Come January 2018, sailors from around the world will take to the high seas for nine days of competitive sailing, fine rum, and exciting entertainment during the all new Barbados Sailing Week.
Formerly the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has recommended the move to rebrand the highly-anticipated nautical event in keeping with global trends.
“In January, the Series will be celebrating 82 years of consistently pleasing fun and competition out on the water. However, as we look to the future, we must ensure that all events under the brand Barbados umbrella are sustainable, competitive and able to stand the test of ever-changing tourism trends.
“To this end, we closely reviewed the existing offerings with the organisers, Barbados Cruising Club, as well as the long-standing sponsors, Mount Gay, and came up with a package that we believe will entice even more visitors to our island for our rejuvenated Barbados Sailing Week,” BTMI said.
The rebrand includes a recreated logo and website that embody the modernity and longevity of the brand, and more diverse activities during the week.
Barbados Sailing Week runs from January 16 through 24, and includes three days of Coastal Racing; the famous Mount Gay Round Barbados Race on January 21; and the Ocean Passage Race to Antigua on January 24. In addition, the new Sailing Week will feature themed parties and other enhanced entertainment aimed at creating an inclusive, immersive cultural experience for all involved.
Thousands of local, regional and international spectators are expected to gather at vantage points around the island to take in some of the biggest draws such as the three-masted 65m Schooner Adix and the 55m A-Class Schooner Elena – the yacht that holds the Classic record of 6 hours, 11 minutes, 19 seconds in the 60nm sprint around Barbados.
As with the previous years, sailors have the opportunity to win prizes which include winning the skipper’s weight in rum if any of the 20 records are broken. (PR)
