Caribbean, islands in the stream

Mount Gay Round Barbados Race

The race around Barbados dates back to the 19th century and is based upon bragging rights for the fastest “Trading Schooner”. This was a prize worth its weight in gold to captains in an era where prices for cargo arriving ahead of rival ships commanded a massive premium.
Whilst most boats sailed for the honor of the fastest time, the consolation prize of a barrel of Mount Gay Rum for the slowest certainly spurred on some captains, and had to be discontinued after two boats remained out at sea for days stalling to take the prize.

The 2012 Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race organized by the Barbados Cruising Club in association with Mount Gay Rum and The Barbados Tourism Authority is now open for entries!
Following the success of the 75th anniversary race, held annually on Errol Barrow Day the 21st January a national holiday honouring Barbados’ first Prime Minister, where the race captured the interest of the island the organizers are bringing this unique yachting spectacle right into the heart of Bridgetown Barbados.

Independence Square in downtown Bridgetown will be the site of the 2012 Regatta Village, with yachts moored within the historic inner basin of the Bridgetown Careenage. An area ingrained in the maritime history of Barbados, used historically by trading schooners to load and unload their wares and located opposite National Heroes Square and the Barbados Houses of Parliament, which was recently listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race 2012 program begins on 19th January and will feature an extended race and social program with the signature Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race starting on the morning of the 21st. With opportunities for yachts to win their skipper’s weight in Mount Gay Rum Extra Old by breaking existing class records is it time to fatten up your skipper in preparation?

the Races
Wednesday 18th January 2012, 1700 Hrs: Race entry submission closes.
Thursday 19th January 2012: Optional Event; The Two Restaurants Race, 18 mile handicap warm up race.
Saturday 21st January 2012: Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race, Pursuit Race to establish record times. First Start off The Barbados Cruising Club, Pebbles Beach at approx. 0700 Hrs.

The Course
If the crow flew in a circle the race is about 60 miles but as we're not racing on crows yachts end up doing around 70 plus miles.
The trade winds and incredible sailing conditions make it a great course.
Starting at the Barbados Cruising Club, you will sail through the historic Carlisle Bay, pass the deep water harbour to starboard and then begin a 20 mile tight reach in calm water up the platinum coast of Barbados passing the homes and haunts of the very rich and very famous.
After rounding the top of the island you will encounter the full force of the Atlantic with nothing between you and Africa. You will then face a good 7 mile plus beat in tricky currents, windshifts and some big waves. Follow this with a 20 mile fetch, riding those same waves beam on, trying to maximize speed without losing height enough to clear East Point.
Bear away and hoist through the big breaking Atlantic rollers for a fantastic 18 mile downwind slide along the south coast. Drop the kites and skate round the South West corner of the island to the finish!

Stop the clock and see if it’s time to fatten the skipper for the weigh in!
Classes
The aim of the race is simple, even if the course is a little more challenging: One day, one race, to record the fastest time around the island of Barbados.
Records may be set in a number of classes the following of which have been selected and may be increased according to entries.
Classics.
Monohull One Design.
Monohull Open, Overall length over 30’ and under: 40’; 60’; 80; 100’; 130’; Unlimited.
Multihull Open, Overall length over 25’ and under: 40’; 60’; 80’; 100’; 130’; Unlimited.

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