Respectfully submitted by: Tim Clifford for the club's 25th anniversary
Herewith then, is the "unofficial" history of the British Virgin Islands Yacht Club, as told by the members that were there at its' inception, and helped make it what it is today. These memories are classified as "unofficial" to keep the corrections to dates, names and events to a minimum, and to foster good fellowship, good cheer and longings for "the good ole days" rather that attempting to be exact and official, which is certain to promote "corrections and amendments". Therefore, they are to be read for pleasure, and without 'blue pencils'. An official, approved, hard history will be forthcoming in the near future.
In the beginning there was only darkness. Then, onto the firmament known as Tortola, came the multitudes of "Squib Sailors"! Oluf Nissen muses thus about the mysterious Squibs: ...back in the early 70's (of the 20th century) there was a group of "otherwise" seemingly normal expats that were actually a small, but energetic clan of subversives, trying to promote the sailing class of Squibs! Now, today, everyone knows that one doesn't sail Squibs, but one deep fries them! There were even a few that owned their own Squibs! Obviously, before the quarantine laws were enforced. These intrepid souls might be identified today as: Gary & Jean Turpin, El Richardson and Elizabeth Harley, John Osman, Peter Clarke, Eddie Anchor, Roosevelt Smith, Lionel Barker's two sons, and several others.
Obviously, having many things in common, they decided to organize races for their Squibs on Saturday afternoons. Nanny Cay seemed to be the ideal spot, and the races were to start at the shore where Peg Leg's Landing is now. Out into Drake's Channel, around a few marks, and back again for riotous reveling at getting their Squibs back to shore! This editor is uncertain whether one leads a Squib, or herds them, but we must leave that clarification to the masters of the Squib days.
As usual, the undauntable ladies of this august group came forward to make it a success. Phyl Allison appeared from nowhere, tiptoeing down the path to the waters' edge with a red flag on a stick, a large "hailer" to call the boats, and the start/finish line was established without having to go to committee! As the enthusiasm increased proportionately to the decrease of punch, each Saturday seemed to get better. After the races, Joyce Turpin invited everyone for "tea" to her caravan on the reclaimed land where she lived. Obviously, this group was ripe for "organization". At Oluf and Patsy's house #9 one of these Saturdays, Patsy was hit by the brilliant idea of: "Darling, why don't we start a yacht club?!" The acclimation was vocal and apparently unanimous. Mrs. Kinross offered the empty house next to hers to start things off, and the enthusiastic new club members were off to examine the "new" club. It came with a balcony, harbor, docks, kitchen for a bar (essential as air), what more could anyone want? The foundation had been laid.
So, on 24 April, 1972, at Peter Wrights' house, a real meeting was held to propose the formation of a yacht club and that Mr. Showering (owner of Treasure Isle Hotel) had offered to sell (or lease to purchase?) us some land on Wickham's Cay II. He had also offered a loan of $100,000 at 2% interest. This was accepted at the time, but Mr. Showering passed away before the deal could be finalized.
The next meeting of the now highly motivated group was at Rowan Roy's house on: 8 May 1972. This meeting was about naming the club. In 1967, Albie Stewart and Ken Adamson, as members of the Sports Club, had proposed a club with the name: The Tortola Sports Club Yacht Squadron. This issue had to be addressed, and the final outcome that May night was: British Virgin Islands Yacht Club. Yea, we have a winner! Members present at these two meetings were: D. Kenworthy, John Green, Nevil Westwood, Peter Wright, Rowan Roy, Brian Day, Albie Stewart, Christopher Lloyd and Peter Haycraft.
The British Virgin Islands Yacht Club was officially formed on: 25 July 1973. Commodore: Peter Wright, Vice Commodore: Tudor Williams, Secretary: Norma Riegels, Treasurer: John Green, Sailing Secretary: Gary Turpin, House Member: Val Steinberg, Powerboat Member: Michael Helm (added a bit later). The initial membership was 76 hearty souls. 28 families, and 19 singles. Membership fees: Family: $100, Single: $60, Cadet: $10. There is evidence this was later reduced.
The now successfully established new yacht club started its' infancy with 4 Sunfish for the use of the members. They were in rather poor condition (the boats), and many pleas went forth for members to help restore them. (That line is written in the history of every yacht club in the world!) The Club used Pamela Kinross' apartment #14 for its' functions, and she also donated the "Kinross Trophy" that still is (somewhere) in the Club. This facility was used until the end of January, 1974, when the club moved to "Harbor Lights". This was a bar/restaurant atop the O'Neal Building where Harvey, Westwood and Riegels are now. Our first newsletter was published 31 August 1973.
Charlie and Ginny Cary, the founders of The Moorings which was in its' infancy then, offered us the use of their recreation room at Fort Burt, and the Club moved there on 9 April 1974. The Club's membership had climbed to 100 by then! Recognition and acceptance demonstrated themselves that year when we became members of the Royal Yachting Assn., and the West Indies Yachting Association. The first Commodore's Annual Ball was held this year at Treasure Isle Hotel.
Nanny Cay offered us some terrific land for our club, right on the water's edge, and with a beach. Alas, this was voted down at a general membership meeting in 1987. Obviously, 13 years of committee studies had produced an amazing array of reasons against Nanny Cay, or surely it would never have taken that long to decide on such an issue.
The Cary's, great supporters of both the yacht club and the angler's club, had the two using the recreation room at Fort Burt. Prior to that, the BVI Angler's Club met at The Pub. Ostensibly to be close to the water and the fish. Soon however, it was realized that a bigger facility would be needed. Little Dix Bay resort had a two story houseboat that they had used for staff accommodations, and they offered to sell it to us. An inspection of the houseboat met with approval, and with what funds we could scrape together, and borrow, the houseboat was ours. The houseboat was towed back one perfect day by the Griffiths-Hughes, with helping hands Roslyn Griffith and Jim Morris. There were surely others, but alas, their names are lost to posterity. However, a hearty thank you from all of us, none the less.
The houseboat/clubhouse was brought up into the "Cleaning Hole" that was between the present club's site and the main road. As the boat had been residences, there were a very strange assortment of rooms, bathrooms, halls, etc. They had to be torn down and rearranged. Peter's boat (P.P.I) made many trips back and forth carrying off rubble. Ultimately, we made an agreement to tie up next to Roosevelt Smith's new facility, and the club was now accessible by gang-plank! Penny Haycraft still carries the scar she "won" one evening when she misjudged the marriage site of the plank and the shore. Soon a more permanent gangway was built, and the "boat bites" diminished proportionately. However, Penny swears the gangway was unsafe even when arriving at the club! This clubhouse was named The Anchor Club, and the Angler's Club owned it jointly with the Yacht Club. The Anchor Club was officially opened on the 22d of May, 1975. This Clubhouse became very popular, and the first gala ball was in June of 1975. It probably hosted the first international dinner, and it was Greek. Price for the whole thing: $7.50.
About this time - 1976 - Peter Haycraft found and purchased a piano (still in the club), and had it shipped here on one of the inter-island boats. It was played long and happily by Marty Clarke and Bill Hirst, and many others. It's waiting for someone to begin again.
The new Clubhouse was immediately a huge success, and remained so until Hurricane David (1979) ultimately decided the Houseboat/Yacht Club's fate, but there is no avoiding the look of nostalgia and sweet, sweet memories in the eyes of the members that knew her whenever the "ole dear" is mentioned. Sweet memories are the foundation of contented souls.
Penny Haycraft remembers the first "Round Tortola Race" as one mixed with pleasure and anxiety. It seems Peter had just purchased his first boat. A 23 footer named Kimbia . Now, there is some that will tell you that he sailed this single-handedly, but Penny remembers his crew as: his pipe, transistor radio and a few beers. One should never go to sea alone! The race was over, the party in full swing, the awards given out, and still Penny can't see Peter's dark tan sail anywhere on the horizon. She actually drove up and down the West End road looking for her wayward mariner. No luck. Well, obviously, late in the evening, Peter came happily sailing his new boat into the harbor only to find that not only was he a "little" late, but the party had actually broken up and everyone had gone home!
The first "Booze & Cruise" was in 1975, and went "all the way" to The Bight on Norman Island! Wow! There's some mounting evidence why Cruise is the second word in the title. Then, in May of 1977, a Booze & Cruise took place to Anegada. Bill Hirst realized this was such a good idea that he proposed a Booze & Cruise Race to Anegada in April of 1977. Annie Gardner swears this was one of the most fun events ever. Except, possibly for the people on the committee boat having to wait until dark for Roz and Jean Green to arrive in their Squib. Should it be that the last boat has to buy the drinks for the committee boat members that evening? That's just a thought of this editor, and will be sent to committee soon.
Annie Gardner's memories are a small book unto themselves, but here are some highlights: Queen Elizabeth's visit. Commodore that year was George Forster. George tells me that like all events of this kind, it is preceded by meeting upon meeting until they are beginning to overlap. The Queen's yacht Britannia was to come down Drake's Channel from the north, and the club's boats, those that could maintain 6 knots, were to circle on either side of Drake's Channel between Buck Island and Beef Island. The Britannia would slow to 6 knots, and the circling fleets would join up behind her in a "V" formation and follow the Queen into Road Harbour. The smaller boats (that couldn't maintain 6 knots) were to anchor on either side of the entrance channel, and after the Britannia anchored "outside", the Queen's launch would depart the Britannia at exactly 10 a.m. and pass between the anchored boats. As one who has ever been in the military, or around this type of "occasion" knows, there are some things that defy explanation. For example, the anchored boats had to be in place by 7 a.m. for a 10 a.m. "pass in review". Seems like a substantial "cushion". All club members were wearing white shirts, and the club's boats fully "dressed" and displaying many colorful flags for the occasion. Ah, but the best laid plans......
The skipper of Flying Cloud had either been crew on the Britannia, or knew someone aboard. Anyway, the Flying Cloud stationed herself in a position off Virgin Gorda to intercept the Britannia, and the Britannia slowed so they could engaged in a "chat up". However, this put them behind schedule, so when they reached our fleet a little late, the Britannia's captain, knowing he must be at anchor at 10 sharp for Her Majesty to disembark, never slowed down for the fleet, and steamed directly to his anchorage at 12 knots, arriving exactly on time, of course. Our fleet bravely, and undaunted, formed up the "V", and followed as planned, albeit somewhat farther behind. George said that Peter Haycraft was senior pilot at the time, and piloted the Britannia into her anchorage.
The last time I spoke with Queen Elizabeth, she mentioned that this was the highlight of her trip to "those dear little islands". She talks like that, you know.
Annie mentions the Friday night party people as if they are no longer here. Possibly, the present Friday night group isn't putting enough effort into Friday nights. So, I suggest we all press the bar a little harder, and for a little longer, so as not to be relegated as inadequate for Friday night memories at the 50th Anniversary story fest! It seems that everyone brought an hors d'oeuvres tray to share, and we had volunteer bartenders taking turns. Bill Draper is accused of putting the bottles on the bar so you could pour according to your own wishes. Eh Gad! The parties seem to be many and varied. The "Ship Wreck" Party was costume, and Penny Haycraft came dressed as Peter! Robert Burn's Night stands out because Bob Gray's Scots and Scotch got the better of him, and he performed the Scottish Saber Dance with a mop and broom handles. Backgammon tournaments seemed to be a big success, with "beginners" like Ralph Nabarro always doing exceedingly well for "beginners". However, memory dictates that Bobbie Gray and Ken Ketcham actually won almost every night. There was often as many as 28 backgammon gladiators at some of these contests. Too fierce for my blood!
Bravery seemed to exceed logic, and on St. Patrick's Day one year there were 8 different recipes for Irish Stew! It has been suggested (and I believe) that the Irish Coffee compensated for the occasional lack of authenticity.
To get the group out in the fresh air, Annie and Diana White organized a treasure hunt to be done by car. The course was so long, and so involved that by the end of the hunt, the children were all asleep in the backs of the cars, underscoring the fact that they had already had way too much fun with the adults and their games! Sally and Linton Bell (wisely) made a wrong turn, and spent the entire "hunt" at the bar at Treasure Isle Hotel. The finish was actually a gymkana with the Club's bar stools as markers. One of the stools tipped over and impaled the undercarriage of Annie's car. Could have been justified actually.
The "Don Q" Round Tortola Sailboat Race was memorable for a couple of reasons. First, the trophy arrived with a 2 foot, very ornate base, and the boat atop this masterpiece was a beautiful powerboat! Secondly, this may well be the same year that Robin Tattersall took the shortcut through Beef Island Channel, either persuading or bribing the bridge keeper to raise the bridge. It took over 4 hours to get the bridge back down. Both Annie and Penny painfully acknowledge that the Rum Punch was exceedingly strong! About 90% Don Q, and the punch came later.
As we are about to go to press, we received a FAX from Michael Sabine, commodore in 1984, who is presently living in the beautiful city of Prague, reminding us that the BVI was represented in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles! So, looking back through the year books I found a article about such a occasion written by one of the participants, and still a member: Doctor Robin Tattersall! The British Virgin Islands is the smallest nation to ever compete in the Olympics. We had 5 entrants in the sailing fleet. Keith and Peter Barker competed in the 470 class, and Robin Tattersall as helmsman along with his 2 man crew of Keith Thomas and Elvet Meyers sailed against the world's best in the Soling class. We all are very proud of the 5 of you, and thank you for "toeing the mark" for our little island nation! BRAVO! Robin had also distinguished himself that year by winning his division at the Antiqua Race Week, in his little flyer Expression . Racing was getting very serious at this point, obviously.
So, a voice from the past hails me from Prague, and another chapter is entered into the ever growing history book. Also, Staff Commodore Sabine sends his heartiest congratulations to the members on the 25th Anniversary, and warns that he will be here to inspect us at this year's Spring Regatta. Come on down Mike!
There were also Junior's Parties too. Many of the hard working people of Tortola's present day busy environment first met at these events. There were young people from the entire island participating in the races, summer camps, etc. All these families participated, both children and their parents as supervisors: Romneys, Sorrentinos, Christians, Smiths, Helms, McKenzies, Tattersalls, H. Clarkes, Grants, Penross', Morsheads, Haycrafts, and Simon Tattersall acting as DJ when music was the order of the party. This junior's program lasted 6 years. Every Saturday, from 11 to 3, the young people participated in Sunfish sailing, both racing and learning maintenance. Ken Kerr created a wonderful knot tying book. Many games and treasure hunts kept these kids motivated and learning to work and play together. The stories of the young go on and on. At the "Queen's Birthday Celebration" Sail-past, the harbour was very rough. Of course the children were relegated to go last. It seems Chris Haycraft and Dick Reads have stories of that day's events that could fill a book by themselves.
When the Sunfish sailboats were brought into the houseboat for safe keeping in preparation of an impending hurricane, they involuntarily served a great service. The houseboat suffered a list in the storm, and the water came in the boat. The sunfish floated up and saved the piano from water damage! There's a wonderfully strange story in every storm.
Not (ever) to be outdone, the Ladies Sunfish Sailing Program drew Isabel Smith, Diana White, Moira Blackwell and about 8 others to a very serious, twice a week program of intense training, punctuated with fits of uproarious laughter!
Invitational Sunfish Regattas even brought out a good contingent from St. Thomas. Bill Bullimore (being a sailmaker) brought his own "custom" sail for his Sunfish. Albie nixed that straight away.
The Angler's Club sponsored a Fishing Tourney - yachties against fishermen. Of course, the fishermen won. One of the sailing group (ask Annie) caught a 5 ounce Squirrel fish, and stuffed it with lead fishing weights. Jim Morris disqualified this seemingly heavy entrant when it was laid on the dock and the weights ran out of it's mouth!
In an attempt to bring the community together, Marty Clarke, Jim Morshead and Ann Gardner created an all club's event known as The Tortathalon! This would include the Sports Club, The Golf Club and the Yacht Club in such events as: tennis, table tennis, swimming, rowing, sailing, tug-of-war, darts and golf. Instead of galvanizing the clubs, it polarized them in fierce competition. Who would have ever guessed that they might actually become competitive! Again, great fun and memories.
Annie suggests that the success of all these events was attributable to the masses, but especially: the Beasleys, Betty Byne, the Grays, Stangers, Betty and John Clark, the Thomas', Clarence Thomas, El Richardson, Liz Harley, the Hirsts, Tattersalls, Kerrs, Stewarts, Haycrafts, Coys, the Peter Clarkes, Sorrentinos, Barkers, the Roosevelt Smiths, Presley King, the Nissens, McGreggors, Sally Bell, the Roys, Gibersons, the Whites, Greens, Seawards, Yates and Sedgwicks. I'm sure Annie and this editor both apologize if we have left anyone out. However, that seems unlikely as this appears to be the 1976 phonebook!
When the Anchor Club was destroyed in the hurricane, Mr. H. R. Penn stepped forward with a 5 year lease on one of his properties in the building between the Waterfront Apartments and The Pub. There were docks to use, and some apartments upstairs too. This brought in some needed revenues to help pay the rent. The official "opening" of this new clubhouse was a party on the 12th of Oct. 1979. After some major renovations, this became a very comfortable clubhouse. Five years later, the docks had deteriorated, and of course, the rent would go up, so the club had to find new premises again. This is beginning to sound like the saga of a homeless, redheaded, stepchild! So, guess what? Back into the recreation room at Fort Burt, with a new housewarming party on 25 March, 1988.
Regardless of the "digs", the club always kept up its' activities. Bridge, backgammon, International Dinners, Treasure Hunts in both cars and boats, and of course plenty of racing. The cruising parties have diminished a lot, but those things seem to be cyclical.
The racing events grew and grew. Some are still going on, others have been renamed and/or have fallen to posterity. Memory recalls the January race was humorously named the: Polar Bear Race, Valentine's Day Race, March Winds, BVI Spring Regatta fills April, May Pole Race, Te Unaine Cup (editor's note: no one could remember what Te Unaine meant. The governor that named the race is gone, and if anyone here remembered, they hadn't stepped forward. I believe the answer to anything is written somewhere, so after reading far too much stuff I found it! Te Unaine is a Polynesian word meaning: "Old Woman"!), Virgin's Cup, Anagada Race, Equinox Race is September's event, and October sports the St. Ursula's Day Race, Round Tortola Race (leaving Beef Island to port henceforth) does November, and December has two events, with the Commodore's Race, and the Snowfall Race (?!), and the list will hopefully grow and change for years to come.
The present, and finally permanent clubhouse was completed in 1993! This land is leased to us by the BVI government for 25 years, with an option for an additional 25 year lease. It took only 20 years to finally find a permanent home, but this one's a beauty! For me, and many others, this will be the last BVI Yacht Club we will ever know. The club's membership has increased 400%, and the racing is far more serious than before. The racing boats are more serious too, and that always alters the cruise/race events. To all that have given so much time and effort into bringing the British Virgin Islands Yacht Club to its' present status, we all thank you again, and most sincerely.
