Boat Racing
One of the highlights of Anguilla Carnival is Boat Racing.
Boat racing is divided into three class
Class |
Length | Crew (Min/Max) |
| C | 15ft | 4/6 |
| B | 23ft | 8/10 |
| A | 28ft | 10/14 |
Boats are made locally and include trademark Anguillan triangular rigging. The photos shown are of A class boats. Boom length averages 36-40feet with an average mast height of 54 feet. Sand Bags and lead weights are used to balast the boats. Boat racing is marked by fierce competition and major betting is involved.
The schedule of races is as follows
| Race Day | From | To | Class/Time | Sponsor |
| August Sunday | Sandy Ground | Sandy Ground | A/2pm | Heineken |
| August Monday | Sandy Ground | Sandy Ground | C/11am B/1pm A/3pm |
Mount Gay Rums |
| August Tuesday | Sandy Ground | Island Harbour | A/1pm | Coors Light |
| August Wednesday | Sandy Ground | Blowing Point | A/1pm | Anguilla Rums |
| August Thursday | Meads Bay | Meads Bay | C/11am B/1pm A/3pm |
Cable & Wireless |
| **Champion of Campions (Sunday) | Sandy Ground | Sandy Ground | A/1pm | Anguilla Boat Race Committee |
**To qualify for the Champion of Champions race you must place in one of the first four positions in any race from August Monday to August Thursday.
Boat racing is a family afair in the particular case of Delta-4. She was built by Ron Webster and on this particular day in 1997 was captained by his father Elliot Webster. Also crewing were other brothers Mutt Webster (Captain Lady Maude 1999) and Terrance Webster.
A large amount of preparation is involved in the sport with racers and owners arriving early in the morning.
Above you see all the participating boats lined up for the start of the race. Sailors make a last dash to push their boat to the front and climb on board for the long journey ahead. Notice coaching from Harry on the beach!
A smooth start from Sandy Ground!
A view from the cliffs above Meads Bay. Competition is stiff as you can see. It is not uncommon for boats to cut in front of each other and generally ignore the rules of the sea. A race committee boat follows along to keep an eye out. Also along for the ride are a number of power boats called Chase Boats who provide encouragement to their favorite boats. Oh did I mention, that should the wind get too light it is not uncommon for sailors to be thrown overboard to lighten the load!
In August 1999 the younger Websters chose to sail Lady Maude Lloyd.
Unfortunately most of the races end facing into the sun making photography difficult. However, you can see the jockeying for position and that very little time separates a winner from a loser.
A perennial favorite UFO of Island Harbour, is the first to pick up the winner's flag. Joyous celebration and pride are seen as the team approaches the beach at Sandy Ground.
Miss Anguilla comes in close behind!