The coastal offshore races electrified the competition on the penultimate day of Barbados Sailing Week 2026, setting the stage for the event’s grand finale. A robust fleet of 31 vessels, manned by 239 sailors including 82 Barbadian nationals and 14 local yachts, has been battling for supremacy in Caribbean waters.
Multihull division honors went to Robbie Yearwood’s commanding performance aboard Spirit of Everest, securing victory ahead of Lawrence Dunter’s Plaissir. The Club Class category witnessed James Adam’s Fadeaway claiming top position, followed by Gus Reader’s Glory Daze in second and Peter Hoad’s Less Stress in third. David Sparman’s Bella J emerged triumphant in CSA Racing competition, outperforming Jason Tindale’s A-Salt Weapon and Paul Johnson’s Rapajam.
Attention now shifts to the championship events: the prestigious Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race and the challenging Coast to Coast Race. These culminating contests will be followed by the traditional Mount Gay Red Cap Party and Prizegiving ceremony at Barbados Cruising Club.
Regatta Director Marianna Polacka, speaking during junior sailing awards, confirmed 22 boats are scheduled for Wednesday’s featured race. While acknowledging favorable wind conditions, Polacka noted significant swell challenges that might impact record-breaking attempts. “The wind looks light in the morning and should pick up later, but the swell is quite high,” she stated, leaving open the possibility of exceptional performances.
The race course will see vessels departing Carlisle Bay near Hilton Hotel at 7:30 a.m., progressing along the West Coast for approximately two hours before reaching Animal Flower Cave between 8-9 a.m. Spectators are encouraged to gather at the Boardwalk in the afternoon to witness the spectacular downwind sailing with colorful spinnakers fully deployed.
Polacka emphasized the home advantage enjoyed by local sailors, noting their intimate knowledge of coastal reefs and optimal sailing routes. The 60-nautical mile course (approximately 80 kilometers) demands both navigation expertise and endurance.
The event has highlighted remarkable junior participation, with 25 young sailors demonstrating exceptional skill and courage in challenging conditions. “They were battling approximately a kilometer offshore in rough conditions,” Polacka recounted. “It was incredible what they can do on the water. Some capsized, some got hurt, but most recovered and continued racing.”
Following substantial growth between 2024-2026, organizers anticipate further elevation of competition standards. Infrastructure developments including the redevelopment of Shallow Draught Marina and new moorings in Carlisle Bay have elevated the event to international status. “We can now offer what other Caribbean regattas offer,” Polacka noted, “but what they cannot offer is Barbados itself—the destination that captivates all who visit.”
With enhanced capacity through partnership with Barbados Port Inc. and Barbados Sport Inc., organizers plan immediate post-event promotion to capitalize on the successful infrastructure upgrades and growing international reputation.
