The Tradition of the Round Barbados Race
The first organised race around Barbados was held on January 1st 1936 when 5 trading schooners competed for 'bragging rights' and a small prize. The winner was Lou Kennedy's Sea Fox in a time of 10 hours and 20 minutes. We wonder what Lou Kennedy would make of Team Concise's current Absolute Multihull record time?
Around Barbados
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!
RUM!!
Coastal Racing
Our three day race series can be entered separately, or together with the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race. Racing in 5 classes, taking in both the South and West Coasts of the Island. To enter the Racing or Cruising Class you will need a CSA rating. The J/24 Class have their own courses and local ratings will be used for our final two classes - multihull and non CSA rated boats. All races count towards the final positions - and our fabulous unique prizes will be awarded at the end of the series at the Grand Prize Giving on January 22nd. On shore, there'll be a party every night to relax, unwind, discuss the following days tactics... or just have a glass or two of Mount Gay Rum.