“The restart for regatta racing is eminent in Saint Lucia’s Rodney Bay “says Steven Kern from Barbados and a representative of the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA). Kern refers to Saint Lucia’s 9th Mango Bowl Regatta, hosted by the Saint Lucia Yacht Club (SLYC) which sails off today (Saturday 27th) November 2021.
He added, “The Pandemic has kept boats on the dry and sailors waiting patiently for 18 months to get back on the water and racing. The Saint Lucia Mango Bowl Regatta now signals the restart of racing in Saint Lucia and is the first regional regatta to take place in the Southern Caribbean since March 2020.”
Kern said, “The Start Line always brings out the competitor in all of us, and we are happy that Saint Lucia is hosting the start of the racing season. Thanks go out to the Organizing Authority of the 2021 Saint Lucia Mango Bowl.”
Regatta Director, Lily Bergasse, said, “A Skippers’ briefing took place last evening at Sea Salt Restaurant in IGY Marina where six skippers from Martinique and four local Saint Lucian skippers were given instructions for race day, starting at 8.55 a.m.”
According to Bergasse, “This year’s regatta will be smaller though no less exciting than in the past with a total of 10 boats racing in two classes; it will follow the guidelines and protocols set by the Chief Medical Officer and the Ministry of Health and Wellness.”
Bergasse said, “The French Surprise class will combine with the J24 class for up to 8 races and another Racing class will see five boats of varying sizes scored with a handicap scoring system used in sailing events – which levels out the play and makes for exciting competitive racing.”
The results from the day of racing will be celebrated at a prize giving ceremony to be held at the Saint Lucia Yacht Club later this evening.
All participants and organizers of the Mango Bowl Regatta must have received both doses of vaccine.
Meanwhile, all visiting yachts will enter Port Rodney Bay where they will undergo the Health Checks required for entry to Saint Lucia as is the norm for visitors entering by sea. Masks will be required at all indoor situations and when not possible to remain six feet apart. Hand sanitizing will be required at all entrances to venues and when contact with regatta organizers is required at registration table.
The SLYC took the time out to thank the various sponsors of the Ninth edition of the Mango Bowl Regatta. Dive Saint Lucia, IGY Marina, Saint Lucia Distillers and its product, Chairman’s Rum, Windward Island Brewery and their Piton products, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Caribcation and the Saint Lucia Sailing Association.
All of our sponsors have been with us as well as supporting the Mango Bowl over the years. We are very grateful to once again have their support, commitment and their trust in us to host this sports tourism event that showcases not only our fantastic sailing venue but our beautiful island and people. We look forward to this event continuing to growth in future years as a signature sailing event for Saint Lucia and our region.