A New name, but the same exciting stuff is expected on the high seas later this month.
Boats from Grenada and St Lucia are expected to shortly begin arriving in the island to take part in next weekend’s Barbados May Regatta, formerly known as the Mount Gay Regatta, which sails from May 16 to 18.
Plans for the exciting three-day event were outlined by events chairman Stephanie Brooks at a recent media briefing at the Barbados Yacht Club.
Brooks told members of the media that she expected this year’s event to be bigger and better with a number of new initiatives planned to include participation by the general public.
“For example, we will be having a fun day on May 17 . . . at 11 a.m. with on and off the water entertainment. Members of the public will have the opportunity to experience what sailing is all about when they join the sailors in a treasure hunt along the coastline of the West Coast.
“For those not so adventurous in going on the water, there will be also be a number of beach activities . . . with lots of prizes and surprises at stake.
“We want to make this a spectator-friendly family fun day and we are encouraging sea bathers and anyone curious about sailing to come down and be part of the activities,” Brooks said.
Following the registration and skippers’ briefing on May 15, action will sail off the following morning with the first race at 9:30 a.m.
A total of 12 races will be split over the two days of competition with the popular J24 class accounting for half of these races.
In addition to the regular Racing A, Racing B, Cruising A, and Melges, there will be the introduction of the Multi Hull class involving boats like the catamarans and trimarans. The event will conclude on Sunday, May 18, when most of the action will be centred along the West Coast.
It will culminate with the final presentation of prizes and one big after presentation party lime featuring a DJ.
Over 25 boats are expected to take part in the two-day event that will start and end each day in Carlisle Bay. People interested in viewing or taking photos of some of the action are encouraged to do so from the Boardwalk or any vantage point along the South Coast as the boats will sail very close to the shoreline and go as far up as Oistins, in Christ Church and back to Carlisle Bay, in St Michael. (CH)
