Anguilla Island 2008 Yacht Regatta Ready to Set Sail
63Annual event to be the best ever
Anguilla, the northern-most of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, has historically been intimately associated with the ancient sport of competitive sailing. To be sure, the history of Anguillian sailing is effectively indistinguishable from the history of the island itself. It is said that aquatic activities like boat racing encompass the island's national sport, and is in the blood of all Anguillians.
Hosted by the Anguilla Sailing Association and the Anguilla Tourist Board, the island is preparing for its Sixth Annual Regatta, which will be held on May 9-11, 2008. The event is in support of the Anguilla Youth Sailing Club, a non-profit organization that teaches local young people how to sail after school and during breaks.
The up-coming Regatta is anticipated to be the largest and best attended to date. Most activities will take place in the secluded harbor of Road Bay, including the numerous parties at bars and restaurants on the beach. A number of the races will take place close to shore so observers can easily enjoy the sight of hotly competing racing boats under full sail.
The 2007 Regatta showcased 28 boats contending in eleven races over the event weekend. Five classes of boats competed each day -- two spinnaker classes, non-spinnaker, open and multi-hull. In addition to competitions involving yachts and local boats, the Regatta also included three 12-meter challenges where local organizations chartered designated boats and competed against each other for bragging rights and prizes.
There will be enjoyable free entertainment each evening of the event on the beach and in some of the Sandy Ground eateries. Various local vendors will provide attendees with all kinds of barbecued delicacies and local dishes, and some hotels will offer discount rates for the occasion.
Anguilla is an internally self-governing overseas territory of England. The capital city is The Valley. The territory has a total residency of approximately 13,500, according to a 2006 estimate. The island's name comes from the word for 'eel' in any of several Romance languages (ex: Spanish, French and Italian), probably because of its eel-like shape.
Dave Elliott is the owner of Caribbean Art and Prints, which carries gorgeous art prints of Anguilla, and other beautiful islands in the Caribbean.
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Thanks kpfinaz. Nice to 'meet' you. The Caribbean is the perfect place to live.
The Caribbean has such a great reputaion for being this luxurious most perfect holiday destination and i would love to visit one day.
It is indeed beautiful, compu-smart. All of the islands offer about the same climate, but are very culturally diverse.
Especially when you live in a cold climate, visiting the Caribbean at virtually anytime during the year -- but especually during your winter time -- is a revelation.
Hi 1caribbean. Lovely hub. I am from Trinidad and Tobago.
Hello Lisa. Thanks for your comment. I love T&T, having visited Port of Spain 10 years ago. I just couldn't believe how lush and warm the breezes coming off the ocean were. I was staying in a hotel right on the oceanfront (can't remember the name). Very enjoyable trip. I took a taxi all around the island and ended up sharing a beer with the driver at an out-of-town spot.
You should pay visit soon, we are developing rather quickly, you'll love it even more.
I would certainly like to do that, Lisa. Its one of my goals to visit every Caribbean island and T&T is certainly very high on that list.
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kpfingaz says:
7 months ago
Cool hub. I'm from St. Vincent...One Caribbean.