Community
The Catboat Club is growingup
The Cayman Catboat Club met on Thursday,January 18, in the meeting room at PD's Pub in Galleria Plazato discuss the effect of the formation of the Cayman MaritimeHeritage Foundation and the move toward an administrative residenceand a maritime gathering place at the Whitehall Bay site.
Twenty members of the Catboat preservationassociation came to the meeting and were elated at the ExecutiveCouncil's acceptance of the application for the not-for-profitstatus and creation of the broader ranging maritime historicalorganisation.
The membership resolution was to accepta letter from Cayman Maritime for the Cayman Catboat Club to beco-sponsored by the new group. The Cayman Catboat Club was sponsoredsolely by the Cayman Islands Seafarers' Association.
Cayman Maritime differs in its intent fromthe Seafarers, in that it is being formed with the sole objectof the promotion and preservation of Caymanian maritime heritage,whereas the Seafarers were formed to look out for the affairsof professional seafarers, with the preservation of maritime heritagealso among their intentions.
Cayman Maritime has stated that it willassist Seafarer in research and fund raising efforts in maritimeheritage projects. The Whitehall site is seen to promote an alliancebetween the two groups because of an invitation for the Seafarersto share the administration office and facilities until theirSeafarers' multi-purpose building is completed.
"The Cayman Islands Seafarers' Associationare an essential part of the reason that we are forming CaymanMaritime," says H.E. Ross, speaking for the Cayman MaritimeHeritage Foundation. "The membership of the Seafarers arethe people who hold most of the maritime narrative that we havetoday. Cayman Maritime will assist Seafarer heritage projectsas it is hoped that Seafarers will assist Cayman Maritime's. Lookingat the Seafarers one sees a reflection of a strong element ofthe Caymanian culture," Ross said.
A liquor licence for the museum cafe-baraspect of the property is a problem that was voiced by Peter Kosa.There is a government moratorium on the issue of new liquor licenses.One of the main concepts of the property is the potential formariners to relax with any type of refreshment, look out at thesea and reminisce.
With Catboat enthusiasts outside workingor sailing their boats, a walk-in exhibit of artefacts and a comfortablecafe ambience, the serving of refreshments should bring out seatales and other pertinent information. The recording of the taleswould be the pleasurable task of the Foundation. Whitehall couldbecome a natural rendezvous for locals and tourists. It wouldprovide both the local population and visitors, with a uniqueinsight into an active nautical past that is merging with a creativeCaymanian future.
Phil Bush, President of the Cayman CatboatClub, says that "the Cayman Maritime Heritage Foundationcoming into existence, coupled with the Whitehall Bay locationis a win-win situation for our culture."
"We will have a place to centre ourpreservation efforts, maintain our Catboats, even race from,"he said, adding: "We have a place that is specifically welcomingto mariners of all nations. We will present a view of our activeseafaring heritage. We will really be working on and buildingand sailing Cayman Catboats."
The topic of renovation of the propertybrought out a not a few comments.
The summary of the discussion went to creatingan open ambience while taking advantage of the sea view and thecatboat scenes.
Everybody agreed that Catboat sheds be madetraditionally of mangrove poles and palm leaf roofing. Stone rakingthe beach would be an occasional work-party endeavour. It wasparticularly pointed out that the Club should make a special effortto make those boat owners of the dinghies already pulled up onthe beach feel welcome.
"We'll get plenty of help on the labourand materials, oh yes," remarked Kem Jackson. "I thinkwe've been waiting for something like this, and now you are goingto see Caymanians get down to the task," he said.
With architects, developers, contractorsand civic planners among the
Foundation and Catboat Club memberships,it was felt that the planning and construction phases should beenergetic operations.
Other topics on the Meeting's agenda coveredhow to organise a race that starts on time for the benefit ofthe sponsors and spectators. A check off list was produced, dividingthe organisation into three committee groups.
Being a new organisation without a centrallocation and inadequate trailering has hampered the schedulingof boat delivery to the race starts. The purchase or donationof a trailer and the check-off list with its built-in respondingcommunications should, on the one hand, see the end of the Islandrelaxed air of the Club, but will reinforce a continuance of sponsorshipswhich is necessary for the continuity of the races.
Due to the holiday absences, the sailing lesson schedule was interruptedbut it was decided to be rescheduled, beginning again in February.There has been a real interest shown in learning to sail Catboats,which is encouraging, but what was more encouraging was the numberof Caymanian women who are interested in learning the vessels'idiosyncrasies.
Unfortunately, it was reported, that theorganisations contacted to set a youth Catboat sail, repair andrestoration program into motion have not continued what was initiallyan exuberant response to queries. The boats are there, the instructorsare there, but the young men and women are not.
A long-term vessel sponsorship package wasalso presented and approved. The feeling was that when one vesselhad one crew and a specific location, the races would have a betterchance of starting on time, and possibly more races would result.
Catboat Club meetings are always difficultto end. There always seems like there are so many things to bringinto line and resolve. The Catboat Club is growing up.