





THE SUMMER TOUR 2005
ANEGADA - MANUEL REEF - BREWERS BAY - TRELLIS BAY -
JOST VAN DYKE - VIRGIN GORDA
|
It’s nice to operate with your full fleet and facilities around you…and that’s how we spent the first 3 weeks of July this summer. Most sailing Schools never do anything but operate from one base, but we knew that we were on tour this summer so made the most of our Centre for this limited time. Weather wise, we had 2 'near misses' in 8 days to kick off the hurricane season but that didn’t deter the ‘Team’ who developed over those 3 weeks living up to our expectations and more besides, as a very young but willing and talented group of dinghy sailors. Amongst them were racers, cruisers and powerboat drivers that between us all, provided between 30 and 50 (!!) children a day their fun and learning experiences on the water. |
THE TEAM
Elsa Meyers
|
Having spent half her 13 years in a sailing dinghy it’s not surprising she is a great boat handler! Along with her racing exploits - representing the Territory on a regular basis, Elsa also happens to be one of only two 'official' Assistant Instructors at the BVIWSC, she holds a current first aid ticket and is a Powerboat Level 2 driver. She is considerate, generous, talented, patient with others and a pleasure to be around – unfortunately sometimes, she is also a teenager!!!!!!!!!....... |
Hannah Wickerson
|
A ‘twenty something’ University Graduate, keen enough on sailing dinghies to give over 2 months of her 'last summer of freedom’ up, to come and work with the BVIWSC. Hannah completed her degree with honours, in Chemical Engineering in the UK in June – spending one quarter of that studying time in Spain. She leaves Tortola in September to return to the ‘real world’ in time to begin her first 'proper job' in Hungary... Not sure how many Wayfarers there are there though!!! Hannah is also an Assistant Instructor and powerboat driver. |
Kelly McCarthy
|
Kelly just seems to keep surprising all of us with her talent and natural ability to throw a boat around and understand at the tender age of (nearly) 13, many of the dynamics of why it’s happening! She loves sailing and also gave up the majority of her summer holidays to give local children the chance to fall in love with the sport just like she did. Kelly is the most natural 'teacher' I have ever come across, when she is old enough to take an RYA instructors course in England, she will be a stunning candidate. There is no doubt that whatever boat Kelly touches, it will go fast! |
Tichina Penn
|
Tichina has come into her own this summer - shadowing Elsa, she has become a valuable member of the team now in her own right and in fact, one of the longest lasting helpers of the summer taking part in every week and sailing in every ‘outpost’ we have ventured to during July & August - giving a taste of what we do to so many young BVIslanders. She also holds the record for being the only hospital case of the tour!! A quick ‘check-up’ at the casualty department in town was in order after she stood on the only Sea Urchin living in the shallows of Donovan’s Reef beach - visited with a group, during our time in Trellis Bay! |
Jamar Cooper
|
Jamar is new to the BVIWSC and has encountered a steep learning curve this summer, but none the less an important team member. We hope that Jamar will stay with us and develop the knowledge and skill already present in him. |
Bryshaun Scatliffe
|
Well, Bryshaun is a part of the furniture at our Centre the oldest teenager at the age of 15 years. The one that sleeps the most (except Jamar) and of course the biggest, strongest and most talented young dinghy sailor we have in the BVI right now!! He is a delight to have around and for a man of very few words, seems to have become an icon for the impressionable youth of the Territory! He is a fine racer and developing fast, we hope that he will continue to grow as an international competitor but have the time to spare to share his experiences with our students. |
Tom Bramble

|
Colin's son Tom took a 4 month subatical from his career in the UK to come out at Easter this year to help us at the Centre. Although 'older and wiser' than some of the team, this didn't seem to stop his extra-curicular activities that the BVI is well known for, causing the odd morning headache!! He, none the less provided valuable support during his stay and left behind his legacy... 'Toms Kayak Rak' |


Colin & Alison Bramble
THE TOUR
|
From Manuel Reef to Brewers Bay - Wayfarers by sea and Kayaks, Picos and equipment by road. Thanks to Rachel Munroe, Jackie Rietsman, Eamon & Judy Guilfoyle together with some of the 'Team' the sail was a fun 3 hour day sail with a little friendly competition on the Way! |

After 5 teaching days at Brewers Bay we sailed the boats back into Sea Cows Bay ready for Festival. Then out again up wind this time to East End and Trellis Bay for our next five day programme. During this week a special presentation was made to Kelly & Elsa by the Director of Youth Affairs and Sports - Mr. Robert Challwel and RYA Coach Assessor Mr. Andy Jeffrey.







Trellis Bay was full of 'cool dudes' as you can see lots of great sailing and loads of Lee Shores.
On to Jost Van Dyke with an interesting day sail with Jackie, Rachel, Elsa and Hannah down wind to
Foxy's Taboo - Diamond Cay.
|
check out the Gallery 2005 page for lots more pics |

