Among the youth participants in Monday’s Edward Cross Long Distance Comet Race will be teenager Sivaja Perinchief.
A product of the Endeavour Programme, which provides hands-on maritime education for youth, Perinchief felt both excited and anxious ahead of his debut as a skipper in the Comet Class showcase regatta, streamed live on TNN.
“I’ve been practising for the past week and a half, about three to four times, ensuring I’m out on the water and improving my sailing and upwind speed,” said the 18-year-old. “I’ll try to play the gusts, use the wind, and stay near land.
“I want to get upwind quickly and hope my approach works. I was told many racers go farther out, but I plan to try my own way.”
Given his inexperience, small frame, and forecasted strong winds, Perinchief was concerned about endurance for the long race.
“Endurance is going to be a big one,” said Perinchief. “I haven’t done a race this long before.
“I’ve thought about it and practised for hours, but I’ve never raced for that long before.”
“So it’s going to be a stamina thing, endurance, making sure that I can continue on racing the entire way.”
As he prepared for the race, Perinchief set his initial goal simply to finish. To support this, his crew, Jahshon Smith, will join him in the quest, which commences in St George’s Harbour and finishes in the Great Sound, just off West End Sailboat Club.
“Success means reaching the finish line,” he said with a chuckle. “If I make it to the other side of the Island, I’m happy.
“I want to finish top three, but I’m okay if I don’t. As long as I make it across, I know that I’ve accomplished something for myself.”
Reflecting on his journey, the youngster noted sailing as a positive activity in his life, which he uses as a motivational tool for his current, everyday affairs and as a helpful push toward a productive future.
“Sailing has motivated me,” he added. “It keeps me in a positive environment and busy.
“It helps encourage me to do everything else outside of the water as well.”
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