Another successful Premier's Cup at Nanny Cay

Great fellowship, wonderful sportsmanship, good weather, no incidents, loads of fun and a win for the third straight year for Team St. Thomas, at the end of the 2010 Premier’s Cup International Youth Regatta held at the Nanny Cay over the weekend.

Seven (7) teams took part in the 12th Annual Premier’s Cup, which according to all reports from the organizers, sponsors, participants and volunteers, was a highly successful event.

After three days of racing from 10-11 July, Team Anguilla was adjudged second place winners, with the home team of the British Virgin Islands placing third. In 4th place was Puerto Rico, St. Croix – 5th, Bequia – 6th and USA – 7th. The Team Pride Award, for good sportsmanship, went to Team USA. All teams were presented with participation medals.

The Premier’s Cup International Youth Regatta is organized by Kids And The Sea KATS and the Rotary Clubs of the BVI and sponsored by Digicel, along with Nanny Cay and several other silver and bronze sponsors.

In his remarks at the closing awards ceremony at Nanny Cay on Sunday, KATS Chairman John Lewis reflected on the establishment of KATS 20 years ago and the previous regattas, and had high praise for everyone who has contributed to the success of the programme to date.

KATS Director Tom Gerker said the 12th Annual Premier’s Cup International Youth Regatta was outstanding. “We had two great days, but I think what stands out the most is the phenomenal good sportsmanship by all of the children. It was good sailing and great competition; it was just a fantastic event and the kids had fun. Our goal is to make sure that the kids get together and meet each other and form friendships and I think we did our job and we’re real happy about that.”

Patron of the regatta, Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, also speaking at the closing, thanked everyone who helped in any way to put on the regatta and congratulated all of the teams, especially the winning team from St. Thomas and the participating team from the USA.

“Thank you for giving up your time, finance and effort to make this event a success,” Premier O’Neal stated. “I also want to congratulate our near-by neighbour St. Thomas on their accomplishment and I hope they would come back next year and keep coming back.”

He said as word spreads about the KATS programme and the regatta, other institutions would become interested in helping to develop the programme and expand the event. “I think I can say with certainty that we in the British Virgin Islands would always be ready to give of our best to the visitors.”