Competitors from four island nations met in Anguilla at the end of January for the Anguilla Dinghy Regatta 2011, an annual event of growing importance and prestige on the Caribbean youth sailing calendar. The four countries were Puerto Rico, St. Barthelemy, St. Maarten, and Anguilla.
Young boys and girls, ages eight to eighteen, competed in near perfect sailing conditions just outside Road Bay. There were 37 sailors divided among four classes – the 420 class, the Laser class, the Optimist Dinghy Gold class for sailors over 12 years of age, and the Optimist Dinghy Silver class for sailors age 12 and under.
Anguilla sailors dominated the 420 and Laser classes. In the 420 class, first place went to Kendal Richardson and Ethan 'Rumple' Lloyd. Second place went to Kedeem Proctor and Derek Hughes. In the Laser class, Starlin Rosario claimed first place prize and Kadeem Joseph took second.
St. Maarten and Puerto Rico were outstanding in the two Optimist Dinghy classes. In Opti Gold, Rhône Findlay of St. Maarten took first podium place with Julio Rojo of Puerto Rico in second, and Bodine Beentjes of St. Maarten, third. Opti Silver winners were all from St. Maarten. First place was Alec Scarabelli, second Leonardo Knol, and third was earned by Ferdinand Unser.
The regatta winners received special trophies made of native Anguilla stone, and all competitors received a 'Goodie Bag', plus a framed photo of themselves actually competing in the Regatta.
Ten year-old Pith Cabal-Tabard of St. Barth suffered a protest from another sailor, and, through his coach and a translator, admitted to the Protest Committee that he illegally sculled using his rudder, but "only for a meter or two." He was disqualified for that race, but because of his honesty, forthright admission of guilt, and clearly visible repentance, he was awarded the Regatta's finest honor, the Sportsmanship Award.
Report submitted by Fred Randall.
