The organisers of the Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race Series are delighted to announce an expanded programme for 2014.
In the build-up to the main race commencing on Tuesday 21 January, there will be three breathtaking days of coastal racing (from Friday 17 January) before the Open Passage Race to Antigua on Friday January 24. Registration for this incredible annual event – celebrating its 78th anniversary in 2014 – commences on Wednesday 15 January at the Barbados Cruising Club, and entry is available online now.
These two events make Barbados a ‘must go’ destination for those who love sailing; whether taking part in the races or watching from the safety of the shore. For a full programme of events, see here.
The purpose of the race is to break the record for the fastest time sailing around the island of Barbados, a distance of approximately 60 miles. The race is not for the fainthearted, however, and offers particularly challenging sailing around the east coast of the island.
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.
While most boats sailed for the honour 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 Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race can be viewed from a number of beaches around the island and tracked online.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct to Barbados from London Gatwick and Manchester Airport.
Details on the event can be found atwww.mountgayrumroundbarbadosrace.com
