The fourth annual Stormchaser dinghy regatta took place on the weekend of 9-10 June. The regatta was introduced to mark the arrival of the Hurricane season, and takes place in June every year. It is one of only two regattas held during the year where different classes of sailing boat are permitted to sail together. 
Once again, strong winds and choppy seas tested both the resilience and the skills of the sailors. 
Saturday saw four races run and there was plenty of capsizing and equipment failure as the racers pushed themselves and their boats to the limits. In the Laser fleet Raph Harvey showed why he is very much the man in form winning three out of four whilst Chris Delaney dominated the Laser Radial fleet as did Pablo Bertran in the Optimist fleet.  
Sunday saw the catboats joining in the action. They also found the conditions challenging, but Jerris Miller in Whittaker Cat showed how to handle them, by sailing a fast but cautious race. The team of Kelvin Browne, Andrew Moon and Mark Macfee, sailing Chisolm Cat seemed to be giving Miller a run for his money until disaster struck on the downwind leg. Helm Browne couldn't deal with a 'Death Roll' and the boat capsized and sunk leaving the club coach, commodore and ace sailor floating amidst the pieces of their boat. "It was definitely a learning experience" said Coach Browne. 

Source:caymannetnews.com

 

Are you considering purchasing a home in the Cayman Islands? Anyone who has ever bought a home will tell you that they remember the excellent sense of finding the best property and falling in love with it. It is an inexpressible mix of comfort, excitement and dreams about to become reality. "Can we afford it? Will the sellers accept our offer? How quick are we able to pick up the keys?" the excited customers ask. Great vibes are a very good sign in deciding to buy a home. But you should not let your feelings overrule a fair appraisal of whether a specific home truly matches your requirements. 
Here are some of the many questions you will want to ask before you make the commitment to purchase. 
Price 
Your bank advises you are able to afford to buy the home you love, but are you happy with the regular payments you will be obliged to make? Is the down payment within your limits? Would you like to have enough money to pay exchange costs and moving costs? If the house is in need of repairs, transforming or redecorating are you able to save the required funds inside a fair period of time? 
Condition 
Together with price, the state of the home should be a top consideration. Does the home need a new roof? In depth upgrading of the electric wiring? New plumbing? Is the home disaster-ready. A fixer-upper home with tons of potential could be a great find or a cash pit. Will you be well placed to meet the monetary challenges and live with the mess and nuisance while the house is being altered to match your needs. 
Size and design 
Is the house the correct size for you and your family and has it got the right amount of bedrooms, bathrooms and other living areas? Is that tiny den big enough for your child's bedroom? Is one toilet acceptable and if not, what are the costs and headaches of adding a second one? Does the kitchen have enough drawer and worktop space? Is the garage wide enough and deep enough for your cars? 
Comfort 
Does the house have a heating system? An air conditioning system? Are the climate controls crucial to you? Are the windows big enough? If the house has 2 floors, are you happy with the fact that you will be walking up and down stairs each day? Is there a downstairs toilet for guests who can't use the stairs? 
Style 
Is the house too modern or too conventional for your preferences in furniture and soft furnishings? 
Resale Possibilities 
On average most people change homes every 7 years. If you wished to sell your house or were forced to by circumstances that were out of your control, would it be easy to sell it to an interested buyer? 
Features 
Some buyers tend to fall in love with expensive home conveniences that appear attractive and useful at the time, but later turn out to be more headache and less pleasure than originally thought. Do you want a pool? High-maintenance decorative trees? Built in household appliances? Costly hardwood flooring? Some houses are easier to visit than they are for people to own. 

So when you are looking around to find the perfect home for you and your family, although it is very easy to allow your heart to rule your head it is best to ensure that you look at the practicalities of each house. The best way to do this is to devise and carry a check list of your wants and needs to each viewing so that you can ensure you are picking the best home for you.

 

It's almost This summer fourth weekend and you have decided to have a party at your Cayman Islands Home at the last minute. There are lots of things that you will need to do for the party such as sending invites, arranging decorations and buying food. It may seem like an impossible task but when you follow the suggestions and tips in this article, you will be able to easily plan and host a last minute 4th July Party that will be enjoyed by all and stress-free for you. 

Invites: You will have to inform your intended guests quickly that you intend to have a 4th July party, so technology needs to become your best friend. Send invites through sites such as facebook, myspace and twitter, send emails to your friends and family with details of the time, venue and any other information you may deem important for your party to be a hit. If you have the time you can always make an online invitation to send to your guests, this will also impress them at the same time! Request quick RSVP and keep track of them by making a list on your computer. If all else fails ask friends and family to assist you in calling perspective guests by phone to ask them to attend. The aim is to tell everyone you need to as soon as possible to ensure you have guests at your party! 

Decorations: Decorations do not need to be don't need to be very fancy, however they do make parties more enjoyable and fun. Your local store may have decorations that will be suitable, however for a wider choice, search online stores to see if they have anything that will be shipped to you in time for your party. 

Food: Do not over do the food and drinks at your party, keeping it simple will work much better for you. Barbeques are perfect for 4th July parties, so items like hotdogs, burgers, salad, chips and cold deserts will work best for you. If you do not own a barbeque or simply do not wish to be involved with all that food preparation, speak to your local BBQ restaurant and ask them to provide you with a spread for your party. Many will even deliver the food to you so that you do not have to go and pick anything up. Whatever type of food you decide upon, keeping it simple and delicious will please your guests, after all the most enjoyable part of 4th July is getting together with friends and family. 

Entertainment: Entertainment for your 4th July party should include music and fireworks, for the music something as simple as a CD player can be used or a karaoke machine - if you have willing guests this can be great fun. It is very easy to find fireworks around the 4th July as there are plenty sold in all the shops. Should you choose use fireworks, make certain that you've a fire extinguisher and hose for safety. 

Remember the most vital item for your 4th July party is that you Relax and enjoy the event with friends and family and don't worry about the little things, it will all turn out great in the end!

 

The ministry are to build a $250,000 command center on Little Cayman, to use in the event of a hurricane or any other disaster. 
It will be an extension of the government building on Spot Bay Road, which is used to house public works staff and also doubles as an emergency shelter. 
The windows, doors, walls and roof of the new facility will be hurricane safety-rated, and the floor will be constructed 22 feet above sea level, one of the highest points on the western side of the island. 
The extension project contract was awarded to James Thomas of Maximum Construction and Repair Company, who submitted the winning bid of $250,550. 
"The Cayman Islands Governments takes hurricane preparedness and the protection of its citizens and residents very serious," said Deputy Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, who is the minister responsible for District Administration. 
The current Little Cayman Command Center is a multi-purpose building that was initially set up to house Public Works workers that come over to the island to work on various projects for short periods of time. 


Source:caymannewsservice.com