Roadtown, Tortola - The trophy for the annual Great Festival Sloop Shootout featuring a representative of the Premier versus the Governor has changed hands.
Race Organiser, Mr. Geoffrey Brooks, told the Department of Information and Public Relations, the August Tuesday race was keenly competitive. “The lead changed three times and it could have gone either way,” he said, adding that “it was one of the most competitive races in the history of the competition.”
By the end of the race, the sloop Moon Beam skippered by His Excellency Governor David Pearey crossed the finished line first, followed by Sea Moon, the sloop sailed by Wellington “Butch” Romney, the representative for Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE. In third place was Youth Instructor with newly appointed HLSCC President Dr. Karl Dawson at the helm.
According to Mr. Brooks, “it was a great upset because this was the first time that a governor has actually won the race. In the past we have had two ties and three wins by the Premier’s Office.”
He noted that “for the first time the trophy is actually going to sit in Governor Pearey’s office and this should set the stage for a big challenge next year.”
Mr. Brooks commended all of the crew members saying “it is important to acknowledge the participation of the other crew members, experienced sloop sailor, Mr. Richard Wooldrich, and veteran sailor, Mr. Elmore Stoutt, who sailed alongside the Governor. The crew of Sea Moon, former Olympic sailor, Mr. Elvet Myers and President of VI Powerboat Association, Mr. Dwayne Smith, the great grand son of boat builder, Mr. Daniel Smith and on the college sloops, Marine Biologist at HLSCC, Dr. Lianna Jarecki and former HLSCC student, Mr. Dereck Fahie.”
Preparations are now being made for the official presentation ceremony which will be scheduled in the coming weeks.
The annual Great Festival Sloop Shootout, now in its sixth year was organised and sponsored by the Centre for Allied Marine Studies at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and sponsored by the Loyal West End Yacht Club, the Royal BVI Yacht Club and VI Powerboat Association.
British Virgin Islands News