto Sales, Ace Hardware, C. O. Williams Construction Company Ron’s Sign Shop, CompNation Anguilla Office Products, City Liquors, Koko’s Beach Bar and Grill, The Anguillian newspaper, Caracasbaai, Micasa, Heartbeat Radio, Radio Anguilla, Kool FM, English Rose, Royal Gold, Link Ferries, Eddy Kelly, Ernie Lake and Monica Reid for their contributions towards making the race the success it was.

Presentation of 1st prize to U.F.O rep

To the captains and crews of the Magician, Storm, Eagle and U.F.O, your participation is well appreciated. Without you the race in memory of Jeff would not have been successful. To the many supporters and fans who took the time to attend, thank you and we all look forward to the 2nd Annual Jeff G. Webster Memorial Webster Boat Race which would be held on February 22nd, 2009.

Donkey Prize presented to Jorin by Lans

- Monica Reid

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