Nov. 5, 2007 -- With less than two weeks to go we are counting the days, hours and minutes to the 3rd Golden Rock Regatta. This year an increased US and local participation is expected and more spinnaker boats have entered. The classic 12 metre “Kate” will also participate and will be accompanied by the gaff-rigged schooner Passaat. Not only the participating sailors are looking forward to the regatta, island locals on St. Barths, St. Kitts St. Maarten/St Martin and Statia are also looking forward to welcome the visiting sailors.

Statia

This year the Golden Rock Regatta has invited 4 schoolchildren from Statia (St. Eustatius) to come aboard our support Catamaran to get up close to the racing boats and see what a regatta is all about! Officials form Sport Affairs on Statia will draw 4 names from a selection children between the ages of 10 and 12 years. The lucky winners will be able to learn about sailing and regattas, hopefully nurture a bond with the Ocean. We will meet our young sailors on November 13^th on podium in Oranjestad, during the prize giving for the winner of the day prize. Together with the main prize giving, held in historic Fort Orange, the two days the regatta fleet spends on Statia have become part of the annual “Statia week” celebrations.

The Golden Rock Regatta’s goal is to promote Tourism to the region and to Statia in particular. With enthusiasm the children of Statia threw themselves into projects on the Tourism Awareness Exhibition last October. And now they will get their chance to do the same at the Golden Rock Regatta.

St. Barths

The first port of call for our regatta this year is Gustavia, the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Since most of our participants would like to explore the many restaurants for themselves we have no activities organised ashore.

St. Kitts

In Frigate Bay the fleet will be welcomed by a band and the Islands Secretary of Tourism at the newly built dinghy dock. Customs has moved office especially for the regatta to Frigate Bay so sailors do not have to go in to the Harbour Masters Office in Basseterre. Once ashore, order your Crayfish at the Monkey Bar before stocks run out!

St. Maarten/St. Martin

Most participants fly in from the US and the Netherlands, board their chartered yacht in Oyster Pond and after completing their entries at Captain Oliver’s Yacht Club they sail around the horn into Great Bay where they are joined by most of the local boats. On Sunday evening the festivities get underway around the bar at the Pasanggrahan Royal Inn where after the regatta briefing a buffet diner has been organised.

Meanwhile the Harbour Authorities in Gustavia Harbour St. Barths, Frigate Bay St. Kitts and Oranjestad Statia are preparing for the arrival of between 100 and 120 sailors. Communications with these Authorities and the Golden Rock Regatta Foundation has resulted in a good working relationship and Crew lists and expected arrival times are emailed to the various Customs Offices to expidite the clearing procedures at our arrivals. Our thanks goes out to their cooperation!

Looking forward to see you at the Golden Rock Regatta 2007, and in the years to follow.