One of the most positive events happening in the BVI is the predominance of kids and their excellence in water events. As a parent, there is nothing that pleases me more than to see the younger generation taking to the water. Recently we had three such events on our islands and excellence was a part of them all.
The 3rd BVIYC School’s Regatta took place recently with two classes competing for the coveted Laser Radials and Optis Trophies. Top honors went to a great young BVI sailor, Bryshaun Scatliffe who came in 1st in the Laser Radial Class. Bryshaun is a long time competitor in not only local youth racing but international events as well. He is currently a student at BVI High School and has represented the BVI in the Athens Olympics, Optimist Worlds in Spain, the Optimist North Americans in Bermuda, and was the voted the best Club junior helmsman RBVIYC. Bryshaun is the jib trimmer for top adult BVI racer Guy Eldridge on his Melges 24 – Mistress Quickly.
In the Opti Class, Alec Anderson took 1st place. No stranger to the sea, Alec has been in the sailing world almost since birth – his father manages the infamous “Willy T” – home to sailors throughout the Caribbean.
The Red Stripe Surf Series was also held in December with ten surfing youngsters showing their prowess. Having surfed for three years, youngster Cameron Walton won this event. The amazing thing about this is that Cameron is only eight. Trevor Jones, Charley Tarn, Joshua Morrell and Henry Pascoe came in 2nd thru 5th respectively and showed tenacity as well as skills as they maneuvered their boards through several large waves at Josiah’s Bay.
And not to be outdone, Evan and Grayson Smith won the coveted Seven Seas Cruising Association Clean Wake Award (along with their parents) aboard their J-44, Indigo, when they rallied from Hampton, Virginia, to Road Town, Tortola, in the 1500 mile rally sponsored by West Marine. These youngsters not only learned all of the basics of ocean navigation but also quite a bit about log keeping and fishing at sea.
