The BVI Humane Society's Shelter Manager Mr Manog Bissoondutt aka 'Vijay', MBE, centre, receives the donation check from General Manager of Nanny Cay Miles Sunderland Pilch, left, and Triple Jack's co-owner/co-skipper Richard Wooldridge, right. Photo: Nanny Cay

The goal of a new record was narrowly missed but the goal of raising funds for the Humane Society of the BVI was met on Saturday, November 18, 2023, when Triple Jack, the phoenix-like Kelsall 47 trimaran built in 1979, attempted to beat her Round Tortola record of 2:33:33 she set in 2015. Photo: Broadsword Communications/Facebook

$700 was raised for the local animal shelter located in Johnson’s Ghut.

With rare and brisk southerly winds and a new sail inventory, conditions looked good for the record-breaking attempt. Clocking speeds in the mid to high teens, and having completed just one tack and one gybe through the whole route, Triple Jack crossed the line with a time of 2 hours 40 minutes and 4 seconds - just 6 minutes and 37 seconds shy of their 2015 record.

Triple Jack’s attempt was part of the Nanny Cay Challenge in which yachts, kiteboarders, and paddleboarders visiting the [British] Virgin Islands are invited to attempt to beat the latest Round Tortola records.

The notional entry fee is a $250 donation to a VI charity of choice. For this attempt, Triple Jack donated $350 and Nanny Cay matched the donation.

$2700 raised for local charities 

To date, $2,700 has been raised for local charities via the Round Tortola Challenge.

“We will keep supporting the Humane Society until they have their new premises! They go above and beyond looking after some of the most unfortunate animals on the island,” Triple Jack's co-owner/co-skipper Richard Wooldridge stated.

“It’s a fun way to raise money for charity,” said Miles Sutherland Pilch, General Manager of Nanny Cay.

“The Nanny Cay Challenge has been exciting to watch over the years, and we’re looking forward to seeing more attempts as the margins get narrower!” Sutherland Pilch added.