They Came, They Built, They Sunk
On Friday, February 11th, twenty-four teams competed in the second annual BYOB Competition at The Catamaran Marina. Sponsored by The Wobbly Club (so named for the wobbly table the group sat around), the Build Your Own Boat contest is quickly becoming a favorite with everyone!
For a $100 EC entry fee, each team is given four hours, 40 square feet of plywood, 32 feet of 1 x 1, ½ lb of nails, 1 roll of duct tape, 1 package of garbage bags, 10 yards of rope and surprise supplies not known until the day of the event (this year, there was water soluble glue) from which to build their vessel. Power tools, sails and life jackets are supplied by each team and let me tell you, life jackets are a must!
When I arrived at the marina, construction had been underway for about three hours. I parked at Antigua Rigging and it was the sound that first drew my attention. No teams were to be seen but the sound of pounding nails was deafening! Following my way about to the marina proper, I was taken aback by the creativity and activity I encountered. Teams were feverishly putting the final details in to their vessels. There were boats of sophisticated design and other still that “made you go….hmmmmm.” There were multi-hulls and dinghies, oarlocks and sails and one vessel that looked remarkably like a church pew! Some boats were painted and others yet, merely covered in black garbage bags. As race time drew near…yes, these vessels were then going to race…the frenzy grew. Spectators had become abundant and there was such an air of good fun it was difficult not to get sucked in to the frenzy yourself.
At 5:00, Commodore Helen Bailey made a brief speech, handed everyone a Carib beer and saw the vessels off to the starting line at Bailey’s Boat Yard. The course was set from the boat yard, around the Cat Club dock to the finish at Jimmy’s Bar & Restaurant. For the second time that afternoon, I could not see the teams but as the race started there were cheers, a burst of wind and rain. Yes, rain! As if these vessels weren’t having enough trouble staying afloat! Approximately nine safety boats followed the race for towing, saving and encouragement. What a hoot! Honestly, I cannot recall watching a more fun race in my life. Vessels disintegrated, others sunk and all the while the teams kept going…powered by oars, fins and sheer will power. Forty-five minutes later, the final boat had crossed the line in a glamorous sunset finish.
When all was said and done, the following prizes were awarded while sponsors AS Brydens (Carib) and Premiere Beverages (English Harbour Rum) kept the teams from having to BYOB (natch)!
Best Design: t/t Merde
Last to Finish: Tenacious II
Love Boat (most condoms used): Hard-on
Least Dressed: Kate & Shipwrights from Woodstock
Most Inventive Mast: Lost Boys
Best Dressed: “Pointless” Queens of the Caribbean
Most Professional: Rum Squall “Is a Rose”
Best Headwear: Mistress QQ
Most Patriotic: Pheasant Plucker
Best Padded Seat: Messinka
Best Burial at Sea: Coffin Racin’ Jimmy
Best Beggars: Tenacious “Wonder Bird”
2nd Best Beggars: Dev “I did a rod” Sled
Most International Crew: Exhibit A - Fleurtje
Best Multi-Hull: Miles & Metal Men
Most Absent Crew: Mike & the Mechanics
Most Dramatic Sinking: Chester Yacht Club
Most Innovative: Kumonawannalaya
Most in Need of Rescue: Team OECS
Most Enthusiastic: Ripple
Most Original: Miss Secretary
3rd Place: Stealth - Chippy
2nd Place: Hardwood – Woodstock Caulkers
1st Over Line: “Too Smart for own Good” Felicita West A & B
Overall Winner: Woodstock Caulkers - Hardwood
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