Fun-loving frolickers in Anguiilla are always enthused with the sporting of boats, especially around the Summer Festival season in August. However, this past December, during the low-keyed Christmas festivities — just for the sport of it — the B-Class racing boat, F5 Tornado, was creatively adorned with twinkling Christmas lights in Island Harbour’s waters. The owner of the boat is Oris Smith of Island Harbour.
The display took on the image of a bright, giant jelly fish lavished in colours of maroon and purple. The formation of the lights was in the shape of a dome which was suspended atop the lighted mast in the centre of the Tornado.
Taking on responsibility for this dazzling spectacle was Ms. Marejah Smith, a resident of Junks Hole village, on the outskirts of Island Harbour. Marejah tells the story herself:
“The lighted Christmas boat in Island Harbour last December (2021) is what I anticipate to be a major lighted-boat festival”, aptly coined Nautically Lit. The Nautically Lit Festival has been a childhood dream of mine, paying homage to my seafaring forebears of Anguilla. What would be a better venue for this event but Island Harbour Bay? I will be working diligently to see my dream come true.
“I initially attempted to host Nautically Lit in December 2020, but due to lack of sponsorship, as well as the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, I decided to postpone the event until December 2021. But, noting the longstanding pandemic and the effects it has had on Anguilla’s economy, I resorted to continue with this single boat lighting project — funding it on my own.
Originally, the idea called for several boats lit up in the harbour. Preparations for this had begun early, but December 2021 came with many challenges including global shipping difficulties. And, of course, there is still the Covid situation. This made it difficult to construct the designs for the other boats. Besides, the inclement December weather produced rough waters resulting in the change of some of my plans. I have used this as a learning experience, and I am destined to make the future Nautically Lit ‘Lit!’”
“The display itself was built by my father, Paul Smith, using mostly recycled materials. We were assisted by Kenneth Brooks and Gerry Smith. The entire project took a little over two weeks to complete, and it was assembled on to the boat with the assistance of my cousins Ray & Renee Smith and Theon & Verlyndah Hodge. Other members of the community, and well wishers, also assisted. I would like to extend thanks to all who helped.”
Finally, Marejah made a noteworthy comment: “In the future, I intend to rely on clean energy for the lighting of these boats, strictly utilising solar power.” She promised that all boat lovers of Anguilla can look forward to enjoying the beautiful, nighttime sights of Nautically Lit in the future.
