Holiday Bequia

are divided into Racing Class, two Cruising
Classes (including one for live-aboards and
cruisers who are not regular competitors),
and two One-Design Classes. The biggest
draw in recent years has been Bequia’s J/24
One-Design Class whose six-race series in
Bequia also decides the annual J24 Southern
Caribbean Championship.
The regatta’s eagerly anticipated local boat
races draw ever greater crowds of followers
each year. The design of the traditional
Bequia double-ender or “two-bow” boat is
based on that of the 26-foot New England
whaleboats which regularly visited the
Grenadine waters during the first half of the
19 th century. Today’s double-ender boats
are now built purely to race, but within the
fleet there is one notable exception. The fully
restored and rebuilt 140-year old Iron Duke -
cornerstone of “Old Bill” Wallace’s legendary
Bequia whaling fleet in the late 19 th century
- continues to proudly compete in the regatta
to this day.
Lay Day Sunday is when most yachtsmen
take the chance to relax and enjoy the start
of Sunday’s local boat races and the everpopular
Sandcastle Competition, or just
to chill out with the landlubbers on one of
Bequia’s many beautiful beaches. A fearless
few however choose to compete in Easter
Sunday’s “Round the Island” single-handed
Yacht Race - the ultimate seamanship
challenge for the solo sailor and his yacht.
Easter in Bequia marks a major peak in the
tourism season. Hotels, villas and apartments
are booked far in advance, restaurants
and bars prepare to welcome hundreds of
visitors, and a variety of shore-based activities
are organised. Regatta fever is in the air and
just about everyone is infected with the
excitement of being in Bequia to celebrate
tradition and excellence in sailing on the
island’s biggest weekend of the year.
For more information contact: The Bequia Sailing Club
Email: bsc@vincysurf.com www.begos.com/easterregatta
Holiday Bequia
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