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The West Indies Regatta was launched in 2009. The event’s goal was to showcase “Carriacou sloops,” traditional Caribbean boats built entirely of wood and handcrafted on the beaches of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Starting this Friday, April 24, and running through Sunday evening, the event will celebrate its fifteenth edition on the Collectivité’s forecourt. The lineup is significantly more elaborate and exciting than last year’s.
In fact, the participation of about ten boats has been announced. This is no small feat, considering that this is more or less the number of such vessels still in service. Two traditional “Petits Saints” regattas are on the program. One on Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. for a lap around Îlet Coco and finishing at Grands Galets (Shell Beach) around 1 p.m. The other the following day, Sunday, also starting at 11 a.m. but for a lap around Îlet Chevreau and finishing around 1 p.m. in Colombier Bay.
The days will feature a market expected to bring together some forty artisans and cultural activities, while the evenings will be dedicated to documentary film screenings and concerts (see the program opposite, on page 3). Additionally, each day will have a theme: Historic Day, Adventure Day, and Family Day.
Needless to say, food service and a refreshment stand will be available to participants.
Beyond the regatta, the event plays a vital role in preserving the heritage represented by these unique boats, notably through major initiatives such as the construction of the last sloop, “Free in Saint Barth,” in 2017, the production of the film Vanishing Sail in 2021 (which will be screened on Friday evening), and their designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.
Program
On the community square
Every evening from April 24 to 26, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM: Artisan market
FRIDAY, April 24: Historic Day
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Market entertainment by LA BANDE À TOTO
8:00 PM: Opening ceremony with the founders in attendance
8:15 PM – 10 PM: Screening of the film VANISHING SAIL
10:00 PM – 11:30 PM: Concert with JOSHU from Antigua
SATURDAY, April 25 Adventure Day
11:00 AM: Regatta starts from Petits-Saints, tour of Coco Island
1:00 PM: Arrival at Shell Beach
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM Screening of the film: QUEST OF THE CARIBE CANOE
8:30 PM: Concert featuring ONE LOVE BAND, followed by the band MAJESTIC, and then local artists KARUZEL & MOUSSA
SUNDAY, 26th: Family Day
11:00 AM: Regatta starts from Petits-Saints, tour of Île Chevreau
1:00 PM: Arrival in Colombier, picnic on board
6:15 PM: Screening of the film OCEAN
8:00 PM: Awards ceremony
8:30–9:15 PM: DÉRIVE circus performance by Mange Nuage
9:15 PM – 10:30 PM: Closing concert with JAYA & JULIEN
