Gum Boat Racing Returns To Canouan

Canouan has added another festival to those which already comprise the annual cultural calendar of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Digging deep into his traditions, a group of concerned residents moved to establish the Canouan Gum Boat Club, formally launching it on February 28, 2010.




Following closely on the Club’s inauguration came the first ever Gum Boat Festival, staged on the weekend including National Heroes Day, marking the revival of what was a popular pastime in the Grenadines.

The Festival included activities spread over two days – March 14 and 15 – and attracted not only overwhelming public support on both days, but a surprisingly large number of entrants, especially given the fact that it was the inaugural meet.

Races – for gum boats only – were held in two categories: 5ft and the 3ft boats.

In the 5ft category, Peter Ollivierre, with his boat ‘Lee P. O.’, sailed away with the Digicel Challenge Trophy.  ‘Fa Fa’, under the guidance of Hudson DeRoche, and ‘Headache’, manned by James Hunt from Bequia, tied for second place, with Alfie DeRoache’s ‘Pressure’ following.

‘007’, owned by Eli DeRoche, romped home the winner in the 3ft category and laid first claim to the Digicel Challenge Trophy in the process.  ‘Angelica’, owner Louis DeRoche, and ‘Bee’, owner Amos Snagg, followed in second and third places respectively.

Activities on both days were held at the idyllic Grand Bay Beach.

source of article and photo:
The Vincentian
26/03/2010
www.thevincentian.com