The Lure of Barbados and earning The Hat

by Cap'n Ir Gaffin on 12 May 2010 If the limpid blue waters and vibrant culture don't make Barbados alluring enough as a destination for cruising sailors, then earning The Hat between May 20 and May 23 this year should make a visit to the island almost impossible to resist, as Cap'n Irwin Gaffin tells:

There are things that we all covet in life. Things we desire that make a statement. In the world of regattas, it’s about THE Hat.

What hat you ask?

How can a simple hat be so important in the world of sailing?

If it’s bright red and emblazoned with the logo of Mount Gay Rum and also uniquely embroidered with “Mount Gay Rum/ Boatyard Regatta- Barbados” then you have sailed in the home court of the Mount Gay regattas worldwide!

Only if you have been in Barbados, that small gem of an island 90 miles to the east of the Caribbean Chain, can you earn this badge of honor in the world of sailing. You can’t buy this proof positive of worthiness. It’s not for sale. You can only earn it by being there and sailing in the venue!

So why am I, a 63 year old ex-racer, now confirmed cruising zealot talking about regatta racing? Because this year, the 25th anniversary of the Barbados event, is open to Cruisers and Live-Aboards in a class of their own! The courses for Cruiser Class B are specifically designed for boats like our own Mo’Guffy, a 2003 Beneteau 50. She’s no speedster. She’s built for comfortable cruising, wide and stable, a home on the water with amenities and creature comforts.

This year, we’ll be sailing with the rest of Cruiser Class B up and down the West Coast of Barbados! Long loping reaches and short windward marks. It is a stellar ride past crystal blue bays and bright sandy beaches, just perfect for the cruising boat configuration. All “races” are pursuit style rallies with timed starts, based on handicapping, which makes this an insurance friendly event.

For the first time ever there is also a Feeder from Rodney Bay, St. Lucia for entrants to come over as a fleet leaving from Rodney Bay on the 18th of May, to Barbados for the regatta, and this includes ALL classes of boats coming in from the Windward and Leeward Islands.

It is a wonderful opportunity to participate in a great event - 20-23 May, make new friends, enjoy Barbados’s hospitality and rally along for prizes and a bit of sailing glory. It’s a “Bimini Up and Stress Down” format for Cruiser Class B.

Oh, and of course…

GET THE HAT!

For general event information, click http://www.sailbarbados.com/events_MG.html!here

For information about the cruising division, click http://www.barbadoscruisingclub.com/cruising_class_B/register.html!here