Organisers of Barbados Sailing Week continue to see increase numbers

With over $700 000 in direct economic impact being forecasted and the number of entrants steadily increasing yearly, Barbados Sailing Week 2026 is being tipped to be one most successful in history.

Speaking during the event’s launch at the Barbados Cruising Club, sailing captain and organiser of this year’s event, Marianna Polacka, offered an upbeat assessment of the event, which has seen a significant increase in entrants, following the rough seas of the post-COVID years.

She revealed that the number of yachts had almost doubled from two years ago, with 32 yachts set to take part in 2026, compared to 25 in 2025 and 18 in 2024.

Interestingly, Polacka said international yachts and sailors outnumbered local entrants in this year’s event.

“In 2023, the event stood at 15 participating yachts, including five visiting yachts. That moment made it clear that international momentum had declined and that focused intervention was needed. 

“Since then, our approach has been deliberate and practical: rebuild infrastructure, rebuild trust, and bring stakeholders and key players back to the table to demonstrate that Barbados Sailing Week matters not only as a regatta, but as part of Barbados’ wider sports tourism economy,” Polacka said.

“This year marks an important turning point. After many years of decline, we now have more visiting yachts than local yachts – 17 visiting yachts racing alongside 15 Barbadian boats. That shift signals renewed international confidence in Barbados as a sailing destination. At the same time, what is equally important is that local participation is increasing. The growth in Barbadian boats tells us that this is not only an international event returning to Barbados, it is also a Barbadian sport strengthening at home.”

In total, 229 sailors will be involved in this year’s event, including 147 visiting sailors and 86 Barbadians. 

Polacka further described the geographic diversity of visiting yachts and crews this year as encouraging.

“Barbados Sailing Week 2026 is attracting participation from across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. Visiting yachts are coming from the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, the United States, Antigua, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago, alongside a strong Barbadian fleet. 

“The largest visiting contingent is from the United Kingdom, with eight yachts and 65 sailors, supported by crews from continental Europe, North America, and the wider Caribbean. This spread reinforces Barbados’ renewed position as an international sailing hub, drawing sailors from multiple regions rather than relying on a single market.”

As is the norm, several events this year will allow the public ample spectator views. On Saturday, January 17, racing will take place along the south coast Boardwalk, offering excellent viewing from bars and restaurants along the route. On Tuesday, January 21, the fleet will compete in the iconic Mount Gay Round Barbados Race, which will offer coastal vantage points all around the island.

According to Anies Jordan, Commercial Director, Mount Gay Distilleries, they are extremely delighted to once again be a sponsor of the event, which continues to represent excellence, adventure, and the rich maritime heritage that is valued so deeply here in Barbados.

“This year we are especially excited to host two Mount Gay races on Wednesday, January 21. The first is of course the iconic Mount Gay Round Barbados race, which starts at 8 a.m., and is dedicated to the largest vessels. They will take us to a thrilling channel of racing around our beautiful island, which is a true test of skill and endurance.

“The second this year is the Mount Gay Coast to Coast race, and this one is designed especially for the boats that are unable to cross the Atlantic, but still want to participate in this incredible experience. We believe that offering these two races not only provides the opportunity for more sailors to participate, but also truly reflects the inclusive spirit of the sailing week,” Jordan said.  (KH/PR)