The intrepid sailors and members of the Corozal Bay Sailing Club braved the flooded Consejo Road, in their quest for success at the Buttonwood Bay Regatta on Saturday, August 18. Their efforts were rewarded! The young sailors met up with their friends and challengers from the Belize Sailing Association (BzSA) and its member clubs on the beautiful waters of Buttonwood Bay in Belize City.

The sailors from Liberty Children’s Home, the Sea Scouts and the Belize Sailing Cub had the privilege of being coached during the Regatta by the internationally renowned Jorge Santiago from Puerto Rico. Mr. Santiago spent 8 days in Belize providing several days of intense sailing courses to the young sailors and to the Instructors of the BzSA Clubs. Sponsored by the IODA (International Optimist Dinghy Association), the world governing body for dinghy class crafts, these sessions proved to be invaluable, as the sailors and coaches applied and demonstrated their newly acquired skills.

Sailing into top honours were:

1st Place – Antonio Ricardez, Jr. (Buttonwood Bay Nazarene Primary School)

2nd Place – Trent Hardwick (Sea Scouts)

3rd Place – Darwin Velasquez (Corozal Bay Sailing Club)

Mr. Santiago presented the sailors with their medals, and a trophy was presented to Antonio as the overall winner of this Regatta. All sailors earned points towards their National standings. BzSA presented a trophy, a hand carved Optimist sailboat, to Mr. Santiago, as an appreciation of the work he did with our members. In his acceptance speech, he mentioned how he was touched by the interest and enthusiasm displayed by the sailors. He encouraged all to continue investing their time and talent into the sport of sailing. He expressed his belief that, with their continued hard work and positive attitude, he will meet us again on a podium at a world sailing event.

The challenge to all is on again. On Sunday, September 2, BzSA will hold a Regatta in the historic waters of St. George’s Caye. The third Battle Regatta 2012 is to commemorate the historic Battle in 1798, “The Birth of a Nation.” This Regatta is an integral component of the month-long celebrations of Belize Independence. We invite all members of the public, sailors and sailing enthusiasts to join us for a day filled with adventure. Be sure to attend the awards ceremony when His Excellency, Governor General Sir Colville Young, will present the awards.

For any other information or to join BzSA or the sailing club nearest to you, contact BzSA at [email protected].