The Caymanian Compass - Thursday, March 30th, 2000
Regatta To Launch CayFest
The launching of the boat that usually starts off CayFest will not take place this year due to some scheduling difficulties, says a press release from the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association.
The new Butterfield Perpetual Cup Catboat Regatta will launch Cayfest 2000 with at least five Caymanian Catboats competing in four races for the Cup and a $1000 cash prize.
Sponsors for the Butterfield Perpetual Cup include the Bank of Butterfield, Foster's Food Fair, Cable & Wireless, Tropicana Tours and Cayman Airways.
The first formal Caymanian Catboat Race was organised in 1935 by the Cayman Islands Yacht and Sailing Club, says the Seafarers Association. Later Mr Bertie Ebanks changed the days of the race from the last week in January to the Easter holidays.
The Butterfield Perpetual Cup will be raced the first three Saturdays in April and the last race and awards will be on 24 April, Easter Monday.
Each evening between 5:30pm - 7:00pm new and interested catboat crew will be trained in the idiosyncrasies of sailing and racing the Caymanian catboat. The boats are being worked on and stored temporarily at Claricy Bodden Boatyard (behind the ICOA Chocolate Café) on North Church Street between Rackams and Burger King.
For further information contact person: HE Ross 949-0944, 916-6449, fax 949-4507.