Another fantastic new book on Anguilla has been published-- this one is about the history, theory, and practice of Boat Races, the national sport. "Nuttin Bafflin" by David Carty, the well-known Anguillian boat builder, is packed with well-written and interesting history and anecdotes, going back to the 17th century. This book gives a fascinating insight into a unique national enthusiasm that is central to the Anguillian culture. And it is fun to read. The title, "Nuttin Bafflin", is boat talk meaning "no bad winds ahead". If a 'flaw' or puff of wind is coming across the surface of the sea towards the boat, the way the fine surface of the water's ripples appear allow it to be read. A baffling flaw is one that comes at a boat almost head-on and will surely head the boat away from the finish if it hits.
Read this book to find out the history that makes sailing such a part of the Anguillian psyche. Do you wonder what keeps these open boats from capsizing? The secret is in the Captain's foot, but you will have to read the book to discover why. Nuttin Baffli can be read at Anguilla's Public Library.

Here's a bit of Anguilla's boat racing history to whet your appetite.

The Origins of Boat Racing
By David Carty

If the Sport of Kings ever existed in Anguilla, this generation is certainly ignorant of what it must have been like. Perhaps Carter Rey, now long dead, was the first man to race a horse somewhere around Wall Blake. But every Anguillian in the past and today has seen a boat race and indeed this indigenous sport is not too much unlike the Sport of Kings in many ways.

Visit Anguilla during Carnival Week, when August Monday (first Monday of August) heralds the opening of Carnival with an exciting boat race and land-based festivities followed by more exciting races and activities held throughout the week. Sample delicious local foods and beverages on beaches hosting the race starts and finishes: sunrise, morning & afternoon parades and dance celebrations; evening entertainment and pageants. Choose a summertime package or create your own special Carnival package. Anguilla's summer rates, and its Carnival boat races, beach festivities, parades and shows can't be beat! Accommodation & Rate Guide Summer's Cool Rates & Packages

It never ceases to impress me how unique Anguillian boat racing is; how each boat at once exudes a quality of both grace and wildness; how racers and the fans endow each craft with a definite personality. And of course, how the racers and the spectators ashore win and lose, at substantially, on bets made.

So, perhaps boat racing in Anguilla is our own style of the Sport of Kings and this year again the wooden steeds will be groomed to near perfection. Arguments of superiority will intensify until they become unintelligible and the gamblers will marshal their savings and dream however precariously of August Monday jackpots.

There are very definite reasons why Anguilla is the only Commonwealth Caribbean island where cricket takes second place to another sport and these reasons are rooted deeply but simply in history. We are all well aware by now that the climate and especially the low rainfall in Anguilla brought about a speedy collapse of the sugar plantations in the early 19th century and indeed boded ill for all commercial agriculture.

The social repercussions of this were far reaching, tin that Anguillians were forced to emigrate or seek a livelihood on the sea. Both alternatives brought Anguilla menfolk directly to the sea although quite obviously those who chose the former alternative of emigration had a less intimate relationship than those who chose to work on the sea. The latter group was divided roughly into two: those who fished and those who traded throughout the islands on the schooners.

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