This
past weekend has seen some keen racing of these boats each coming
from a different island. On the Sunday morning a path was cleared
through the anchorage. Not that it appeared to make much difference
as the boats came charging through anchored boats causing a wild
mixture of alarm and excitement. Little did we know!
It was a two lap
race and whilst steering the boat is done via a tiller it also
doubles as a paddle when they tack to help push the bow around. 3 men
to a tiller whilst the rest act as mobile and agile ballast. One
person seems to control the mainsheet. The crews are vociferous to
say the least, yelling instructions to the helm, each other whilst
trying to keep the boat upright.
Open boats they need to be
constantly bailed and with no side decks it is easy enough to get it
wrong and flood the boat, dumping everyone in the water. The winning
crew, on both races,came from Caracou and were joy to watch. No
shouting just concentration they led the first race from the start
but lost the lead on the second lap of the second race. The two lead
boats were close but it looked as though Caracou would lose. The lead
boat opted for the shorter line which took it closer to the fort
which dominates the anchorage and causes a wind shadow. The second
boat chose to rattle through the anchorage , maintained the wind and
crossed the line seconds ahead. Exciting and colourful to watch at
close quarters.
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| The winning crew |
 |
| poles are shifted rapidly from one side to the other as required |
(below) The guy in the centre of the boat is controlling the main and they managed to keep sailing, despite the hull being under water, and crossed the line some 50 metres away..
This yole came close to shoving one of the poles through the cabin window....rapid action from Jason got them away.