On Monday July 21, the Hon. Irene Penn O’Neal Territorial Representative at Large and designated to represent the Hon. Premier Ralph T. O’Neal in the “Great Festival Sloop Shootout” had her first practice session by sailing the traditional sloop “Moonbeam” from Nanny Cay Marina up to Road Town.  It was Ms. O’Neal’s first time sailing in one of our Island Sloops and she took to it like a champ!

Relying on the natural sailing abilities that she inherited from her ancestors including her Grandfather Ensor Smith and her Great Uncle Denson Benjamin, both West End Mariners and Shipwrights, Ms O’Neal impressed her crew in the way that she immediately took to the feel of the boat. Elvet Meyers, veteran sloop sailor and former Olympic Sailor said he could not believe how easily Ms O’Neal grasped the finer points of sailing these wonderful boats.  Traditional Wooden Sloops or “Tortola Boats”, as they are known throughout the Caribbean, are a uniquely designed and have their own peculiar sailing characteristics.  Most sailors, no matter how experienced, have a hard time adjusting to these differences.  Ms O’Neal took to it easily and displayed a confidence and ease which belays her Cultural Heritage.  Martin Van Houten, Race Captain and Commodore of the Loyal West End Yacht Club, was also

Crew for Ms O’Neal’s practice and could not believe how comfortably she took command of the tiller.  “She looks like a competitor to me” he said.  So watch out Governor Pearey!

The practice took place at 4PM on Monday and lasted for about 2 hours.  Along with crew Elvet Meyers and Martin Van Houten were HLSCC Marine Centre employees and Race Coordinators Al Frazer and Geoffrey Brooks escorting the crew in the College’s 28ft Grady White power boat.  Sea conditions were moderate and the winds light but “Moonbeam” still managed to average 5 knots and reach Road Town in just over an hour’s sailing time. After the sail the Hon. Irene Penn O’Neal stated that she really had fun and that Governor David Pearey better get ready because this year “there is a woman at the helm!”

The “Great Festival Sloop Shootout” will take place at 9 AM on August Tuesday, during Wartersports activities at the Roadtown Jetty.  Please come out and show your support for our Maritime Heritage, organisors stated. (Additional information NLSCC)

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