ANGUILLA YACHT REGATTA 2006

In 2003, an idea was formed to have an International Yacht Regatta in Anguilla. A group of individual volunteers undertook all the planning and, in three short months, the Anguilla Regatta was created, and introduced the “Go…Mix Up!” theme. The “Mix Up” theme is very unique and is the cornerstone of the Anguilla Regatta. It allows sailors from yachts to invite local Anguillian boat crews on their boats for one race, and brings sailors from the yachts to sail on the local boats, an opportunity many would normally never have. Also this first year, the “Battle of the Banks” race was introduced, pitting two of Anguilla’s local banks against each other on the 12 Meter Challenge boats from St. Maarten, the actual boats used in America’s Cup racing.

In 2006, this tradition continues with “Anguilla Regatta 2006” on 12, 13 and 14 May! Along with the “Go…Mix Up” races and the “Battle of the Banks” race, new, more exciting courses are being planned, as well as a new schedule of races to ensure that participants can reach their home ports earlier on the last day of racing. More details will be coming shortly on these changes.

This event is being organized by the Anguilla Sailing Association (ASA) and the Anguilla Tourist Board, along with administrative support provided by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club. The ASA was created in 2003 when the founders of the regatta determined that the event would grow from year to year and an organization was needed to take the event to the next level. Within only three years, the Anguilla Regatta has become a major regatta in the Caribbean and has attracted sailors from all over the world to come and participate. Many participants attend for the opportunity to sail in the local boats while others use the regatta as an excuse to spend a few days in beautiful Anguilla. For more details on this year’s Regatta, visit our site at www.sailanguilla.com

In addition to organizing the Regatta each year, the ASA has also taken on the mandate to be a leading sailing body in Anguilla, and to introduce sailing as well as seamanship, sportsmanship, boat safety, environmentalism, boat care, and the spirit of competition to the greater Anguillian Community as well as visitors who are interested. The Association has purchased, through donations from local businesses and individuals both on and off island, eight Optimist dinghies - which are the international standard boat for teaching sailing to young people - and has formed The Anguilla Youth Sailing Club (AYSC), based in Sandy Ground, Anguilla. Local children as well as tourists, starting at age eight, have the opportunity to take sailing lessons from a sailing professional and begin the adventure that will inspire them to be the next generation of boat racers and regatta participants.

The Anguilla Sailing Association has made arrangements with the Anguilla Community Foundation to have tax deductible status for donations made from the USA. Through cooperation of local businesses in Anguilla and St. Maarten and donations from many of Anguilla’s visitors, the ASA Sailing School is on its way to bringing the love of sailing and the sea to a large group of children who would have to wait much longer without this program. Your participation is welcomed! Please contact the ASA at email [email protected] or visit our website at www.sailanguilla.com to find out how you can help or participate.