Boat racing is one of Anguilla’s proudest traditions, a sport deeply woven into the island’s cultural fabric. It is a test of skill, endurance, and spirit — but for the most part, it has long been seen as a male-dominated space. Yet, women are steadily carving out their place on the water, proving that talent and determination know no gender. Among them is Karénda Brooks, a Systems Engineer in the Government of Anguilla’s IT Department, who has been part of the racing scene for the past four years.
“Growing up in Island Harbour, the fishing capital of the island, I have always been intrigued and fascinated with boats,” Karénda recalls. “I can remember many days swimming out to any boat I could reach, climbing inside and jumping off to swim back to shore, or hopping on a random boat for a quick spin. With a mix of curiosity and a deep love for the water it all began.”
Her first taste of racing came about somewhat spontaneously, but from the moment she stepped into the competitive arena, she was hooked. “I didn’t realise how much I’d enjoy the competitive side of it until I tried it. Once I got a taste of the adrenaline and the atmosphere of the first race, I couldn’t leave the sport alone after that.”
Now, four years later, she has raced in both Class A and B boats, taking on the role of controlling the mainstay and serving as side weight — critical responsibilities during manoeuvres.
Karénda’s first outing was in a Class B boat. “It was a bit scary at first, I hopped on without really knowing what to expect. During that race, I sat on the hull, mid-sail, and when the wind caught the sail and the boom’s weight tilted the boat, I started slipping. I grabbed onto one of the guys next to me, only to learn they had custom straps for their feet to feel more secure.”
She soon discovered that strategy plays a far greater role in boat racing than she had imagined. “The smallest decision, or even a slight shift in the boat’s ballast or riggings, can affect your position in the race.”
While the sport is physically demanding, Karénda says her biggest challenge is sometimes not having the strength to handle certain tasks. Even so, her male teammates have been nothing but encouraging. “Over the years I have received lots of positive feedback and tons of motivation and encouragement from my team,” she says.
Her family and community have also rallied around her. “The support has been nothing short of motivating and uplifting. Be it a win or loss, the strong support always remains.”
For Karénda, representing women in boat racing carries deep meaning. “With boat racing being a huge part of the culture here in Anguilla, it proves that passion and talent have no gender. It’s amazing to challenge expectations and be empowering. I believe seeing that a female can be part of this male-dominant sport has sparked not only confidence but also interest and more inspiration for females to get involved.”
Karénda’s sister, Eldesa, is also actively involved — and together, they continue to inspire a new wave of young women to see boat racing as a sport that belongs to them too.
She even dreams of an all-female crew one day. “My sister and I have always joked about having an all-female boat racing team, maybe one year that will actually happen. That would create tons of excitement, even more bragging rights, and a whole new dimension for the sport. It will also help create and build the next generation of racers, helping the sport to grow and carry on legacies.”
Karénda encourages young women who are curious about the sport to jump right in. “I would highly recommend that they embrace the entire sport. It’s a total experience — from the arguments between teams, to understanding the simple changes during the race that have a major impact. Just take in the overall feel of being in a different atmosphere and what it really means to be part of this historic sport.”
If she were to name her own boat, she already has a name in mind: The Undertaker. “The name was inspired by my sister Eldesa, who is a mortician as well as an avid boat racer. We’ve joked for years about having a boat and naming it ‘The Undertaker.’”
For Karénda, boat racing is more than a pastime. It’s a passion, a challenge, and a way of life. “It’s a test of endurance and a labour of passion. For me, it’s the perfect way of pushing my limits with a thrill,” she says.
And the message she wants others to take away from her story is simple yet powerful: “Boat racing is like politics on the water — you’ll never know the outcome!”
Article by Janissa Fleming
