LABOUR DAY RIVER ROWING REGATTA IN BRITISH HONDURAS

[aukepalmhof]

River Regatta, pitpan race in British Honduras.

This stamp shows us the River Regatta rowing on Labour Day 1973 in British Honduras. The craft used in the rowing contest was a pitpan with many paddlers.
A Pit pan is a very long craft with a square interior and a flat elevated front end.
A Pit Pan was first used to take cargo up the river as far as Cayo. This was before River Boats were introduced. But until lately we have seen Pitpans still being used on short hauls. In the early 1900’s they used to have river regattas on Boxing Day. In the 1970's they use to have them in the Belize River by Belcan Bridge during September celebrations. They also used to have them by the Swing Bridge, including the greasy pole!

https://ambergriscaye.com/photogallery/190430.html

Aak to Zumbra gives on the craft.
Type of river dugout canoe, seldom seen now. The bottom generally flattened. Ends have a platform on which a man stands when poling, but the boat is mostly paddled, also standing. Often has an awning and side curtains on rollers. Normal has 8 paddlers.
Reported lengths 11-15m e.g. length 11m, beam 1.2m depth 0.5m.

Source: Aak to Zumbra a dictionary of the World’s Watercraft.
British Honduras 1973 10c sg 344, scott?