BYOB Competition: Creative Chaos at the Catamaran Marina’s Build Your Own Boat Race
Experience the excitement of the BYOB Competition at Catamaran Marina, where creativity meets chaos in a fun-filled boat-building race. Discover the unique designs, thrilling race, and the unforgettable moments that made this event a hit!
A Unique Challenge for Creative Minds
On Friday, February 11th, twenty-four teams competed in the second annual BYOB Competition at The Catamaran Marina. Sponsored by The Wobbly Club, named after 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 was 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, it was water-soluble glue) to build their vessel. Power tools, sails, and life jackets were supplied by each team—and let me tell you, life jackets were a must!
The Frenzy of Construction Begins
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! As I made my way to the marina proper, I was taken aback by the creativity and activity I encountered. Teams were feverishly putting the final touches on their vessels.
There were boats of sophisticated design and others 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, while others were 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 that it was difficult not to get sucked into the frenzy yourself.
The Race Begins: A Battle Against the Elements
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 willpower. Forty-five minutes later, the final boat crossed the line in a glamorous sunset finish.
Awards and Recognition: Celebrating Creativity and Fun
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
Conclusion: An Event to Remember
The BYOB Competition at The Catamaran Marina was a day filled with creativity, chaos, and endless fun. Whether you were a participant or a spectator, it was impossible not to get caught up in the excitement. We can’t wait to see what next year’s competition brings!
Callie Frisell has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.
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