or a second day there were once more abundance of entertainments and thrills as the Aruwai Summer Regatta concluded with the power boat races at the Aruwai Resort.
Dave Scott who drove in the 200 horse power and over category was the day’s most successful competitor, winning three of his four races while finishing second in another. He won the day’s first event which was the Courts 225hp open followed by the Digicel 200 hp and the day’s final race, the 225 hp open. Scott who drove the Jaguar (the name of his boat) was only beaten in the 225 hp which was won by Pomeroon’s own Clint Gonsalves, who drove Cyzie Boys.
Dave Scott standing next to his boat, the ‘Jaguar’
In total Scott won $420,000.00 dollars in cash and several accolades to go with it as he ended as the day’s top driver. Other winners were, Jose Jardine, Shawn Belle, Danny Benjamin, Israel Henry, Gonsalve and Shawn Jacobs.
The following is a list of the top finishers in each race from the first to the last. Courts 225 hp open- first Scott ($150,000), second Neil Gonsalves ($120,000) first Jose Jardin and third Shawn Belle ($100,000). 75-M1EMF Yassin-first Jardine ($80,000) and second Danny Benjamin ($60,000). Prime Minister’s Office race-first place Shawn Belle ($100,000), second Selwyn Joseph ($80,000) and third place Jardine ($60,000). Lalchand Seeraj 40hp-first Benjamin ($50,000), second Clint Gonsalves (40,000) and third Romeo Randolp ($30,000). Aruwai Canoe- Israel Henry first and second went to Jerman Samuel. Digicel 200hp first Dave Scott ($150,000), second Gonsalves ($120,000) abd Belle ($100,000). Courts 40 hp- first Benjamin ($50,000), second Gonsalves ($40,000) and third Belle (30,000). PM’s Office 225 hp first Gonsalves ($150,000), second Scott ($120,000) and Belle ($100,000). Bartica Service Station jet ski race- first Jacobs ($30,000), second Marlon Sanasie ($25,000) and third Ramcharan Boodhoo ($20,000). 225 open-first Scott ($100,000), second Belle ($80,000) and third Jardine ($60,000).
Most of the day’s proceeding was quite fine with the exception of one accident which left driver Selwyn Joseph unconscious for some period before he recovered and was safe at home up to press time. Joseph’s boat ’the girls them sugar’ hit the rope attached to the buoy and toppled, causing him to be thrown into the water. He was retrieved from the water by life guards who acted quickly to rescue him. At the time he was lifted from the water he was unconscious but was quickly revived by coast guards, who were on duty at the time. Subsequently he was rushed to the Bartica Hospital where he was examined by a doctor, who did x-rays and monitored his condition for some while before he was discharge from the ward.
That accident was the only incident for the two days but it did not stop the patrons’ fun as the activities continued with much anticipation of who the winner of each race would be. After the races ended there was live entertainment by local soca singer Jomo Primo, who entertained the gathering in his usual energetic and rhythmic delivery.
Subsequently there was the award ceremony before the after lime got underway.
Scott was the top competitor on day two while Steven Nobrega won all the races on day one.
Overall it was two days of spectacular activities which showed scope to expand with longer planning among other concerns which could make it one of Guyana’s premier events on the national calendar of summer activities.
