West End Yacht Club win Annual Team Challenge
The MYCT was conceived following the tragic events in New York in September 2001 and was of particular significance for all involved this year. For many VI sailors, this was their first time back on the water in over five months and they were thankful to the Manhattan crews for inviting them.
Starting off the entrance to the Bight, five catamarans and two monohulls sailed across to a laid mark off Nanny Cup up to Dead Chest and back across to finish in Road Harbour.
First home to take line honours was the Royal team lead by Chris Haycraft with Shamini Grayson, Samuel Allen and Jayde Fanord. Coming in second it was the West End team with Keith LiGreci, Tom Merrigan and Dave Welford ahead of the Manhattan Yacht Club flagship skippered by Michael Fortenbaugh.
So it all came down to the boat finishing in fourth place...after some investigation by the race committee, it became apparent that some of the boats had sailed the wrong course but there was one boat still competing. Congratulations to the West End Yacht Club team of Mark 'Dobo' Dobson, Leslie Cramer and Eric Ball who, unaware that their decision would decide the win, persuaded the rest of the crew to complete the course.
Governor Jaspert assisted with prize giving
Continuing the spirit of friendship and solidarity, the MYC kindly hosted the after party at Nanny Cay Beach Bar. His Excellency the Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert aka 'Gus' presented the prizes, including the slightly Irma'd Statue of Liberty trophy and joined in thanking all at the MYC for their support for the VI as the rebuild continues.
The RBVIYC and the WEYC would like to thank everyone who joined this year's flotilla and all those who were involved in the Manhattan Yacht Club fundraising activities. Commodore Fortenbaugh stunned the crowd at the prize giving when he announced the club had raised $15,000 for the VI which has been divided across various projects on the islands, including VI Youth Sailing and Virgin Islands Search and Rescue.
An enormous thank you was extended to all at the Manhattan Yacht Club for their spirit, compassion and generosity.
Gratitude was also expressed to Rebel Yell for the early morning delivery service, the Race Committee, the photo/spectator boat team and of course everyone who took part.
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