This weekend brings huge festivities with the 78th Anniversary of the Mount Gay Round Barbados Yacht Race. For those of you not familiar with our coast line, this is no mean feat. On our West we are flanked by the calm, crystal clear waters of The Caribbean but to our East is the rough and unpredictable Atlantic with rips, cross currents and waves that can frequently reach 8-10ft, certainly not welcoming sailing conditions even for the most experienced skipper.
The race itself dates back to the 19th Century and is based upon bragging rights for the fastest trading schooner. This prize brought not only glory but also continued and steady work at a time when there was massive rivalry to get cargo delivered ahead of the competition. The winning Captain could be assured of work and consequently income. So, while most sailed for this incentive, there was also a consolation prize for the slowest boat which consisted of a barrel of Mount Gay Rum. In true Caribbean rum drinking style, this prize had to be abandoned after two boats remained out at sea for two days, stalling to win the rum.
The race itself dates back to the 19th Century and is based upon bragging rights for the fastest trading schooner. This prize brought not only glory but also continued and steady work at a time when there was massive rivalry to get cargo delivered ahead of the competition. The winning Captain could be assured of work and consequently income. So, while most sailed for this incentive, there was also a consolation prize for the slowest boat which consisted of a barrel of Mount Gay Rum. In true Caribbean rum drinking style, this prize had to be abandoned after two boats remained out at sea for two days, stalling to win the rum.
