Barbados is set to host a number of premier sailing events over the next two years, one of which is the OK Class World???s 2017 yachting event, considered by many as one of the best in the world.
The Barbados Tourism Management Inc. (BTMI) disclosed recently that Barbados had won the bid over Germany for the right to host the OK event, which will be held in Carlisle Bay.
According to Chief Executive Officer of the BTMI, William Griffith, the win could be attributed to the critical support of partners, who helped to make hosting the event in Barbados an ???irresistible??? proposition.
???Through the invaluable support of Geest Shipping, which continues to be a loyal partner in getting the boats here, as well as Mount Gay Distilleries and the Barbados Port Inc., Barbados is once again in the limelight as a premier yacht-friendly destination.
“We will continue to build on our strong reputation as a preferred host country on the international yachting circuit, having already hosted the Fireball Barbados World’s in 2010, which was followed by our most successful event to date, the 505 International Barbados World’s in 2013,??? he stated.
The OK yachting event is held in various destinations around the world each year, and is expected to attract 100 of the world’s best sailors to compete against each other. These sailors are known to travel with their families and companions, which should be a significant boost to tourism.
Barbados will also host the Finn World Masters Championships in 2017, making it the first time that this country will facilitate two international yachting competitions in one year. That event will feature races among a class of heavier dinghies, and is expected to attract as many as 200 boats and 500 sailors, along with their family and friends. The two events combined are expected to attract over 800 visitors over a three-week period.
Prior to these two races, Barbados will host the GP14s Barbados World Championship 2016 and the Seaview Class events, as well as Barbados 50 – A Sailing Odyssey, which will be held in commemoration of Barbados??? 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations. These latter events will be held next year.??
kim.ramsay-moore@barbados.gov.bb