The much-publicised Fourth Annual Solaire Cup Boat Race saw eleven boats participating in a competition which De Tree, the Blowing Point community boat, easily won with Ross Romney, a young captain, (with three years’ experience) at the helm.
The race, at Meads Bay, on Sunday, July 20, was in honour of the late Captain James Alwin “Tower Foot” “Tex” Connor, formerly of Blowing Point. It was the first time that De Tree won that race. It was also the first time that a Governor, in the person of Christina Scott who, having been invited, participated in a boat race.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Mr Franklin Connor, owner of the Link Ferries, paid tribute to the late Captain James Connor for his contribution to boat racing in Anguilla, as one of the best captains. He was happy that the race was held in Mr Connor’s honour and took the opportunity to present a cheque from Dr Paul Webster to Mr Claudel Romney for of the Blowing Point Youth Centre, in memory of the deceased’s contribution to boat racing and community life in Blowing Point.
Mr Franklin Connor was of the view that, apart from remembering the late Blowing Point boat-racing captain, the event was historic in another context. “This race will go down in the history of boat-racing, and in the history of Anguilla because, for the first time, a serving Governor has taken the time to participate in the national sport of Anguilla,” he stated.
Connor continued: “This is very unique, and we thank the Governor for doing this. Sometimes the Governor does not understand the difference between the British Government’s representative in Anguilla and the Governor of the people of Anguilla. I think today’s action by the Governor indicates that she fully understands that she is the Governor of Anguilla and must look after the interest of the people of Anguilla. By participating in the race, which is the national sport of Anguilla, she has demonstrated her understanding of that role. We hope that she will continue to be the Governor of the people of Anguilla and not necessarily Her Majesty’s representative in Anguilla. If ever there is a dispute between the Home Office in England, and the people of Anguilla, it is the Governor of Anguilla who should be in dispute with the Home Office as she should be the representative of the people of Anguilla.”
Meanwhile, Governor Scott commented to media representatives: “It was enormous fun being on the racing boat. It was a real privilege to be out with such a professional crew. I hadn’t really appreciated how difficult it is, the tactics that are involved, and the adjustments to sounds and people that go on for four hours, so it was a real eye-opener. I can’t take any of the credit for being on the winning boat. I was basically human ballast.”
Conrad Rogers, Project Manager at Solaire Development, read a letter from the developer, Tom McInerney, and owner of Meads Bay Villas. The developer commended his business partner, Yanchie Richardson, for having originated the Solaire Cup Boat Race.
“I am happy to promote this indigenous sport of boat-racing in Anguilla. I would also like to thank all the sponsors before, and who are on board now, for helping to sponsor the boat race,” Mr McInerney was quoted as saying, while commending the Governor for travelling on De Tree.
In addition to winning the first place trophy and US$1,000, De Tree was also awarded cash prizes for being the first boat to go around the stakes at Solaire Site in Lockrum; Anguillita on the downward leg and Prickly Pear.
In second place was Real Deal of North Hill. Alwyn Richardson, one of its crew members, was presented with the trophy as well as a cheque for US$900. The third place trophy and cash award of US$800 went to Stinger whose captain is Errol Romney of Blowing Point. The prizes were presented to Perry Lake, a crewman. Fourth place was taken by Sonic which received US$700; and in fifth place was 4G Eagle whose cash prize was US$600.
Cheques for participation in the race were presented to all the other boats which were Viking, Bluebird, NWO, Speed & Comfort, Miss Anguilla and the Wizard which broken down. The main cash prices and the consolation cash prizes amounted to US$5,500. Two additional boats registered for the race. They were the Satellite and Light & Peace which did not participate.
There was one more presentation. It was a plaque from Chris Miller, Manager of Meads Bay Villas, to the wife and other family members of the late Captain James Connor.
