Mayreau Regatta continues to evolve

After four days of sailing, fishing and partying, the curtains came down on the 7th annual Hairoun Mayreau Regatta last Sunday.{{more}}

However, despite being hailed a success, organizers say the event is still in the developing stages.

“Every year, we try to add something new to the calendar of activities for the regatta,” said Monroe Forde, assistant treasurer and PRO for the Mayreau Regatta committee.

Forde told SEARCHLIGHT that while there were improvements in some of the events, there were others that fell short.

According to Forde, the cultural night, held on Friday, May 3, had one of the largest turnouts in recent times and the committee was very pleased with that.

“The turnout at the Saturday night show, however could have been better, because in the past, we’ve had larger turnouts; but, nevertheless, patrons who were in attendance expressed satisfaction.

“The final day (Sunday, May 5) also saw a great turnout from visitors from neighbouring islands such as Union, Canouan, Petit Martinique and Carriacou, who journeyed over on excursions,” he added.

The activities began on Thursday, May 2 with fishing competitions, which included the second annual lionfish derby and the opening ceremony, which was held later that evening.

Friday, May 3 saw a basketball showdown between host Mayreau versus Union Island.

Union’s team, Panty Ma Sons, won Mayreau Kings, 58-45.

The hard court came to life later that evening with a cultural night, which featured a number of skits, dancing and singing. This segment of the show was hosted by parliamentary representative Terrance Ollivierre.

Following the clearing of the stage, it was then time to “boogie”, as LIME Soca Dans DJ Que played various genres of music, entertaining locals and visitors into the wee hours of Saturday morning.

With less than three hours sleep, by sunrise, sometime around 5:30 a.m., the organizers of the event and sailors alike were already at Saline Bay, preparing for the start of the sailing competition.

Saturday’s agenda featured gumboat races, onshore activities and an after party, which featured LIME Soca Dans Delroy “Fireman” Hooper and Rondy “Luta” McIntosh.

Fireman and Luta ensured that none of the patrons left the Mayreau hard court unsatisfied, as both artistes performed hits from the earlier years to present.

By 3:30 a.m. Sunday, patrons headed home to get some rest for the climax later that day, which featured the conclusion of the sailing competition and the closing ceremony.

“Mayreau regatta this year was a banger!!!

“The vibes was nice the sailing was good and I enjoyed it all,” said Dean Compton of Carriacou.

Overall 2013 Hairoun Mayreau Regatta Sailing Competition Results:

Class A: Large Double Ender Boats (crew of 8)
1st place – Cloudy Bay, Bequia
2nd place – Iron Duke, Bequia

Class B: Double Ender Boats (crew of 4)
1st place – Unity 1, Union
2nd place – Wet, Carriacou

Class C: Flat Stern Boats (crew of 5)
1st place – Bad Feelings, Mayreau
2nd place – D Shark, Canouan

Class D: Small Double Ender Boats (crew of 3)
1st place – tie: Nerissa 2, Canouan and Nerissa 1, Canouan

Meanwhile, the 2nd Annual Hairoun Mayreau Regatta Lionfish Derby was described as a “resounding success”, with 40 lionfish removed from waters in the Southern Grenadines.

Crew of the boat Biscuit, captained by Bradley John and Albert Hanson, caught the most lionfish, with a haul of 23.

Biscuit also captured the largest at 13.5 inches.(AA)