A judge inspects Robert Pickering’s 32-foot powerboat This is It during the first BVI Exquisite Boat Show on Saturday at Scrub Island. Photo: FREEMAN ROGERS

Robert Pickering estimates that his 32-foot powerboat This is It can go nearly 100 miles per hour.

A judge inspects Robert Pickering’s 32-foot powerboat This is It during the first BVI Exquisite Boat Show on Saturday at Scrub Island. Photo: FREEMAN ROGERS
But on Saturday afternoon, it was tied to a dock at Scrub Island, bobbing gently as a judge inspected its bright green-and-yellow paint job and its two 300-horsepower outboard motors.

It was among seven speedboats competing in the first BVI Exquisite Boat Show.

“This is the first boat show like this here,” said Mr. Pickering, a lifelong boating enthusiast who owns Bob’s Gas and Service Centre in Baughers Bay.

His vessel would later win first place for paint job for boats 30 feet and longer.

Also at the show were four Boston whalers for sale and two other featured powerboats that didn’t compete.

The event, which drew about 300 people, was a success, according to Event Manager Meslyn Allan, though organisers and boaters alike said they would have liked to see more participation from Virgin Islands boats.

“There was a pretty good turnout and there was some awesome boats there,” Ms. Allan said, adding, “We can’t wait to institute what we’ve learned at this year’s event to improve next year’s event — and not only next year’s but upcoming years as well.”

See the May 28, 2014 edition for full coverage.

 

 

THE WINNERS

Best Overall Boat

Wally Castro (Puerto Rico)

Best Paint Job (30 feet and up)

First: Robert Pickering (VI)

Second: Sammy Leonard (VI)

Best Paint Job (29 feet and under)

First: Shadee Saleh  (VI)

Second: Jack Durand (VI)

Best Interior

First: Wally Castro (PR)

Second: Sammy Leonard (VI)

Cleanest Inboard Engine

First: Wally Castro (PR)

Second: Sammy Leonard (VI)

Safest Boat

Shadee Saleh (VI)

Biggest Boat

Jean-Marie Rosemond (St. Martin)

Smallest Boat

Clifton Donovan (VI)

Most Popular Offshore Boat

Angel Duran

 

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