Barbados is generally known for being one of the top ten holiday destinations in the world, a perfect balance of sun, sand, sea and of course, sailing.   It however, also, fast becoming one of the premier sporting destinations, offering world class golf, horse racing, cricket, polo and tennis and in addition to this pretty impressive line up, there is also exemplary motor sport.   

Our newly built ‘Bushy Park Race Track’ recently played host to the hugely popular English television show ‘Top Gear’.  In addition to the full compliment of presenters, Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond and The Stig.  Special guests included Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton and hugely popular Rally Champion, Ken Block.

Flying cars abounded during some spectacular displays of drifting and the roar of the Mercedes Formula One engine filled the air, this was no ordinary motor event.   Guests were treated to the unimagined sight of Lewis Hamilton flipping his car whilst representing Barbados in a quick game of car football and retaliating by nudging a sideways Jeremy Clarkson into a home goal!  

We have since spent several lively cruises with our guests reliving those moments and debating our favourites, which, for us, has to be the sight of Lewis Hamilton gleefully spinning donuts in his Formula One Mercedes, you could almost see that car smile!  

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.  

We so hope that you all had a lovely Christmas and New Years Eve.   Yet again, we were very lucky with a perfect private charter dinner cruise for fourteen people.  

There is something very magical about cruising in the dark, the ocean is quiet and the waves lap the side of the boat but you can't see them.  You seem to just cut through the water whilst looking at all of the sparkling lights ashore, anticipation mounting.  

On New Years Eve, we moor just off the famous Sandy Lane Beach so that we can get a birds eye view of all the West Coast firework displays.  It is a true vista that ranges from The Cliff Restaurant to our home at Port St. Charles Marina.  

We take an easy cruise up to Sandy Lane, where many boats are already moored waiting.  The fireworks barge arrives, slowly, just before midnight and the excitement begins to mount. Each year we wonder if they will make it on time but they always do and then suddenly out of the quiet there is that amazing moment when the sky just explodes in colour and noise.  It truly is an amazing way to start a New Year. 

Our was spent quite quietly during the day, catching up and relaxing, followed by an evening with friends full of turkey and trimmings, charades and good humoured chaos.  

People often ask us whether Christmas is celebrated in Barbados.  Oh boy is it celebrated!  The decorations alone take your breath away.  It is heralded by Independence Day on November 30th,  from then, the lights go up in all their glory and houses good naturedly compete to outdo each other.  Some are, quite simply, in a class of their own, like this home in Warrens which has been featured in newspapers and magazines internationally for it's impressive display.  We don't sail on Christmas day, but we do take bookings for almost all of the major days leading up to it and will happily supply a Christmas Eve supper for anyone that wants, complete with sailing Christmas tree.  Merry Christmas all!