News
Junior Sailors show out at Big South Regatta 2023
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 22, 2023 – The Big South’ Regatta is always a sight to behold but this year it had a special sort of flair as the children took over the boat races. Thanks to training clinics at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre and Iris Stubbs Primary a host of youngsters were equipped with the skills to sail life size boats and did so
Photos shared with Magnetic Media show the youngsters attentively learning how to properly control the sailboats on land before they hit the water for the 56th annual celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the Island.
The event was held in the picturesque regatta sailing waters off South Caicos, and while on the water, supervisory adults were close by the entire way to maintain safety and shout encouragement across the waves.
Organizers of the event said it was the first time since 2017, when the Jetty and Regatta Village were destroyed by Hurricane Irma that they managed to honor the history of the event by staging sailboat races.
Magnetic Media was told that the races this year were held in honor of Capt. Wing Dean, a prominent boat builder, sailor and racer who passed away just before the cultural event. Organizers said his absence was palpable as there were no Caicos Sloops attending due to his untimely passing.
The Junior Division was topped by three excellent pairs:
- 1st Markey Zepherin & Leonardo Jacinthe;
- 2nd Scarlet Browning & Javerno Rigby;
- 3rd Amira Lightbourne & Ana Rancano
The Senior Division titles went to:
- 1st Sam Slattery;
- 2nd Giorgio De Conto
- 3rd Martee Doverspike
According to David Douglas, the event was hosted by the TCI Sailing Association and the Provo Sailing Club with help from the TCI Boat Club who kindly towed the boats to the location.