The challenge has been issued and Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith is preparing to defend his title in the 12th Annual Great Festival Sloop Shootout and Heritage Regatta set for August 1 – 4, 2015 as part of Emancipation Festival celebrations. Photo: Provided

Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith won the 2014 Island Sloop Sailing Festival Regatta Annual Festival Races. Photo: nannycay.com

The Great Festival Sloop Shootout was created in 2004 as a means of reviving the traditional sloop races which occurred every August Tuesday during the emancipation celebrations. Photo: Provided

Premier Smith and his team will be competing against first time challenger, His Excellency the Governor John S. Duncan OBE and his team in the Sloop Shootout race on Tuesday August 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.

Premier Smith said, “The British Virgin Islands is well-known for our sailing waters and this friendly competition with Governor Duncan is yet another opportunity to demonstrate why we are the sailing capital of the world, and showcase our maritime legacy.”

The sloop race is organised and sponsored by the Centre for Applied Marine Studies at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and sponsored by the Loyal West End Yacht Club, the Royal BVI Yacht Club and the Virgin Islands Powerboat Association.

Promoting a greater understanding of maritime culture in VI

Race coordinator and curator of HLSCC’s Virgin Islands Maritime Museum, Mr Geoffrey Brooks said, “At HLSCC, through the Centre for Applied Marine Studies, we are dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of maritime culture in the Virgin Islands and the importance of local boat building. This traditional sloop races is an integral part of our local education.”

Races will begin at the Road Town Jetty on Saturday August 1 and Tuesday, August 4, at 11:00 a.m. All races will take place in the Road Town harbor and the public is invited to come out and show their support.

The Great Festival Sloop Shootout was created in 2004 as a means of reviving the traditional sloop races which occurred every August Tuesday during the emancipation celebrations. 

It is a race between the Honourable Premier of the Virgin Islands and His Excellency, the Governor with the winner receiving a perpetual trophy to display in their respective offices for a year until the next race occurs.

The VI’s premiers past and present lead the win/draw/lose tally with six wins and one draw – the inaugural race between Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith and Governor Tom Macan resulted in a tie.