BVI Yacht Guide June 2010 by Virgin Islands Property & Yacht

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For sales and queries contact Owen 494.7788 x103 | owen@alookingglass.com www.alookingglass.com facebook: BVI NEWBIE

THE CREW Copy Production Owen Waters, David Blacklock & Traci O'Dea Advertising Production Colin Rathbun, Nick Cunha & Richard George Advertising Sales Owen Waters :: owen@alookingglass.com Graphic Design Richard George & Nick Cunha Executive Producer Colin Rathbun, aLookingGlass Publishing colin@alookingglass.com For additional information contact Nick Cunha or Colin Rathbun at aLookingGlass or visit www.bviyg.com aLookingGlass #7 Road Reef Plaza, P.O. Box 3895 Sea Cows Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands t 284.494.7788 f 284.494.8777 www.alookingglass.com | info@alookingglass.com

On the Cover: HIHO racers at the Baths Cover photo by Rhoderick Grimes-Graeme

letter from the editor Welcome to Yacht Guide's June issue. We, like you, love the water. We also take time out to look at watersports as a natural extension of what we encompass as a guide to property and yachting or, moreover, land and sea. Welcome to June, welcome to the start of summer rather than the end of the season, and have a good look at the activity going on this month. In addition to a very caps-off BVI event, the Highland Spring HIHO, we are also extremely proud to be part of the production of a very special project, BVI Marine Awareness Guide of which we are privy to give you a behind-the-scenes look on this educational tool for generations to enjoy. So, whilst we have been enjoying and planning to do as much as possible this summer in what has been (winch handles crossed) a hurricane-free environment for quite some time, we hope to inspire you to take up some activities, too. Good luck to all our BVI athletes this summer competing in Puerto Rico, USA, and on home turf—no doubt you will do well. And as to those competing against us, well, you haven’t quite seen anything like it. We grin to win; it’s what we do. Enjoy a trip through a slice of watersports in this issue, and as to the next, we are very pleased to announce that the BVI Yacht Guide and BVI Property Guide are in the air, courtesy of BVI Airways. We will be bringing updates on regattas and activities across the islands as we examine our sister island destinations.

Sail fast, like you mean it.

Owen Waters

aLookingGlass Ltd., publisher of BVI Yacht Guide, assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the content placed in its publications. For the avoidance of doubt, aLookingGlass gives no warranty or guarantee in regards to any information placed in its publications. BVI Yacht Guide and its contents are the intellectual property of aLookingGlass Ltd. Neither this magazine nor any part of it may be reproduced without written permission from aLookingGlass Ltd.

JUNE 2010 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com

Owen Waters

Managing Editor Owen Waters :: owen@alookingglass.com

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contents Skipperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tips: Speak Up! Owen hijacks the column to instruct beginners about the most important lesson in any watersport.

Provisioning: Lionfish Recipe? After being prompted by her editor, Chef Susie attempts to experiment with a lionfish recipe.

Reef Check: BVI Marine Awareness Guide 10 The highly anticipated second edition of the BVI Marine Awareness Guide combines the knowledge, talents and support of the Conservation & Fisheries Department, BVI photographers and corporate sponsors to create a stunning and informative publication. Women on the Water: BVI Windsurfer Anna Bullimore 11 In the midst of training for the Central American and Caribbean Games, BVI windsurfer Anna Bullimore take a few minutes to chat about her introduction to the sport. Shoreside Review: Three Sheets Restaurant Three Sheets offers a friendly spot to enjoy hearty, fresh food while people

watching in Road Town. HIHO Evolves into an Adventure Odyssey

This year, HIHO adds stand-up paddling competitions and races to its schedule of windsurfing, sailing, dining and partying that take place June 27 to July 6.

EDGE: Giving Back to the Sport 14 RBVIYC's new coach asserts that the difference between a skilled sailor and a great sailor is commitment and dedication to the local sailing community. BVI Yachting D irectory 15 Look here for the most up-to-date yacht charter and broker listings. It's a great place to start if you're looking to buy or charter a yacht in the BVI.

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JUNE 2010 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com

Skipper's Tips: Speak Up! by Owen Waters

While our skipper is at sea, we decided to hijack his column for our watersports issue to put forward some correlations between the older, more traditional tips of sailing (hmm... fighting words, David?) versus some newer, perhaps faster modes of transport. In particular I have found, being a coach and having been coached over the years, that there are certain no no’s for both coach and student including attitudes that are often unspoken whether it be sailing, kiting or windsurfing. When teaching beginners, I always stress the fact that there is no real natural talent to standing on a board, lifting a sail and mentally willing it to go in directions that seem to dictate speed and pizzazz at will. In fact, the RYA coaching methods were shattered a few years ago by a revolt of instructors and professionals in the industry who got tired of teaching levels as opposed to achieving goals and working on them. The result was a format called fast forward, where the fun elements were learned first to gain confidence and to start being part of something rather than simply reworking a level over and over. I have had many students who claim to be stuck on level one, whilst they are actually out there doing level three, and I scratched my head coming across instructors who were reluctant to sign off on the achievement of the level even though the student was showing massive potential. Result: student quits. I can only refer to my professional coach that installed and hammered the mantra into me, that there are no levels. He considered levels equivalent to platforms to stay put on. Instead, there are ceilings to be smashed like a wild banshee released from hell and rattle the gatekeepers of the sacred tribe of no-cando. (Yes, he was Irish.) So, onto the frustrating sport of sailing, an age-old, learned experience of watching others and teetering commitment over the winch or sheet, “Can I have a go? Will I be able to do it? What if I accidently gybe the boat and make an ass of

myself?” Well, here is the golden clue— with all sports, it’s very doubtful you look like an ass even to begin with, and if you aren’t being encouraged to have a go and find your way, and that keenness isn’t appreciated, then that has a lot to do with the company you are keeping rather than your skill level, unless you are sailing with the flying Scotsman who wants to be strapped to the wheel for an eternity of penance. If that’s the case, ask the salty dogs to fetch their own rum. So, back to watersports and the unspoken between said teacher and student.The teacher was once a student, and the teacher learns as much about their own communication and skill set as the student progresses.The teacher, not being gifted with telepathic powers, can only see the physical results of the instruction, and the student, not being gifted with any Zen-like powers either, need not be quiet, so do speak up! The space between is the uncomfortable silence of, “Am I doing well?” versus “Well, it’s only another hour, and then I think I will pass this, okay, I mean I paid for it so I can do it.”You know the bottom line: if it feels right, and you feel confident in what you are doing, then you are doing it right, and a good teacher can sense that. It makes them want to teach you more. And when it gets stale, and you are sitting on the weather rail, think fast forward that you are on holiday, too and would like to sail then ask, “Can I have a go?” Because it is not a natural-born talent but a learned one. Say it one more time, “I want to have a go.”The response will be, “Of course!” Ever wonder how kids start so young? YG

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‘This is good eating,’ whispered Taki to my surprise, for the fish, if anything, looked highly poisonous...I wanted to know why, if it was poisonous, it was supposed to be good eating. ‘Ah,’ said Taki, ‘it’s only the spines.You cut those off.The flesh is sweet, as sweet as honey. I will give it to you to take home with you...Tell your mother,’ he said, ‘to cook it with hot paprika and oil and potatoes and little marrows. It is very sweet.’ ” – Gerald Durrell, Birds, Beasts and Relatives

Provisioning

Lionfish Recipe? by Susie Younkle Lionfish sightings have been a topic of much discussion and concern in the BVI lately—and for good reason. Native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the voracious lionfish have no natural predators in the Caribbean Sea. Humans are the only real predator for this invasive species. When my editor Traci mentioned that Yacht Guide was interested in articles about lionfish due to the recent sightings in the BVI, she asked if I could include lionfish in one of my recipes. I stared at her with a mix of curiosity and horror, wondering if she was joking. (She was not.) I had heard a little about lionfish and immediately the word “poisonous” came to mind. So why was Traci talking about eating lionfish? Obviously, she knew something that I did not. As it turns out, lionfish is venomous and can cause serious discomfort to humans, but it is not poisonous. And the toxicity is present only in the spines, not the flesh. The fish must be handled carefully, and the spines must be removed by someone skilled in handling dangerous fish. Once the fish have been properly cleaned, though, the flesh is edible and apparently quite tasty. The flavour is described as mild and slightly sweet with flesh that is firmer than snapper. While lionfish are new to the Virgin Islands, The Bahamas are already experiencing huge ecological, and potentially economic, problems due to this invasive species. Ironically, the delicious taste of the fish is a major factor that may curtail the growth of the species in the Caribbean Sea. Fisherman in The Bahamas have been finding a ready and eager market for their lionfish catches, and Caribbean and American restaurant-goers have been intrigued by this new and tasty addition to menus. Unfortunately, I’ve had no success procuring lionfish to sample and test for recipes. Outside of Asia and 8

The Bahamas, there’s limited commercial distribution of the fish. In fact, the fishmongers I contacted regarding purchasing lionfish found my request to be downright crazy. One suggested I order his scorpion fish, a scary-sounding fish that is in the same family as lionfish. The others told me to travel to South Florida or The Bahamas if I wanted to potentially find the fish available for sale. On the one hand, I’m disappointed that I cannot taste lionfish, since I like sampling new and exotic foods, and reef fish are generally quite tasty—think of snapper, grouper and trigger fish. Then again, I’m glad that lionfish are not abundant enough (and hope that they never will be) to make their way onto menus in BVI restaurants. I’m perfectly content to keep eating snapper, mahi and other local favorites and forego lionfish in the BVI forever.

starting to sizzle, place the fillets in the hot skillet. Cook until the fillets turn black, about three minutes on each side. When done the fish should flake easily when tested with a fork. Serves two. Other options: Blackened snapper makes a delicious fish sandwich with mayo. Alternatively, take advantage of this month’s in-season mangoes by serving the fish with a fresh mango salsa. YG

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Blackened Snapper This may seem like a large amount of spices but be sure to use the all the spices for the full blackened effect. • • • • • • • • •

2 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp thyme 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp sugar 2 snapper fillets – about 6 oz each Olive oil

Combine all spices in a bowl. Brush a small amount of olive oil on both sides of each fish fillet. Evenly rub the spice mixture onto the fillets. Place 2 tsp of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is ready and

JUNE 2010 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com

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Reef CHeCk

British Virgin islands

awareness According to principal author Shannon Gore, the idea for BVI Marine Awareness Guide originally came about because she overheard a charter captain explaining about anchoring. “Horrified that he actually told his guests to find a reef to drop the anchor on,” she writes, “I decided that something should be written for all those seasoned sailors who may not know much about marine life.” At a recent meeting of the Association of Reef Keepers (ARK), I learned that there have been other instances when megayachts anchored on reefs, resulting in major damage. Apparently, one particular boat—a research vessel, no less—had sophisticated equipment that showed they were anchoring on “rocks.”They later were horrified when ARK showed them the destruction their boat had caused to the corals. The key word in the title of BVI Marine Awareness Guide is awareness. In the BVI, you don’t anchor on rocks because it is most likely reef. Nor do you anchor in seagrass meadows because they are home to juvenile reef fish and hundreds of invertebrates, according to Marine Awareness Guide. Mangrove stands and coral reefs are well known as being crucial parts of the marine ecosystem, but seagrass meadows are just as vital, and the

GUIDE

Marine Awareness Guide hopes to educate visitors and residents about the importance of all marine habitats. In addition to a chapter on habitats, BVI Marine Awareness Guide features sections on Species, Conservation, Safety, Dangers and Laws. Each chapter is sponsored by a local business with an interest in protecting the undersea world. Chapter sponsors include Victor International Corporation— parent company of Oil Nut Bay and Biras Creek Resort; Nanny Cay Resort and Marina; Mosaka Ventures;The Moorings and Sunsail; CCT Global Communications; and the youth programs of Action Quest, Sail Caribbean and Sea Trek.The publication was further supported by The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, Horizon Yacht Charters, Roadtown Wholesale, Rosewood Little Dix Bay and Sotheby’s International Realty. Finding support, according to sponsorship director Owen Waters, was not a difficult task, as he has recently seen what he calls “a crying out for the synergy between commerce and conservation...with an intention to secure what is in jeopardy.” While the sponsors generously gave of their funds to support the printing of the Guide, BVI-based photographers generously donated their art.The work of Jim Scheiner from Rainbow Visions Photography graces most pages of the Guide, including the stunning cover shot.

by Traci O'Dea

Other photographers whose images fill the publication are Wayne Atkinson, Trish Baily, Clare Cottreau, Shannon Gore, Paul Hubbard, Katherine Huskey, Armando Jenik, Randy Keil, Laura Magruder, Walker Mangum, George and Luana Marler, Antonio MignucciGiannoni, Nancy Pascoe, Beverly Ruebeck, Gemma Salaman and Chris Syms. Designer on the project, Nick Cunha, says, “The design was inspired by the photography” and cites the cover as one place where he “had the freedom of taking elements from the graphic side and photographic side and combining them together.” He adds that “one of the most difficult parts of this job was picking from 500 photos donated.The photography was so captivating, I often caught myself appreciating photos rather than analyzing them for use. Even though the book is a solid 70 pages, I was out of space before I knew it.” With everyone donating so much, the Guide can remain a free publication. Shannon writes on the fifth page, “Much like the marine life, coral reefs and waters that surround these pristine islands, this publication is NOT for sale.” Shannon wants the information to be spread throughout the BVI. BVI Marine Awareness Guide is proudly distributed in the BVI for free, from June 2010. An online version is available at www.bvimarineawareness.com. YG

BVI Marine Awareness Guide cover detail. www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI YACHT GUIDE JUNE 2010

Anna enjoying a little short-board action in her backyard. Photo courtesy of yachtshotsbvi.com.

Women on the Water BVI Windsurfer Anna Bullimore by Traci O'Dea

This summer, windsurfer Anna Bullimore will be representing the British Virgin Islands in the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. YG spoke with Anna about her love of the sport and her gratitude to be wearing the BVI colours.

they have sailing experience, they catch on quicker than just the difference in climate, “There’s a lot more Anna’s first experience with windsurfing was because they have wind awareness.” freedom here, too.You don’t have to worry about tides when, as a child, she’d watch her brother When I asked Anna about any future windsurfing and such. In the UK, you have to have a plan.The wind learn the sport from Jeremy Wright at goals, she said, “I would love to be able to do push is a lot punchier, so you have to be careful with your Boardsailing BVI. loops and master the carve gybe.” She paused then sail selection. Here, you have the nice, constant easterly “After his lessons, I used to hang off the board while earnestly said, “I hope to represent the BVI positively. tradewinds. Also, you can windsurf everywhere.You’re he windsurfed around Trellis,” she said. But she didn't That would be an accomplishment of a goal. I feel not going to get yelled at for windsurfing in a shipping pursue windsurfing until she was at the University of like it’s an absolute blessing that I get to go [to the channel.” She added that another advantage is that Exeter. “There was a fresher’s week with lots of clubs Caribbean Games], and I’m glad to be going with BVI since there are so many people out on the water at to join, and I joined the windsurfing club,” she told athletes. It’s a real community.” all times, she can go out windsurfing confidently on me, but she didn’t instantly take to the sport that had Jeremy Wright, along with YG editor Owen Waters, her own without worrying about getting stuck. “I used attracted her since childhood. “I hated it.You'd go out encouraged Anna to participate in the 2010 Central there and mill around in this muddy pond. It was rough. to go out with other people for safety, but it can be American and Caribbean Games. “To represent the hard to coordinate,” she said, “so now I go out on my But then I’d watch professional windsurfing videos, and BVI would be an honour,” own. If there are any issues, I wanted to try to be that good, so I stuck with it." The she said. “I will have to anyone would help—other more she stuck with it, the more it paid off. "It’s like a "I didn't want to wipe out in a work hard, for sure.” When windsurfers or kiteboarders plateau at first,” she continued, “then you get to stages she claimed that she’s not or sailors. It’s busy on the when you get encouragement.” Anna recounted the set, so it taught me to commit a naturally competitive first time she was able accelerate using the "mini waves" water, and everyone’s in my harness and sheet in." person, I didn’t believe her. friendly.” I can’t imagine in Daymer Bay, UK. “I didn't want to wipe out in a set, Though she may not thrive anyone turning down a so it taught me to commit in my harness and sheet on beating other windsurfers, she is clearly pushing request for help from Anna—one of the most cheerful, in.” After playing with her speed for a while, the next herself to improve. Her training includes extensive time upbeat people I’ve met in the BVI. stage was planing—gliding over the water at optimum on the water every weekend and as much as she can As we chatted, I wasn’t surprised to learn that performance instead of plowing through it. “But the during the week. “I try to sneak in a cheeky session Anna had grown up around boats. She has done best part was when I began water-starting,” she added, deliveries between France and the UK with her father, before or after work,” she said. “Jeremy is training me “it allowed me to venture out in rougher seas and I had on the water and giving me DVDs for theory lessons.” a yacht broker in England, and she lived on a boat more freedom to choose where to launch from.” She called Jeremy “the go-to person for windsurfing,” for nine months, island-hopping from Trinidad to When asked about the differences between and it’s only appropriate that he’s the person who is St Martin. “I’m still very much learning everything— windsurfing in the BVI and the UK, Anna first mentioned coaching her, but she has come a long way since the sailing, windsurfing, but I love them both,” she said. the obvious temperature contrast. “It’s so much easier days when she’d hang off her brother’s board. YG “Windsurfing is my favourite sport, but the sailing to get out there when you’re in your boardies and a knowledge helps. When I’m teaching someone, if rash guard versus a full wet suit,” she said. But more 10

JUNE 2010 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com

Shoreside Review

Chicken goujonettes with honey mustard sauce make a tasty lunchtime appetizer. by Traci O'Dea

Three Sheets Restaurant Three Sheets has one of the friendliest staffs in Road Town. Every time I visit, I am welcomed with smiles from Jason, Karen and the rest of the gang. And when I climb the stairs to the open-air Castaways Lookout Bar on top of the restaurant, I always get a hug from Soljah. This is a true island restaurant in its laid back attitude, sunny atmosphere and dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. “I like that I have corn on my fish sandwich,” he said. While it embraces the best qualities of the Beaconite Todd VanSickle ordered his veggie chilled Caribbean lifestyle, the restaurant burger with cheese, mushrooms and bacon?! is also pretty plugged in—offering free Sort of defeats the purpose, but he pronounced Wi-fi to customers, displaying satellite it delicious then mumbled something about how TV on five high-definition flatscreens and the overflowing sandwich conjured memories of a 100” image projector with surround lava lamps and watching Captain Kangaroo. Beacon sound (broadcasting every fIfA World Cup reporter Dan O’Connor and Deon Morgan from Soccer game this month), and using social National Parks Trust both ordered the chicken networking sites such as facebook and special—chicken breast pan seared with garlic and twitter to announce daily specials, sporting olive oil served with scalloped potatoe casserole, events and bar promotions. Despite all this, corn on the cob and fresh salad. it still maintains a relaxed vibe. “This tastes like home cookin’,” Dan declared. I Perched above Waterfront Drive across from the don’t know how he finished it all, but he did. Deon ferry dock and beside Sir Olva Georges Plaza, the was not as successful, but Freeman was happy to bright dining room provides a view of the lunchtime help her out. bustle of the British Virgin Islands’ capital city— By the end of the meal, all plates were clean, so lawyers exiting the commercial court, taxi drivers no one had room for the homemade desserts that parking their vehicles, passengers disembarking from Karen offered—carrot cake, chocolate cheesecake ferries, and business people chatting by the fountain. But my friends and I felt disconnected from our own with cherries, key lime pie and passionfruit cheesecake. Someone mentioned having some busy lives as we sipped our beverages and browsed more fire cherries, but we refrained, and left the YG the menu. restaurant feeling content, relaxed and appreciated. Karen warned us that because she was out of regular maraschinos, she’d used a fire cherry to garnish one of the drinks. After BVI Beacon editor Freeman Rogers, our guinea pig, tasted it and declared it edible, we all wanted one, so she brought us more. The fire cherries, infused with amaretto, rum and Tabasco sauce, certainly earned their name. The sweet and spicy flavours complemented each other, and I imagined making spicy cherry Cokes with them. We ordered another round of beverages to cool our tastebuds. Soon thereafter, the chicken goujonettes arrived A lunch special that and pleased everyone. Three Sheets’ goujonettes "tastes like home cookin.'" consist of fresh, tender chicken breast strips that are lightly battered then fried and served with a honey mustard dipping sauce. They went fast, and the troops were ready for their meals when they arrived. Each plate practically overflowed with our entrees and side dishes. My veggie roti—chick peas, carrots, peppers, potatoes and onions stuffed into a perfectly chewy roti skin—was accompanied by a fluffy side salad of lettuce, tomato, corn, red onion, carrots and mandarin oranges along with a helping of fresh, homemade Caribbean cole slaw—cabbage, raisins and carrots and in a tangy dressing. Freeman’s The smiling staff of Three Sheets Restaurant and Castaways Lookout Bar. fresh mahi mahi sandwich came with the same sides, with additional salad on his bun. www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI YACHT GUIDE JUNE 2010

Slalom action—VG Baths to Trellis. Photo courtesy of Rhoderick Grimes-Graeme.

HIHO Evolves into an Adventure Odyssey by Owen Waters

It is 26 years now since the world famous windsurfing adventure race round the British Virgin Islands began. from its conception as a pro-am, long distance windsurf racing event in the windswept blue waters of the Atlantic, Caribbean and Sir francis Drake Channel, the event has no peak era; it simply evolves, encompassing new sporting events and pushing the limits to create an adventure for every waterman, woman and child.This year, with the addition of stand up paddling (SUP), the Highland Spring HIHO maintains its discipline of world-class athletes windsurfing, travelling aboard catamarans exploring the Islands, and oh did we mention five-star lunches and dinners on beaches, parties? Health is paramount, and in the islands, our outlook is activity on the water, predominantly. It isn’t to say that any windsurfer, sailor, swimmer, snorkeler or stand

pit into a pro-am event of windsurfing and stand up up paddler shares the same perspective, but there paddling in two separate disciplines. Entries from all is something breathtaking about charging across the over the world include Wilhelm Schurmann returning Sir Francis Drake Channel, rig in hand and powered with a team from Brazil to defend his victory in the over 20 knots, destined to scream to the beach, hit Highland Spring HIHO 2008 event. The SUP division the finish flag and park up under a coconut tree for will be headlined by champion US paddler Ernie a cold beer and a catered lunch. These days, more Johnson from California. Johnson will be joined by his people look for the adventure element of active wife Andie who is a top women’s competitor. Adding holidays—it has been that way on this event for over SUP came about from Andy Morrell’s desire to 26 years now. Why break a good thing? expand the Andy HIHO event. Morrell is . . .there is something breathtaking about charging SUP is one the organizer, of the fastest former across Sir Francis Drake Channel, rig in hand. . . growing competitor watersports and active in the world. The goal is for Highland Spring HIHO to waterman of HIHO, the head honcho. Now with two become the sport’s premier destination event. boys Sam and Josh ripping it up out on the water, the Not only does everyone competing test their windsurfing legacy looks solid for the future. This year limits in the event to gain podium or personal bests sees the return of champions, current and former,

Photo finish after racing—Sandy Spit. Photo courtesy of Ocean Promotions.

JUNE 2010 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com

over a week’s long racing, but it is also an event where friends reconnect, familiar faces are recognized, styles have improved, and the event is a quick pick up from the last. ”What have you been up to? Riding pretty hard, I’m juiced for this one,” is a regular icebreaker, often followed by “Great let’s see it. See you out there.” Some of the most familiar faces in the event are the captains who help competitors every step of the way. “ They are the backbone of the event,” says a smiling Andy Morrell, “With their knowledge, help, and eyes on the water, we always feel assured the guests and racers are onto a great week away from it all. That and island life, weather and great times always makes me feel good about this event.” Certainly looking back, there have been major significant events over the HIHO years. The Royal Navy Frigate whose guns started the race in 2005, helicopters that seemed to shadow the racers, lunch at Necker Island, and

ANDY'S HIHO

last year the 25th anniversary seeing a reunion of veterans who competed in the very first events, back again with old friends, still windsurfing and still grinning.“This year we expect great racing and fun parties,” adds Andy who still windsurfs but finds competing and running the event a bit of a handful. “The addition of SUP will see more competition, more nightly awards and more fun. We have lots of families in this year’s event and we are expecting a strong BVI team which is always gratifying.” Competitors are set to board yachts and hit the water on June 27 and wrap up July 6. The week’s event will encompass a myriad of racing, partying and windswept fun across the BVI, from Tortola to Virgin Gorda, Anegada and the blasting through the Drake’s Channel that makes up the unique event of the Highland Spring HIHO. Catch the action on www.go-hiho.com or visit HIHO stores for further updates. YG

by Andy Morrell

The event began in 1979 and was sponsored by Johnnie Walker until 1986. I raced twice, placing 1st in 1986, then I bought the event and restarted it in 1993 and have been running it ever since. One of the most memorable times was when The Royal Navy contacted us in 2005 and asked if they could take part. We used HMS Liverpool as a start boat. In the evening, we had a drinks party on board and then the crew came ashore for the pirate party at the Last Resort. A team from the Royal Navy returns to race every other year. New this year, we’re adding stand-up paddle racing. I think SUP will prove to be a great addition. Every few years we start the event down-island. We are mulling an Antigua start for 2011 with a 90mile SUP race from Anguilla to Virgin Gorda. Also new this year, my sons are competing in the windsurfing class. They love it! The Highland Springs HIHO is a great combination of inter-island racing, fun parties and adventure. It’s a unique week.You can’t really run an event like this anywhere else in the world.

Trellis round Dead Chest to Peter Island. Photo courtesy of Rhoderick Grimes-Graeme. www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI YACHT GUIDE JUNE 2010

DonTae' Hodge puts his back into it. Photo courtesy of Chris Watters.

EDGE

Giving Back to the Sport by Justin da Silva

Both as a sailor and as a coach, I’ve had the opportunity to witness, firsthand, the importance of giving back to the sailing community. I grew up sailing at a yacht club situated in a small suburb just outside of Toronto, Ontario. As the summers passed and I grew older, I honed my skills to become one of the top youth sailors in Canada. In order to give back to the program that reared me, I began teaching summer camp and coaching the Optimist racing team. After my first summer, I was motivated to improve and upgrade the short two-week camp into a full summer racing program.This program allowed the kids to progress to a level that I was never exposed to at their age. After seeing three full summers of this plan in action, I was proud of the regatta results and the overall improvements of the young sailors.This was when I truly felt like I had made an impact on the program that had given me so much. Upon attaining my current position as the head instructor of Royal British Virgin Islands Yacht Club and coach of the BVI sailing team, I was quite keen to work in a program that makes such an impact on a close-knit community. Through the KATS program, I have been able to work with a great group of eager kids who might not normally have the opportunity to sail. Beginner afterschool programs have allowed me to work with children who show a strong interest in 14

sailing at a young age. This shows great promise for the local BVI sailing scene. Working extensively with the BVI Sailing Team has always been the highlight of my job as racing is my passion. As the coach of a group of young and talented sailors, I feel that it is important to try and instil some of the morals and values that turn a skilled sailor into a great sailor within a community. Notably, many of the kids on the team have taken to this and have been volunteering to help out the program and local community. Jason Putley is one of the BVI’s top youth sailors, and not just for the fact that he places well in competition. He frequently volunteers at the yacht club, whether it be helping repair and clean our fleet of Optimists or assisting with the after-school beginner lessons. At only 12 years of age, he is already making an impact within the BVI sailing community by helping to create a fun and energetic environment for the 5 and 6 year-olds he assists in the afterschool lessons. DonTae' Hodge is a talented young sailor who came up through the KATS program and showed great skill from an early age. He became a part of the BVI Sailing Team and has represented the BVI all over the world in the Optimist class and now in the Laser 4.7 and Radial classes. As a product of the KATS program, he understands the importance of giving back to the community and has been a great help with running holiday sailing camps and volunteering for the BVI Spring Regatta. Former BVI Sailing Team member, Chris Brockbank, organized a very successful remote-control boat regatta for a school project. Chris donated all the proceeds generated from the regatta to the BVI Sailing Team in order to offset some of the costs of registration and travelling to off-island events. Chris has also has given more than money to the program he learn to sail in; in the past, he has donated his time to help out with summer sailing camps. Jason, DonTae' and Chris are incredible examples of what separates a skilled sailor from a great sailor. A great sailor understands the importance of the local community, and always gives back for what they have received from the BVI sailing team. As a coach, I’m rewarded to see kids from the team making a difference at such a young age. I encourage sailors of every age to give back to the community in order to preserve the sport and pastime that has given so much to so many of us. YG

JUNE 2010 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com

UPCOMING RACES Quantum Sails IC24 International Regatta 12 - 13 Jun Lowell Wheatley Anegada Pursuit Race 26 Jun Firecracker (WEYC race) 3 Jul Premier’s Cup 10 - 11 Jul Manhattan Yacht Club Trophy Race 18 Jul Back to Schools Regatta 4 - 5 Sep Open Sail to Norman Island 25 Sep Pete Sheals Match Racing 2 - 3 Oct Willy-T Virgins Cup Race 9 Oct BVI Schools Regatta 30 - 31 Oct Drakes Channel Treasure Hunt 6 Nov Round Tortola Race 20 Nov O'Neal & Mundy Commodores Cup & Prizes 18 Dec And if that's not enough, check out the forum on www.IC24.org for more weekly beercan racing action right off the southern end of Nanny Cay. IC24s are the new fad in racing and spreading fast to the rest of the Caribbean and North America.

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www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI YACHT GUIDE JUNE 2010