The local council in Saint Barthelemy, the Tourist board and the Saint Barth Yacht Club are setting up a new sailing event following the BVI Spring Regatta. Planned for 6th to 11th April 2010, this regatta will be open to Classic and modern yachts, Super Yachts, Racing-Cruisers, as well as Racing Multihulls.

At the crossroads between the continent of North America, South America and the Caribbean islands, Saint Barthelemy has always included sailing races among its traditions and has made great use of its know-how. Driven by the desire to create a special event unique to Saint Barth, with the backing of Franacois Tolede, member of the Saint Barth tourist board and in charge of special events at the Saint Barth Yacht Club, this is the latest example in a long history of yachting events on the island.

"We're looking forward to welcoming the big American yachts, which sail in the Caribbean in the winter months," explained Luc Poupon, the race director. "We are inviting the finest yachts in the world, including the Maxi Yachts, and Racing-Cruisers, and we hope that for this maiden event that no fewer than a hundred of the greatest Classic and modern yachts will be appearing here."

"Eighty percent of the sailors will be from a British or American background," added 'Lucky' Poupon. "But the boats will be coming from all over the world, from the USA of course, but also from Mexico, South America, and we've even had requests from Poland and Hong Kong. It will really be an opportunity to discover yachts, many of which do not sail in European waters."

Following closely on the heals of the BVI Spring Regatta, organisers plan to set up specific start areas according to the size of boat in order to make this a fair contest. "On the leeward side of the island, where the races will start, there are a number of possible courses off Gustavia or around the islands, which means that each class can enjoy a fair competition in the best spirit of the sport," explained Luc Poupon. "The trade winds tend to ease off in April, and we can legitimately hope for a steady easterly of around fifteen knots."

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