CARIBBEAN REGATTAS Wednesday 3rd January 2018
Photo credit: STYC/Dean Barnes
Article taken from Southern Boating & Yachting - No matter how much you love your powerboat, there’s no denying the beauty and draw of sailboats, especially when they’re racing on a clear day, their colorful sails filled with the wind. If you’ve never tried it, participating in a Caribbean sailing regatta is a thrilling experience and one that is highly recommend.
Sailing schools can be found in nearly any coastal city in the U.S. as well as in the Caribbean, and course programs are offered to accommodate all levels of interest. If you’re not ready to fully jump in the deep water but simply want to dip your toe in the shallow end of sailing, a great option is to join one of the many Caribbean regattas in which you pay to play. Based on Antigua,
Ondeck Sailing lets guests reserve a spot (for a fee) on one of the yachts in the regattas. (Prices range depending on the event, yacht and other factors.)
With the exception of comfy shoes that have non-marking soles—and recommended sun protection such as sunscreen, sun shirts, and hats—participants don’t need any special equipment or previous sailing experience. Yachts in the regatta are crewed by qualified, professional sailors that will teach you as much or as little as you want during the event. Guests are encouraged to get involved in the competitive aspect of the sport, but it’s perfectly acceptable to simply observe the action rather than be part of it. Lest one confuses regattas with touristy boat cruises, no alcoholic beverages are allowed on board during the races; this is serious competition, after all. Once the event is finished, a fruity rum punch concoction and other spirits, of course, are freely distributed.
If a sailing regatta has piqued your interest, now is the time to start planning and secure your place as guest spots fill up quickly once the Caribbean regatta season has commenced. For your convenience, included is the 2018 Caribbean Regatta Calendar, which lists all of the sailing events during which guests can sail with Ondeck. ondecksailing.com;antigua@ondecksailing.com; tel: (268) 562-6696.
2018 Caribbean Regattas Calendar With Ondeck Sailing
January 16-24
Mount Gay Run Round
Barbados Sailing Race
January 29-February 3
Grenada Sailing Week
February 9-12
Jolly Harbour Valentine’s Regatta
February 19-23
RORC Caribbean 600
March 2-4
Heineken St. Maarten Regatta
March 15-18
St. Barth’s Bucket
March 23-25
St. Thomas International Regatta
March 26-April 1
BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival
April 9-14
Les Voiles de St. Barth
April 22
Guadeloupe to Antigua Race
April 28
Peters & May
Round Antigua Race
April 29-May 4
Antigua Sailing Week
May 12
Antigua to Bermuda
Read more here.
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