Bonaire’s 40th Annual International Sailing Regatta to Take Place October 7-14, 2007
Bonaire’s annual Regatta event is the longest running regatta in the Caribbean and this year marks the 40th anniversary of Bonaire’s first event: a race between two Bonairean-made fishing boats: Captain Don Stewart’s fishing sloop, “Sislin” and Hubert Domacasse’s “Velia”, for a prize of 27 cases of beer, back in 1968.
Bonaire’s 40th Annual International Sailing Regatta welcomes boats in 25 different categories to participate in this island tradition that attracts sailors from all of the surrounding islands as well as Venezuela, Holland, and the U.S. Approximately 180 different boats from catamarans and yachts to sunfish, windsurfs, and fishing boats are expected to participate this year in Bonaire’s largest and the Caribbean’s most unique sailing races. And with the boats clearly visible from just about any spot on shore, the Regatta is fun for spectators and participants alike.
In addition to the sailing races, other festivities will include a bicycle tour, walking and running races, softball tournament, swimming and kayaking to Klein Bonaire, the All Nations Parade, participants’ BBQ party, evening festivals with music, local food and dancing, a concert by George McCrae (who’s number one hit “Rock Your Baby” sold over 52 million copies worldwide), and the closing Regatta awards ceremony featuring the distribution of the plaques and trophies.
For more information about Bonaire’s 40th Annual International Sailing Regatta including the schedule of events, registration information and hotel packages, visit www.bonaireregatta.org. (Source: TCB Release)
