Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and other agricultural crops unsuccessful, turned to the sea.
Sailors and fishermen worked the waters around the island in
boats about 17 to 20 feet in length. Like today's racing boats,
these vessels did not have a deck and were powered by a jib and
mainsail held by a single 25-foot mast. At the end of a workday,
fishermen often raced each other back to shore.
By the early 1900s, boating wasn't just a way to quicken the
commute back to Anguilla, it became a competition. Fishermen
and sailors raced back to Anguilla to take part in competitions
such as August Monday, the start of the island's largest festival.
Today the boats are primarily constructed in Island Harbour on
the northwest side of the island. On competition days,
Anguillians and visitors line the shores to cheer on the competi-
tors.
You'll see the boats, their sleek, shiny hulls reflecting the Carib-
bean rays, as you drive around the island. Most are kept dry
docked in their captain's front yard, proud reminders of the rac-
ing sport that binds together Anguillians many times a year.
Races are scheduled on festival days, including:
New Year's Day
Easter Monday
Anguilla Day, late May
Whit Monday, late May
Queen's Birthday, mid-June
Heineken Regatta, August
August Monday, early August
August Tuesday, early August
August Wednesday, early August
August Thursday, early August
Champion of Champions Race, mid-August
The viewing grounds are typically at Island Harbour or Sandy
Ground, and occasionally at Blowing Point or Meads Bay.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search