Seagulls in full flight... Comets set for battle

A record number of boats will compete in the traditional Round the Island Seagull Race tomorrow.

At least 76 boats were signed up to start at 8am from Spanish Point Boat Club, up seven on the previous record.

There are 10 classes, catering for cedar wooden dinghys and old outboard seagull motors all the way up to the more daring vessels featuring pipes and even picnic tables!

Fibreglass versions are also racing, while there is a trophy for Berry dinghys which, according to event organiser Martine Purssell, have started to “come out of the woodwork”. Those boats will compete for the Berry Old Motor Trophy.

“The idea is to get them all [boats] back by 4pm,” she told the Sun.

“But that doesn’t always happen!”

Most boats take their share of alcohol for the journey and the emphasis is on a fun day — and on getting round the island.

“It’s really a great way of seeing the island,” she added. 

The race started when two fishermen in Devonshire Bay in the 1960s challenged each other to race around the island.

Last year’s race raised $4,000 and organizers expect to raise around $5,000 over the weekend for the Bermuda Sloop Foundation.

Organizers also wish to thank sponsors Heineken for their support with prizes and a six-pack of beer  for each boat.

Meanwhile, the West End Sailboat Club’s Annual Comet Race will take place on Monday.

The annual long distance comet sailboat race goes from St. George’s to Somerset and will start at 11am in St. George’s Harbour and  end approximately three hours later in the Great Sound at Watford Island.

Mariners have been advised to give adequate clearance and minimal wake when in the vicinity of the racing comets.