By Chris Johnson

An enjoyable event took place on Monday at the Cayman Island Sailing Club, where club Commodore Alan Roffey was at the helm to launch 18 new Hartley Boats. He gave the attendees a potted history on how the launch came into being.

The existing fleet of Laser Pico boats were reaching the end of their life and following the kind offer of Richard Flowers to replace their sails, the club committee, on seeing a video of the boats used by the Royal Navy determined that Hartley boats should be purchased. Richard was ‘right on board’ with the decision. Full steam went ahead under the stewardship of the Commodore, whose initial efforts attracted contributions of $10,000. This was supported with numerous local donations from local sponsors making up the balance of the cost.

The event saw Governor Martyn Roper pay tribute to the club and with the finest of champagne launched the boats, notwithstanding the inclement weather. The Honorable Bernie Bush, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage whose also praised the club for its history and the importance of sports in the Cayman Islands.

Commodore Alan paid special tribute to the club’s staff who had worked particularly hard and also those who had ensured the success of the event.

All images courtesy of Rodger Yeomans