f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013

Tobago
experience
Tobago
Carnival
Regatta
2010
by Angelique Borde
After a very successful launch of the Tobago Carnival
Regatta 2009, the organisers are looking forward to
raising the bar and staging the most radical regatta in the
Caribbean—The Festival of Wind 2010.
Casting off only two days after Carnival on February
18, the Tobago Carnival Regatta 2010 will surely live up
to its name. Traditionally, as Trinidad quiets down to rest
from Carnival, the sister isle begins to warm up. It will be
even more hectic with hundreds of sailors pulling up to
her shores.
Last year saw the welcome participation of two Farr 65s
and one Longsail boat, which added to the excitement
of the competition, but as the world recovers from the
financial upheaval of 2008/9, the promoters of the 2010
have had to be very creative in their marketing strategies.
A greater push has been given to the expansion of the
J24 category, focusing on the contingent from Barbados,
the regions largest active sailing community in that
category.
As a rule, more Trinidadian sailors take part in regional
regattas than any other island. Recognising the value
of the local sailors more emphasis has been shown to
drawing from this pool, with many surprises in store for
these traditional sailors. One of the major changes made
this year is shortening the number of days from four to
three sailing days—Friday to Sunday.
As the Optimist school in Chaguaramas grows, Regatta
Promoters Ltd. is also encouraging the big boat captains
to include the young optimists to join them as part of their
crew to encourage greater participation of youth in the
sport.
Undoubtedly the most popular segment of the regatta
was the Regatta Air Show. This spectacular display of wind
surfing and kite boarding left the sailors young and old
alike in awe. Reaction to this addition to the “ Festival of
Wind” has kite boarders and wind surfers from all over the
region and beyond, lining up to join the fun in 2010.
Undoubtedly the most popular segment of the regatta was the Regattta Air
Show and wind surfers and kite boarders are lining up to join the fun in 2010.
This year will see more innovation and interactive changes that the
promoters hope will raise the bar regionally.
The local and regional Bum Boats will also see a few changes to their
itinerary with the addition of the Treasure Hunt, which will see greater
involvement of the local populace.
With the commitment of the Tobago House of Assembly to the
development of sports tourism and sailing on the island, participants
and supporters can look forward to many years of the Tobago Carnival
Regatta.
Tim Wright
The Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago
147