Photographs by: Onne van der Wal & www.picturesofgrenada.com
Background and History
Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique are seafaring islands with a long history of sea trading, fishing and boat building and even today this is how many continue to make their living. This close relationship with the sea and tradition of sailing remains one of the strongest influences in the local culture. The friendly rivalry that always exists between closely knit communities has often been expressed in competition amongst fisherman and their boat-builders to be the fastest or the best, and has led to organized regattas and races, each community wishing to prove their ability.
This traditional element has always been a unique and important part of the Grenada Sailing Festival and one that generates tremendous interest both nationally and internationally.
The Grenada Sailing Festival has been taking place annually since January 1994 and has grown over the years to become one of the major National events of the island and one that is known and respected throughout the Caribbean and the international sailing community.
The event combines four days of yacht racing for ocean-going keelboats off the southern coast of Grenada together with a two day local Workboat Regatta off Grand Anse Beach. This unique mix of International boats and traditional wooden workboats creates a high level of interest for the event, particularly overseas.
With the growing success of the event, the name Grenada Sailing Festival has become well known and the Festival's branded merchandise sells very successfully, as a reminder of not only the event, but also of the island and its people.
The Grenada Sailing Festival operates as a non-profit making organization, under a Board of Directors working voluntarily. The operating costs are provided by direct sponsorship from local and locally based international companies.
The Sailing Festival
"Competitive and varied racing combined with stunning scenery and a warm and friendly atmosphere"
"...the most exhilarating experience...second to none"
"Perfect sailing weather... and a laid back atmosphere. All in all an unforgettable experience"
" local boat races on Grand Anse Beach were spectacular, as well as the local food and drinks..."
"Grenada Sailing Festival is a unique event."
This selection of comments from participating yachtsmen emphasise that over the years the Organisers and Sponsors have successfully achieved a unique combination: four days of varied and challenging ocean racing officiated by an Internationally accredited team of Judges, with the added dimension of the chance to experience the true flavour of the Caribbean in the local Workboat Regatta held at the same time. This combination of a yacht racing fleet of some 30 boats from the UK, USA, Europe and the Caribbean, and crews from as far afield as Australia and Norway, plus forty or more traditional fishing boats crewed by over two hundred and fifty local sailors is a picture not to be missed, and makes participants return year after year.
The Fun Festival
"This is what sailboat racing should be about... Grenada has learned to run a fun Regatta. It has class and a wonderful ambiance."
The Grenada Sailing Festival has not only built up a reputation as a prominent International event on the racing calendar, it is also famous as a showcase for warm Grenadian hospitality, excellent local food and drink and a great mix of culture and music - all embodied in the entertainment and parties held throughout the event - from the beachside Welcome Party, to the Gala Festival Awards Dinner and Farewell Party.
The Community Festival - Workboat Regatta
"I have heard a lot of people say that sailing is not a spectator sport and I would normally agree. However, this event is the exception."
Alison Knights, Dinghy Instructor, Member Royal BVI Yacht Club, writing in Caribbean yachting magazine All At Sea.
Within the framework of the Grenada Sailing Festival, the National Workboat Regatta provides two days of the most spectacular and competitive racing in wooden, bamboo rigged boats, between the island's traditional fishing communities of Gouyave, Sauteurs, Woburn and sister islands Carriacou and Petit Martinique.
The event attracts an audience of some ten thousand - locals and visitors alike - who enjoy a beach festival with a unique Caribbean flavour, particularly in the food and drinks on offer.
The workboat event is very colourful and accessible as the boats are drawn up on the beach between races, and races begin with an exciting 'Le Mans' style start with one crew member running down the beach to join his boat. A vivid beach commentary ensures everyone knows who are the boats in contention.
Keel boat competitors get a chance to join in on the Sunday as only one race is scheduled during the morning so all participants whether local or visiting get a chance to mix and mingle.
