Photo: TODD?VANSICKLE (L-r) Geoffrey Brookes presents Butch Romney, Richard Wooldridge and Premier Dr. Orlando Smith with The Great Festival Sloop Race trophy on Tuesday afternoon.

“The premier is leading in the sloop race, but that doesn’t mean the governor doesn’t put up stiff competition,” Dr. Smith said.

This year marked the ninth time the race has been held. Race organiser Geoffrey Brookes said Dr. Smith helped initiate the event and has sailed in six out of the nine races — winning three and finishing twice in a tie.

This year, his team consisted of Richard Wooldridge, Butch Romney and Dwayne Smith.

Dr. Smith credited his crew for winning the race, but his teammates said he was just as much involved in the victory.

“I never touched the tiller once,” Mr. Wooldridge said.

Mr. Brookes hopes to add some new events to next year’s 10th annual event to help draw more people to the race. He added that Nanny Cay is a good location, but the premier has had several people ask why it was moved from Road Harbour.

“It is something we will have to look into,” Dr. Smith said.

Mr. Brookes would like to see an annual wooden sloop race that involves more sailors and not just the premier and governor. Currently, there are only three sloops, but Mr. Brookes said there is a possibility that two more could be launched in the near future.

The victory was special for Mr. Romney because it was his first win. However, he is no stranger when it comes to sloops, because as a kid he used to sail them with his father.

“It is good to be back on these boats,” Mr. Romney said.

Dr. Smith said sloops were also in his family, including his grandfathers who were boat builders. He said there are still a lot boat builders on Tortola, especially in East End.

Organisers of the The Great Festival Sloop Race hope the event will continue to preserve the maritime history of the territory.