MAN OVERBOARD; at least, that’s the last thing someone wants to hear. Thank goodness the men on these boats are not on these boats. Welcome to Turks & Caicos Island’s Annual “Valentine's sailing Cup Competition” hosted by no other than Valentine's sailing Cup Competition Committee with committee head & founder Sara Kaufman. This community-building activity started off as a birthday party for Ms Kaufman on February 5, 2002, after seeing the depletion of boat carvers on the Island. Kaufman decided to organize the “Valentine's sailing Cup Competition” to help usher awareness of the depletion of the islands’ boat cravers and the loss of its history.
This year’s competition was held at Bambara Beach in Middle Caicos; the beach was filled with newly refurbished boats & excited competitors ready to take home a champion’s trophy. The competition was divided into four races: Men's Open Cup, Class B, Ladies Open Cup, Premier’s Cup & Special awards. Now before your imagination runs away with you, these sailboats are smaller versions of the original TCI boats used for fishing and sailing. Participants must be beside their sailboats in order to maneuver them in the direction of the wind so that they may reach the finish line. Each race was thrilling and entertaining, as roars of cheers came from the shoreline. Boats tipped over and competitors tripped within the ocean. Sailing was not the only event happening at the Valentine's sailing Cup Competition, there were a few mini games between the races, such as riddles solving & blowing the island’s conch shell. At the end of the event, the winners of each race were announced:
Men's Open Cup
1st Place - Widley / Josimar sailing The Barracuda
2nd Place - Tarick Gremeil sailing Big Papa
3rd Places- Jayden Odrell sailing Miss Val
& John Hudson Sailing Ms. Sara
Class B Winners
1st Place- Wilensky Guerrier sailing Moso Victory
2nd Place- Ralph Wilkes sailing Brenda Sue
3rd Place- Austie Delancy sailing Sassy Kitten
Ladies Open Cup Winners
1st Place - Jerry Horris, sailing True Colors
2nd Place - Myah sailing Sassy Kitten
3rd Place -Meliss / Carrie sailing Ultra Sun
Premier’s Cup
1st Place - Widley / Josimar sailing The Barracuda
2nd Place - Tarick Gremeil sailing Big Papa
3rd Place - Boss sailing Tanned Toucan
Special awards
Youngest Captain- Louis Kendrew
Oldest Captain-Ralph Wilkes
Best Sportsmanship- Wilensky Guerrier
Best Sailing Skills- Ralph Wilke
At the End of the event, Ms. Kaufman was surprised by the amount of the number of participants and newly refurbished boats. Ms. Kaufman states, “I am surprised to see so many participants this year and grateful to see so many newly refurbished boats.” The event was definitely a successful one, and I encourage you to take an interest in the activity, so why not give it a try next time it comes around?
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