Tradition Available for West Indies Regatta Charter
April 10, 2018 ~
Wooden boat lovers, Sailboat racing enthusiasts, Adventurers: Isn’t it time to experience an unforgettable regatta on a traditionally rigged West Indian Sloop?
The West Indies Regatta held in St. Barth (April 27th – May 1st) is one of the most intimate and camaraderie filled regattas in the Caribbean. It’s also one of the highlights of our sailing schedule.
For one fun filled weekend every year, Caribbean beach-built schooners and sloops return to the Port of Gustavia. These iconic wooden boats don’t just sail here for the great racing vibe. They also come to celebrate and commemorate the great days of sail trading between the islands, and to honor the vanishing art of Caribbean boat builders.
This year marks the 10th Annual West Indies Regatta. It also marks the 40th anniversary of Tradition’s arrival to St. Barth on her very first sail trading voyage.
Before the West Indies Regatta – Some Caribbean History…
The Port of Gustavia is normally host to multi-million dollar megayachts
The Port of Gustavia, now home to multi-million dollar yachts, chic boutiques and restaurants, once hosted humbler but arguably more important vessels.
Before St. Barth became the ultra-chic destination for the Rich and Famous, it once served as the Caribbean’s main free port. During a time when shopping in St. Barth was considerably easier on the pocketbook, Tradition and other West Indian vessels made regular trading stops.
Selling fruit, vegetables, and other island-produced goods, they would purchase whatever was needed back home. Household items, appliances, tools, and a variety of island necessities, including caseloads of rum and cigarettes, were loaded into cargo holds and packed on the decks before departing back to the southern islands.
Welcome back, Welcome back, Welcome back
The community of St. Barth really honors the history of these vessels. Many still remember the days when the quay was packed with West Indian Sloops all bound for various islands in the Caribbean chain. With thanks to the incredible welcome and support of Comité du Tourisme de Saint-Barthélemy, The West Indies Regatta is the one time every year that classic island vessels like ours are welcomed back once again and given a place of honor on the Quay.
What you and your Regatta team can look forward to:
Join us for at least two days of exciting racing on our traditionally rigged gaff cutter. After each race, we’ll raft-up with the other boats and share great food, some entertaining sailing stories, and a lot of rum.
Once we’re shore-side, browse the artisanal market which showcases arts & crafts, organic produce, and unique specialty products from all our islands that arrive under sail –just like the old days! Then stick around for the live music and nightly entertainment.
Itinerary
Friday, April 27th
Arrival of West Indian Sloops
Welcome Party & Live Music on the Quay of Gustavia Harbor
Sat 28th April
Artisanal Market & Music
Race 1
Shell Beach Picnic followed by Art show
Live Music & Creole food back on the Quay
Sun 29th April
Artisanal Market & Music
Race 2: Colombier Picnic followed by Art show
Live Music & Creole food back on the dock
Mon 30th April
Open Day – discover St. Barths (or another sail if we prefer)
Tues 1st May
Opening of St. Barths Film Festival on the dock (evening)
*optional and open for discussion as we may set sail for Anguilla
Regatta Charter Logistics
$5000 *gratuities not included
Tradition is available as a private race charter for up to 12 sailors
For Regatta Sailing enthusiasts or Novice Sailors alike
Your team can have total control of the racing while our crew stand by and provide assistance when needed
For novice sailors seeking the adventure, Captain Laurie and our crew can lead the team
Choose to sail with us from Anguilla on April 27th or simply meet us on the Quay. We set sail back to Anguilla on May 1st
Accommodations are not included
You provide your own food & drinks, including the raft-up beach picnics
Call us now at 1 264 476 7245 or email us to ensure you and your regatta crew experience an unforgettable weekend of competition, camaraderie, and plenty of rum! We’ll see you soon!