Bequia Easter Regatta

PRESS RELEASE

BEQUIA EASTER REGATTA 2006
CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY

April 13th - April 17th

2006 Easter 2006 will see the 25th anniversary of the Bequia Easter Regatta, and the dedicated all-volunteer Committee of the Bequia Sailing Club is hard at work with preparations for this milestone event.

The Bequia Sailing Club is expecting a bumper turnout once again, building on last year's record 70- plus boat fleet. The event will draw yachts from all over the Region as well as Europe and the USA.

Racing in the local fleet for the first time in many years will be "Iron Duke", the newly restored 130-year-old Bequia whaleboat. "Iron Duke" was one of the very first whaleboats on the island, brought from New England by whaling legend "Old Bill" Wallace in the late 19th century. It was on her sleek lines that all future Bequia whaleboats were based, and as such she forms a unique link to Bequia's whaling and boatbuilding heritage.

In addition to the Bequia's own "two-bow" fleet, boats are expected from throughout the Grenadines, Tobago and possibly as far afield as Anguilla to compete in the local boat races. For many it is undoubtedly these colourful, skilfully sailed double-enders that make the Bequia Regatta unique, creating a thrilling spectacle as they share the water with the fleet of racing yachts.

Apart from the sailing action, there will also be the traditional Lower Bay beach splash on Easter Sunday with Sandcastle Competition and Crazy Craft race, plus numerous shore activities for all ages under the Almond Tree in Port Elizabeth on Easter Monday. Bequia's Easter Regatta is by far the single biggest event on the island's calendar, and is probably second only to Carnival in attracting overseas visitors to St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Each year visitors come from all over the world to celebrate Bequia's age-old tradition of seamanship and to enjoy some of Bequia's famous hospitality.

Bequia's 25th Anniversary Easter Regatta in 2006 will be once again supported by generous sponsorship from the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Heineken (St. Vincent Brewery), Mount Gay Rum ­ the Regatta is a prestigious "Red Cap" event ­ and Pepsi, (Bottlers Ltd. St. Vincent) together with Mountain Top Water, Digicel, The Frangipani Hotel and Trade Winds Cruise Club.

Donations from local businesses and private individuals also play a vital part in the success of Bequia's Regatta which is a true community event, enjoyed and supported by the whole island. Bequia Easter Regatta runs from April 13th through April 17th 2006.

Racing for yachts will start Friday, skippers briefing Thursday at the Frangipani. The local boats will start Saturday, skipper's briefing will be at Kenneth Alick's bar in La Pompe, southside of Bequia.

Fun for everybody is Sunday, which is layday for the yachts. Everybody gathers on the beach of Lower Bay where a range of activities will take place: crazy craft race (recycled materials only!), sand castle competition, beach volleyball, and of course life music at de Reef.

Feel like visiting? Most hotels and villas are already fully booked, but we still have a few yachts available, some of them would even take you racing! Some of the apartments in Friendship Bay and La Pompe still have availability, and they are close to the start and finish of the local boat races.
Have Fun!