Barbados Sailing Week hailed a “success”

Barbados Sailing Week 2023 wrapped up the hive of activities this weekend.

The series of events, which cater to a wide demographic, is organised by the Barbados Sailing Club which partnered with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc and Mount Gay Rum.

Entrants participated in the packed roster of events, which included kite surfing, windsurfing, dinghy competitions and offshore sailing races on the South and West Coast of the island.

The most highly anticipated event was the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race, which took place on Errol Barrow Day.
Anies Jordan, Commercial Manager for Rémy Cointreau Mount Gay Barbados, is responsible for the promotion of the entire catalogue.

She noted that Mount Gay has been a sponsor of the regatta since its inception twelve years ago.

“Today is a special day. This year there were 15 boats participating… from the Caribbean . . . from Barbados and from all over the world. There are a lot of viewing points as well.

“We try to make this event more inclusive so more Barbadian people can get more involved,” she said.

To cap off the action-filled Saturday, participants converged at The Barbados Cruising Club’s Skippers on the Beach at Aquatic Gap in St. Michael after the event.

At the beach-front venue they enjoyed a taste of the Barbadian entertainment scene at the Mount Gay Red Cap Party.

Jordan explained that the Mount Gay Red Cap is coveted in the sailing community since you can only secure a cap by participating in the races. They are worn like a badge of honour.

She admitted she had fielded many requests for the caps but noted, “You need to be a skipper and go on a boat, then you can get it.”

One of the highlights of the penultimate day was a performance by the band Right Side of Red. With Rhesa Garnes and Daniel Medford on lead vocals, the ensemble thrilled the audience with a sweet set filled with reggae music.

Their session included some of the greats, including Beres Hammond, Buju Banton and the legendary Bob Marley. It was a family affair and children were among those gathered at the seaside venue. Garnes’ soothing voice had one of the tiny tots enthralled.

As he snacked on a pack of Eclipse biscuits, he stayed at the front of the stage with his eyes glued on Garnes for the entire duration of their second appearance.

The crowd remained upbeat throughout the night and had a blast when the DJ combination of Indian and Chris Gayle turned up the temperature on the turntables.

At the DJ’s request, the energetic crowd formed a conga line traversing the venue.

The tasty Mount Gay infused cocktails were a hot commodity and patrons waited patiently for these delicious concoctions. (STT)