Tom Gerker Letter to DG Diana

Posted by David Karlson 
 
PP Tom Gerker wrote a masterful letter to DG Diana White about the history and importance of our Premier's Cup International Youth Regatta that we've hosted for the past twelve years. His intent was to encourage DG Diana to invite other District 7020 clubs to send teams in 2011. DG Diana agreed and is taking the letter on her visits to clubs in other countries, the next being Jamaica. The letter follows:
 

 

PREMIERE'S CUP INTERNATIONAL YOUTH REGATTA

The idea of the Premiere's Cup had its start with the Governor's Cup Regatta in St. Thomas in the early 90's.  The Governor's Cup was an offshoot of the Kids And The Sea (KATS) Program started by the Rotary Club of St. Thomas II in 1987 following the drowning of 3 boy scouts on a camping expedition.  The Regatta was a one-day event showcasing the sea skills of teams from the USVI and BVI.

 

A good start in one of the many races each day of the 2010 Premiers' Cup Regatta

 

Just as the various teams started "breaking the ice" and getting to know each other, it was time to go home.  Members of the BVI KATS Program, sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of the BVI, speculated what it would be like to have the Governor's Cup go for the entire weekend.  Hurricanes in 1995 brought an end to the Governor's Cup, but the idea of a weekend event remained.

 

In 1998 KATS BVI started what was to become the Chief Minister's Cup International Youth Regatta.  Scheduled for October, teams from around the Caribbean were invited to attend.  Another hurricane foiled these plans and the event had to be called off.

The date was re-scheduled for July 1999 and the first event featured 8 teams from St. Thomas to Trinidad.

 

On a beat against the wind 2010 Premier's Cup Regatta

 

The event was the first Youth Team Regatta in the Caribbean.  The teams sailed J24's donated by boat owners throughout the Virgin Islands.  The choice of boats has changed to the IC24, but they are still donated by generous boat owners in the VI.  Although a competitive event, it was hoped that the Regatta would develop friendships between members of the different teams.  The first night it was clear that we had 8 individual teams.

 

Rounding the mark and heading for the finish - 2010 Premier's Cup Regatta

 

By the second night the teams had started to mingle, and it looked like there were only 3 teams.  By the end of the 3rd day, it was one big group, socializing and having fun.  It was a wild success both in terms of the competition and fellowship.

 

Close call but no accidents and no protests all weekend, just great competition and lots of fun

 

Since that first event, the Regatta has gone on to celebrate 12 years of success.  The only disappointment has been that the children we have targeted have become less and less able to afford the travel costs.  Where we hoped to get youth from less advantaged groups, sponsored by their local Rotary Clubs, our participation has come increasingly from Yacht Clubs and the children of more advantaged families.

 

Relaxing and making friends after a long day of sailing - 2010 Premier's Cup Regatta

 

After dinner, relaxing in Tent City - 2010 Premier's Cup Regatta

 

Although the name changed in 2009 to the Premiere's Cup (with a change in the BVI Constitution), the event remains the same.  The only cost to participate is travel to Tortola.

Digicel, our Platinum Sponsor for the last 2 years, along with other local sponsors and the Rotary Clubs of the BVI cover all other expenses.

 

A hearty breakfast starts Day Two - 2010 Premier's Cup Regatta

 

Well over 100 Rotarians, Rotaractors and "Family of Rotary" volunteer their time for this event.  They pick up the children when they arrive at the airport or seaport, transport them to the site, house them, feed them, and provide them with boats, lifejackets and drinks. 

 

Rough seas on Day Two. One boat needed repairs, one crewmember became seasick

 

It is our hope that our 13th Annual event in July of 2011 will see more teams sponsored by their local Rotary Clubs.  The event fulfills many District and International goals including Youth promotion, International understanding and can even be a Club Service project.

 

Enjoying the Awards Ceremonies - 2010 Premier's Cup Regatta

 

It is a great way to start out the Rotary year for new Club presidents.

 

Tom Gerker announcing winning teams - 2010 Premier's Cup Regatta

 

The biggest challenge is to find a group of 6 individuals from 10-18 years of age who can sail a 24 foot sloop rigged boat around the buoys safely. 

 

Premier Ralph T. O'Neal awarding winner's Trophy to Team St. Thomas

 

The team does not have to be highly competitive, as there are many different skill levels among the participating teams.  The dates for the 2011 Premiere's Cup International Youth Regatta are 8, 9 & 10 July.

For more information, please contact John Lewis at lewisyonder@yahoo.com, Brent Brydon at providence@surfbvi.com or Tom Gerker at tom@partsandpower.com.  You can call Tom at 284-496-8417 or 284-494-2830.