Belmond Cap Juluca resort, already involved in Anguilla’s social and cultural history, through its Arawak name for the earliest inhabitants of the island, has now gone a step further.
The resort, located at the beautiful Maundays Bay, and long regarded as the flagship of Anguilla’s tourism industry, has just become involved in boat-racing, the prided national sport of the island. The hotel made its debut on Thursday morning, August 5, 2021, when, on its beachfront, it sponsored De Wizard, a community racing boat of West End.
The boat, known for its fast-sailing and experienced captain and crew, is now fitted with a new sail emblazoned with Belmond Cap Juluca’s name and logo. Further, its upkeep and continued sponsorship are assured by the resort.
Cap Juluca’s General Manager, Mr. Tiago Sarmento, speaking at the meet and greet sponsorship ceremony, told Captain Derrick Carty and crew: “We are very proud of you. We have been waiting for this for some time now, and it is just a few months ago that we have had talks about it – and for us it is a dream come true. We really want to thank you for coming this way during a busy week for you. This sponsorship means a lot to us – and this relationship will be for many years to come. We wish you the very best of luck in the name of all Julucans.”
Mr. Kevin Carty, Belmond Cap Juluca’s Resort Manager, commented: “As an Anguillian, this is a very proud-filled moment. I happen to be from South Hill, and not West End, but I am especially proud when I see a young captain and crew. It means that the future for boat-racing is very bright. This is the beginning of a relationship with Cap Juluca – and we don’t start anything that we do not finish. We are so delighted that you brought De Wizard around here at Maundays Bay and allowing us to be a part of your vessel.”
Mr. Carty told the gathering that the history of boat-racing in Anguilla was one of the stories being spoken about to guests at the hotel, as it was something indigenous to the island.
Ms. Delisa Mussington, De Wizard’s lone female crew member, also spoke. “It is a wonderful opportunity at this meet and greet occasion. My crew and I have been looking forward to this moment,” she said. “Boat-racing is indeed our official national sport in Anguilla. It brings communities together culturally – and it is also something that both locals and visitors look forward to every year. The official boat-racing season starts in March and continues with August being our peak month. There are many opportunities for sponsorship for this one of a kind event, and we are truly honoured to be sponsored by Belmond. On behalf of the captain, crew, owners and the managers of De Wizard, I express our sincere gratitude for Belmond’s generous sponsorship of our new sail. Thanks to Mr. Tiago, the resort’s General Manager, for immediately responding to my email regarding the sponsorship. “
Among other persons, she thanked were Judine Green, the resort’s Executive Assistant for taking the lead on the project; St Maarten’s Sails for providing the sail for the boat and the material to print Belmond’s name on it; Hi-Teck & Designs for printing the logo; Kevin Edwards and company for granting permission to De Wizard to access the southern side of Anguilla (despite the COVID restrictions); and to the staff of Belmond Cap Juluca for preparing the meet and greet event for the racing boat’s sponsorship.
De Wizard was blessed by Pastor Bernard Joseph for its safety and prosperity – and to be a winner of the races in which it would be participating. He led the gathering in reciting: “We dedicate this vessel to master the sea. Go in and out in safety with no casualties forever, in Jesus’ name. God bless Cap Juluca.”
As an earlier show of appreciation for the captain and crew of De Wizard, Belmond Cap Juluca hosted them at a luncheon just before the race.
Meanwhile, in the August Thursday A-Class boat race, at Meads Bay, De Wizard placed second; and fourth in the Champion of Champions Race on Sunday, August 8, at Road Bay, Sandy Ground.
