A neck to neck race was eventually won by the Premier, Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith as he surged ahead on the stretch back to Nanny Cay. Photo: supplied by Geoff Brooks.

The race began at 10:20 am with the start off the beach in front of Nanny Cay. The Sloops raced to Road Town, entered the harbor, rounded three marks and raced back to Nanny Cay. The lead changed four times and finally it was the Hon. Premier D. Orlando Smith at the helm of “Sea Moon” who finished in 1st place with a time of: 1 hour, 20 minutes; followed by His Excellency Governor Boyd McCleary captaining "Moon Beam" with a time of: 1 hour 21 minutes and 15 seconds.

Only 1 minute 15 seconds separated the two sailors, with the third Sloop, “Youth Instructor” Captained by HLSCC President Karl Dawson finishing in 1 hour 31 minutes and 12 seconds.

The exciting event was marked by sharp action and precise tacks as each Captain and crew pushed their Sloop to the limit of its endurance. Finally it was Dr. Smith’s expertise as a veteran racer (this was his 6th Festival Sloop Race) and his heritage coming from a long line of local shipwrights and mariners which paid off in the end.

“It’s becoming a real boat race” commented the Premier after rival Boyd McLeary told spectators at the award ceremony that the Premier had had a great start, but he was pleased to have caught up and made it a neck and neck race around the last buoy in the harbor “It wasn’t until the home stretch back to Nanny Cay that he was able to pull ahead”.

Also at the ceremony was Richard Smith, President of BiWater who donated prize money to the tune of $2,000 which goes to the winning captain’s charity of choice. “It is very important to retain history with events such as these,” he noted.

The Premier’s long family history and experience with boat handling will be even more severely tested if he is to retain the trophy in what will be the 10th Anniversary of the event.

Leando Nibbs has completed the building of his own 28ft Sloop which was debuted during the Festival Parade and will be on the water and ready to race by Christmas. Nibbs was once an apprentice to Leopald Smith (Orlando’s Uncle), a prolific and exceptional boat builder. His yet to be named boat will be joining Sea Moon and Moon Beam which were both built by Watson White in Anegada and Youth Instructor built by Osmond Davies.

The Governor also made a special mention of the efforts by Geoff Brooks who was instrumental in re-establishing, developing and keeping the Sloop races alive.

Captain, The Hon. D. Orlando Smith, was joined by 1st Mate Richard Wooldrich and Crew Wellington “Butch” Romney. Captain, His Excellency Boyd McCleary, had on board 1st Mate Elvet Meyers and Jamel Davies along with Elmore Stoutt as crew. Captain Dr. Karl Dawson’s 1st Mate was John Shirley with Sam Davies and Lenette Lewis as crew.

The Annual Sloop Shootout is organized 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, The VI Power Boat Assoc. Nanny Cay Marina, Bi-Water Corp., With much appreciated support from: The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, VISAR, King Charters, Conch Charters and BVI Marine Management

This is the 9th year of this event, initiated to commemorate the traditional sloop races which were held every August Tuesday in times gone past and to promote the Maritime Heritage of the Virgin Islands. Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of this event and it is hoped that it will encourage expanded participation and interest in the rich culture of our maritime heritage.