All eyes will be on Anguilla’s young boys as they gear up for a three peat win at the Annual Premier Cup in BVI which starts on Friday.
The team of five boys is captained by young Ethan “Rumple” Lloyd and Omari Hamilton.
Children from Anguilla and the region between the ages of 10 and 18 years sail on IC-24 one design boats.
They will be sailing against students from the region including the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, BVI and Trinidad.
The Anguilla youngsters will be accompanied by Rotarian Harris Richardson who is the Director of the Committee responsible for the KATS programme.
Last year’s race was deemed as exciting sailing with the youths demonstrating great seamanship in gusty winds.
The regatta, though competitive is encouraging to the junior participants. It is designed to hone children’s sea skills including swimming, boat handling, water safety and allows for good camaraderie among peers.
The rest of the Caribbean is expected to be present in full force to test their skills and see if Anguilla can pull off a hat trick. Past teams have included Antigua, Bahamas, Nevis, St. Croix, Tortola, Trinidad & Tobago, Puerto Rico, Cayman and the USA, and a similar level of participation is anticipated for this weekend’s turnout.
Anguilla has won gold consecutively in the Junior championships for the past two years- 2011 and 2012.
And Rotary’s new incoming President Dr Lindel Brooks also commended the boys.
“These young men selected learn about leadership, how to work effectively as a team. They learn about conflict resolution; be a part of cultural exchanges and develop sailing skills. They are a success story, we won gold for the past two years.
Dr Brooks also paid tribute to Past President Mr Clement Ruan who started the KATS programme.
