Team Anguila lived up to its promise to lift the Premiers Cup in 2011

Anguilla was among eight teams competing in the 13^th Annual Regatta, organized by Kids and the Sea (KATS) and the Rotary Clubs of the Virgin Islands and sponsored by Digicel BVI, the BVI Tourist Board, Nanny Cay Resort & Marina, Oil Nut Bay, The Moorings and LIAT. The other teams were from Antigua, 1^st timersGrenada, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Lucia, Tortola and the USA, which copped the Mackie Sportsmanship Award.

It was a close race between the teams from Anguilla and St. Croix, with Anguilla getting the edge by a mere 4 points. According to Race Coordinator Tom Gerker, “this is the first time in 18 years that the first placed team did not start in ‘St’. Anguilla left last year vowing to win this year’s event; they practiced all year for the event, competed hard, made few mistakes and maintained outstanding sportsmanship and fellowship.”

Team BVI's Coach, Richard Wooldridge about to be over taken in the Optimist Race by Team St Lucia's Omari Scott

All teams raced in IC24s, with winds on Saturday of 12-15 knots with a 1-2ft chop, while Sunday was squally with winds as low as 10 but gusting up over 20, with up to 3ft chop.

The point standings at the end of the regatta were Anguilla – 42; St. Croix – 46; St. Lucia – 66; BVI – 68; Puerto Rico – 71; Antigua – 103; Grenada – 115 and USA – 135.

The Tug of War contest was won by Grenada who out pulled Team Anguilla in the final following many close calls and much merriment on the beach. Team BVI lost to Grenada in the semi finals and Anguilla dealt with with Team St Croix.

The Coaches also took to the water, racing optimists around the channel marker buoys. Team BVI’s Richard Wooldridge was ahead for most of the way, but was pipped at the posts by Team St Lucia’s Omari Scott. Team Anguilla finished 3^rd and Team St Croix 4^th.

As part of its 5 year Platinum sponsorship deal with KATS, Digicel last month presented a $10,000 cheque to KATS, supplied phones for the team members to call home while here, special shirts for the Frozen T-shirt competition, a Bouncy Castle for the kids’ activities and Double Top Up on site.

Grenada out pulled St Croix to win the Tug 'O' War