Another successful Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race was held over the Errol Barrow weekend; and although no records were broken, the competition saw the largest fleet of participants ever in the history of the event.
Considered a major contributor to the sailing tourism niche, the Rum Round attracted 36 entries, which included international participants, such as the 32 m Brigantine ???Tres Hombres’ from the Netherlands.
The vessels still prevailed, despite the challenge of less than favourable wind conditions, with ???Idea’ (Monohull 80′ and under) winning in its division, and also setting the first record in the new Caribbean Sailing Association rated class.
With a $2 million dollar upgrade to the Bridgetown Careenage on the cards, the sailing and yachting niche continues to grow, with the 2013 International Sailing Federation Nations Cup Regional Finals for North America and the Caribbean to be held here from January 30 to February 3.