WITH less than four weeks until the first race of the 2017 Mango Bowl Regatta takes place, plans are well underway with finalizing this fantastic event now into its 6th year and hosted by the Saint Lucia Yacht Club.
The showpiece takes place on November 25-26 to be preceded by the captains’ briefing on November 24.
The course will be set out in the picturesque Rodney Bay and around Pigeon Island, with participation from over 30 boats from neighbouring islands of Martinique, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and host Saint Lucia.
The event will see over 150 participants compete in the various classes, J24/Surprise, Racing and Cruising.
One of the new initiatives for this year’s event, according to Meet Director, Lily Bergasse, takes on an environmental cause aimed at keeping the oceans clean.
Bergasse stated, “This year, we have partnered with Sailors for the Sea, a world leading conservation organization and its Clean Regatta Programme. The programme aims to engage, educate and provide assistance to organizers of events which take place on our waters to help with its campaign of healing the oceans and seas.”
From online paperless registration to partnering with local businesses and sponsors providing reusable items such as water bottles, bags/totes, plus recycling efforts at both Saint Lucia Yacht Club as well as Island Global Yacht Marina, this will be the commencement for a Clean Regatta for future events.
With many local and regional companies concentrating support on relief efforts to other islands in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Saint Lucia Yacht Club is grateful to both longstanding sponsors and newcomers to this annual event.
The Body Holiday has increased their stakes in this annual event. Dive Saint Lucia, as always, will provide the necessary support both on and off the water. Other sponsors are IGY Rodney Bay Marina, Island Water Worlds, Johnson’s Marine Hardware, Saint Lucia Distillers, Windward and Leeward Island Brewery, Cafe Ole, Cariquisine and Tropical Shipping.
The committee is looking forward to bringing more organizations and companies onboard.
The Mango Bowl Regatta has something for everyone! Not only will spectators be able to view the races from the Saint Lucia Yacht Club, there’s great food and cold drinks available, too, plus nightlife as the prize-giving socials on Saturday and Sunday allow participants and spectators to mix and mingle.