On the afternoon of August 3rd, the spectators at Sandy Ground were lively, and full of anticipation, for the start of the NCBA August Wednesday Boat Race. The captains and crews of twelve boats were eagerly ensuring that the right riggings were in place, and the ballast properly positioned in the hull, for a perfect race. Just after 2:00 p.m., the boats got the signal to set off. At first, some were luffing a bit, but soon the last of the sails leaned into the wind beyond Road Bay. They raced for the rest of the afternoon on the dazzling waters along the shores of Anguilla, around to Rendezvous Bay and back, after three and a half hours of exhilarating competition.
The National Commercial Bank of Anguilla Ltd (NCBA), the proud sponsor of the “NCBA August Wednesday Boat Race”, would like all to join in congratulating the winning team, the Real Deal, and the second through fifth place leaders, respectively: Satellite; De Tree; UFO and 4 G Eagle. The other boats and teams which contributed to an exciting and colourful event included: Light N Peace; De Wizard; Wasp; Speed & Comfort; Super Star; Blue Bird and the Sonic.
“We are proud of all the teams in this inspiring race,” said Mr. Colville Petty, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NCBA. “I think everyone would agree that boat racing is our most spectacular and uniquely Anguillian sport. The Real Deal team demonstrated exceptional skills, closely matched by the Satellite and De Tree”, he observed. Mr. Petty went on to say, on behalf of NCBA’s management and staff, that he appreciated the collaboration with the Anguilla Boat Racing Association – and hoped that all the teams, and others to come, would make every effort to keep our unique and proud boat racing tradition alive and vibrant.
Mr. Paul Romney, Chairperson of the Anguilla Boat Racing Association, speaking on behalf of his Association said: “I would also like to congratulate the winners and placing teams”. He concluded: “With much thanks to the NCBA for their commitment to ‘supporting our culture’, the race was a great success. It was yet another opportunity for us to showcase our National Sport and our dedicated and skilled sailing teams”.
