Whether or not you want to swim or snorkel of if you just love looking at the water, this is a wonderful event to attend. Ralph T. O'Neal and a featured keynote address by renowned sailor Captain William Pinkney. Afforded a rousing welcome by cheering boaters, Captain Pinkney went on to give a detailed speech covering the inspiration for his sail around the world in 1990 to his current status as Captain of the famous Amistad , a replica of the 1839 schooner famed for a successful, on-board revolt by its African captives against would be slave traders. Acknowledging he'd been sailing for 36 years, Captain Pinkney admitted to the crowd that he had never seen so many Black sailors in one place. And he thanked all generously.
Folks have boats in Africa.
But for us to come to the BVI and be a part of recreational sailing I think is very important, very exciting and it opens up a whole new avenue of so many things for us. Among other topics he also said the Bitter End Yacht Club was his home base and the site from where he began his sailing trip around the world. The Captain ended his lengthy talk to thunderous applause and open praise from vocal listeners. He's the world's leading African-American sailor because he sailed around the world, by himself. This is a business.