There may be no crew slots available on ABN ARNO One but if you want to go racing on round the world raceboats, Barbados has recently acquired two authentic Whitbread Maxi’s. Athena and Martella were both on the start line of the 1988/89 Whitbread Round the World Race, now known as The Volvo Ocean Race. In those days Athena raced under the name of NCB Ireland and Martella was known as Martela OF. These 80’ Maxi’s were brought to Barbados in early 2006 by a crew of local Barbadian yachtsmen for the purpose of starting a new tourism based project, in which the yachts are available for daily match races and charter.

During the 2006 Mr. Gay/Boatyard Regatta, the Athena and Martella competed in an “exhibition” class as they were the only two big boats on the startline. This year, it is hoped that there will be a third boat to compete against them. Crew spots for charter are available for the 2007 Mt. Gay/Boatyard Regatta, which takes place in Barbados 1 – 3rd, June 2007.

Further information on the Mt. Gay/Boatyard Regatta 2007 is available from the Barbados Sailing Association, Ocean Racing Challenge, as well as the Barbados Yacht Club, The Boatyard, and Mt. Gay Distilleries.

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