It’s a dream come true for the young Optimist sailors from Vessigny, Point Fortin and Tobago at the Tobago Carnival Regatta 2010. 2010 will see the inclusion of the young Optimists into the sailing regatta held at Pigeon Point. They would be sailing along side international sailors on the traditional Big boats, the Caribbean Bum Boats, Kite boarders and wind surfers alike on the 19th – 21st February where they can show off their skills.
As the Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Association expands it Optimists program it has been able to reach out to the local kids from the outlying areas and teach them the fundamentals of sailing, safety, and the proper laws of sea. Today a growing number of kids from Vessigny, Point Fortin and Tobago have all been getting back into the water and sharpening their skills and what better place to show off what they have learned but at an international regatta in Tobago?
The promoters of the event are keen to raise the awareness of the sport , and build on the already high standard of participation at the event, and working closely with the Tobago House of Assembly, the Tourism Development Company Bmobile and Peakes, they have been able to do just that.
As the time draws near and the excitement grows Betty has been getting her kids ready to take the journey from Vessigny and Point Fortin across the seas to Tobago. Over 30 kids will be joining her on that journey to prove themselves to the older sailors. The promoters hope that once they have taken part in this event it would light a fire in them and encourage them to move up to bigger and faster boats as they believe that sport is a viable option for young people as it teaches them discipline and tram work.
Last year one young man from Tobago who had already participated in the Optimist program there asked one of the promoters if he could sail on one of the big boats, he was told to ask one of the captains and he got a chance not only to sail on the biggest boat in the regatta, an Ondeck Farr 65 but be oart of the winning crew as that boat went on to take top honors at the regatta. He not doubt will be on the beach this year ready and willing to crew on another boat.
As the big boats cast off to sail in the open waters and the kite and wind surfers take to the waves, a large number of small white sails will be proudly cutting through seas in the quiet lagoon end of Pigeon Point beach , Tobago proving that you don’t have to be an adult to be a great sailor.
Tobago Carnival Regatta dubbed a Festival of Wind, is shaping up to be a great family event for all ages and promises to raise the level of regattas in the region.
