Kesi Asher, Staff Reporter ENTERTAINMENT COMES in various forms and is not limited to land. And while many take to the water to compete, others ride waves of sheer fun.
The nine-year-old Super Clubs Yacht Race, held on Ash Wednesday, sees the tall sailed craft racing from the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club to Morgan's Harbour Hotel and Marina. About nine boats usually compete and there are two hospitality boats for people who come just to watch. Though very exciting to watch, the event can be dangerous and teamwork is very important to success.
NO AGE LIMIT
The yacht race appeals not only to sailing experts, but also to people who just want to enjoy a trip on the ocean. There is no age limit on participation, so anywhere from 10 to 70 year olds can be found at the event.
"It's quite entertaining; it's different. The wind, the waves and the motion of the ocean is very exciting. The wind is extremely relaxing. You're in the middle of water, so it's very calming. You're away from everything else so you get this euphoric feeling; you just feel free. It's good for a family, to just enjoy yourself and have fun, especially if it's your first time on a yacht," said Nadine Roberts, marketing manager for Dairy Industries.
Laurence 'Laurie' Stewart, past Commodore for Royal Jamaica Yacht Club and skipper of the boat Chen, sees the entire experience as family fun.
"There is usually a support group associated with the boat. Sailing is not just about the race; it's also about the cruising use of the boat. Getting to the destination is a part of the fun.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
"The process begins when you get on the boat. There is a lot of family involvement in sailing the boat. When the race is done
people just go back on the boat and enjoy the sea. People who have never gone sailing also use this opportunity to go sailing," Stewart said.
Jet skis are sometimes brought into the picture, adding to the entertainment.
The annual Jamaica Fishing Tournament, which includes the Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament and the Port Antonio Canoe Tournament, is held at the new Port Antonio Marina, Portland.
Amidst the camaraderie, fun and meeting of new friends, the Marlin Tournament sees over 100 registered anglers fishing from 23 boats. Fish that are not needed are released into the ocean alive.
Hours of reggae and soca music are played in the early days of the tournament. Happy hour is coupled with music for the drinking pleasure of many.
"You can definitely go for the entertainment side of it. The canoe tournament is very entertaining because you have a number of
people that go just to marvel at the size of the catches.
"When you go to the evening segment, you have the option of dining in a relaxed atmosphere that families can enjoy. You just go to have fun," said John, who attends the tournament regularly.
The entertainment package varies from year to year. At the most recent staging in October 2005, the Hummingbird Steel Orchestra was on hand for the steel pan lovers.
Wayne Armond and Richie McDonald did a duet, and Rupert Bent and Cindy Breakspeare were in cabaret on prize-giving night.
When the music ended there was movie night in main hall with the documentary Deep and Inshore Sea Angling. There was also wine-tasting and entertainment by Yekengale.
The Magnum Tonic Wine Canoe Parade and tournament, which saw about 22 canoes participating last year, is usually held in a festival type atmosphere in Portland. Adding to the festivity is the Rio Grande cruise and beach bash put on by Norma's on the Beach, and a beach grill at the new mega-yacht facility on the Titchfield Beach.
Polly Perry, regional manager for Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), explained that JTB sponsored elements of the canoe tournament. The Portland Chamber of Commerce organises the race.
The trip to Lime Cay on a 32-seater boat, sometimes referred to as the 'canoe-taxi', is a favourite of many. The first trip leaves Morgan's Harbour in Port Royal at 9:30 a.m., coming and going every half hour after that, then stopping at 5:00 p.m.
"Lime Cay is relaxing, not the up and down entertainment that you think of, but it is nice family and group-oriented kind of entertainment. You see the families there playing games, cooking and having fun with each other. The music there is good; it's not a DJ kinda thing, but it's nice anyway. The families make it fun and the food is good. Having the sea around you, on an island, is very calming and relaxing," said Kimberly, a visitor to Lime Cay.
FRIENDLY MAMMALS
At Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, the friendly mammals are the main source of fun, excitement and entertainment. Persons have the opportunity to swim and play with the dolphins, and two forms of play are the dorsal pull and the foot push, depending on the trainer's instruction. Then there are waving, splashing, swimming, playing, kissing or touching. Children can go into knee deep water, while adults go in deeper.
The frolic is supported by a Jamaican-style all you can eat
buffet lunch. "I went with my family and my best friend came with us. It was fun; the dolphins are very adorable, they make me laugh.
"They are fun to swim with. You can go to Dolphin Cove for a whole day and have fun with your family and friends. Sometimes you just need some quiet fun. Entertainment doesn't always have to be shows, sessions, clubs, plays or anything that you have to dress up for. Sometimes you need to go back to nature," said Rhea.
BOAT PARTIES
The main vessel for boat
parties is the Caribbean Queen. The boat sails around the Kingston Harbour and goes as far as Port Royal, music thumping and party people having fun. Owners of yachts often utilise their vessels for private parties.
Beach parties have long been a part of Jamaica's culture. Port Henderson, Fort Clarence, Little Copa and Cable Hut beaches are among those that used to, and some still host parties and sessions.
Helshire Beach serves up fish and festival and other types of seafood. It is also home to Red Stripe Lite Beach Football, which has become a popular entertainment affair, complete with a sound system.
Helshire Beach was also the venue for the Hellshire Food Fest and Fisherman's Regatta, held in August 2005. And, of course, the beach is a good place for many who are looking for fun and excitement on a weekend or a public holiday.
