Welcome to the Grenada Classic Yacht Regatta 2010, organized by Fred Thomas, Shipwrights Ltd., in association with Jan Roosen, West Indies Events Grenada.
Fred Thomas is a well-known figure in the Caribbean and the owner of Shipwrights Ltd, a company specialising in the restoration and re-fit of classic yachts, located in St. David’s Harbour, Grenada. This regatta is the natural evolution of several similar events with which he has been involved over the years. In the late 1970’s Fred was one of the founders of the Valentine’s Day Schooner Race in the BVI’s, which subsequently has grown into the Sweetheart’s Regatta. He went on to establish Shipwrights Wooden Boat Regatta, initially in Trinidad in the 1990’s, relocating to Grenada in 2000.
The recent affiliation with Jan Roosens & the St. Maarten Classic Regatta has resulted in expanding the Shipwrights Wooden Boat Regatta into the Grenada Classic Yacht Regatta in an effort to further Jan’s vision of a Caribbean Classic circuit.
Only in its second year, the Regatta is following in the footsteps of its sister regatta in St. Maarten and the extremely well-established Antigua Classic and is becoming the focus for like minded Classic Yacht enthusiasts to meet, make new friends, exchange news and ideas and enjoy relaxed, but competitive sailing camaraderie.
This premier Regatta offers an opportunity to become a part of a unique occasion bringing together Classic Yachts steeped in tradition and history, each with its own distinctive style and story to tell.
Originally built for pleasure cruising or commercial trading, some more than 200 years ago, the Classic Ketches, Schooners, Yawls, Tall Ships and Sloops are all magnificent examples of expert design and craftsmanship, like S.Y. Thalia, built in 1888, the overall winner of the first Grenada Classic Regatta. The establishment of a Classic Regatta in Grenada is an important step in perpetuating this marvelous heritage and Continuing the Legend.
The four day event will start on Thursday February 19th with a skippers briefing and yacht registration, ending on Sunday February 22nd with a final day of racing, followed by an Awards ceremony and party.
The courses for 2009 are all in the waters between St. David’s Harbour and Petite Calivigny off the rugged and scenic southeastern coast of the island. They have been designed to give skippers and crews some exhilarating, yet not too arduous racing, in some of the best warm water sailing conditions in the region and also give followers and spectators some great vantage points to enjoy the spectacle of these elegant vessels under sail.
Captains and crew who participated in last years Regatta all agreed - the racing was great, conditions perfect, after race parties exceptional and they would be back for 2009! And for those of you who just want to enjoy this unique event there will be plenty of opportunity. You can watch these exquisite yachts from various vantage points; brush shoulders with captains and crew; join them at the after racing parties and savor our famous Grenadian hospitality: great food, drink and music from live bands playing everything from reggae to blues.
We invite all owners and skippers wishing to participate in the Grenada Classic Yacht Regatta 2010 to email the Pre – Entry form to us by filling out the form, and keep checking the website for the latest regatta news, updates and information.
We look forward to seeing you at this exciting sailing event. Spread the word and bring your friends!
West Indies Events, Grenada – Regatta Organisers