Malliouhana (an Auberge) Resort and Spa held a ceremony on Tuesday 23 February, 2021 to name a newly constructed shipwreck children’s play area at Leon’s at Meads Bay.
The shipwreck’s name was the result of a naming contest with resort staff participation, and the “Warspite” was chosen. Four submissions, with justifications, were made for the Warspite, because of its pioneering, economic, and historic significance – not just for Anguilla, but for the region.
Ms. Nola John, from the Food & Beverage Department, was selected as the winner of the contest because of the comprehensive justification in her submission.
The management and staff of the resort were delighted to be joined at the ceremony by Mr. David Carty, the grandson of the owner of the Warspite, Mr. Arthur Romney Carty.
The General Manager (GM) of the resort, Mr. George Vlachopoulos, in his remarks, stated that because the materials and construction were sourced locally, significant savings were realised. He further explained that there were a few finishing touches to be added to the project, but children who have been visiting Leon’s have been enjoying the project for quite some time. The GM mentioned that the owner of the resort was recently in Anguilla – and he was pleased with the outcome of the project, and the facilities that create the experience at Leon’s in general. The GM remarked that it was the owner’s idea to have the contest, and though it was hoped that there were more participants, everyone who submitted had good rationale.
Mr. David Carty expressed thanks for honouring his family and particularly his grandfather, with the naming of the Warspite shipwreck. He mentioned that a model replica of the Warspite was recently made by Ernest Connor of Blowing Point, and the shipwreck was a further addition to the legacy.
Mr. Carty observed that during the first part of the 20th century, because conditions were poor, Anguillians could only survive by building schooners and sloops for trade. He explained that these vessels were owned by families all across Anguilla, and the vessels were necessary because Anguilla could not support plantations. The schooners were used for everything – from taking salt from Anguilla to plantations in the region, to taking workers to the Dominican Republic; all explained in Mr. Carty’s documentary: “Nothing Baffling”.
Mr. Carty further explained that the rough conditions on the vessels, and the competitions that developed on returning trips to Anguilla, were the genesis of Anguilla’s boat racing as we know it today.
He also spoke about when his grandfather bought the Warspite (the Gazelle at the time) from a gentleman in Forest Bay, and of Mr. Joe Romney, a well-known captain of the Warspite.
All the materials for the project (Leon’s shipwreck) were sourced locally from vendor partners. The bow of the shipwreck is made from cedar and the stern is made from mahogany. As work progressed on the project, it was important to strike a balance between a sea vessel and a building structure. The shipwreck has a marine varnish finish, which will fade over time to the desired weathered look.
The contractor for the project was Mr. Orville Campbell. Mr. Van Hodge managed it and Mr. Richard West generously donated accessories.
