An event rooted in Barbados' maritime heritage
Every year, Barbados Sailing Week celebrates the island’s rich maritime heritage. From its earliest days, when local schooners competed in friendly regattas, to today, when modern disciplines such as foiling and kitesurfing are injecting new energy, the event reflects Barbadians’ unbreakable bond with the sea.
Sailing races around Barbados date back to the XIXᵉ century and were primarily aimed at achieving the prestige of the fastest “Trading Schooner”. This prize was invaluable to the captains. While most boats competed for the fastest time, the consolation prize – a cask of Mount Gay rum offered to the slowest – motivated some captains to the point where two boats voluntarily stayed at sea for several days in an attempt to win it. Eventually, the prize had to be abolished.
The 2025 edition ofBarbados Sailing Week brought together no fewer than 230 sailors, including 99 locals and 131 international competitors, as well as 45 kitesurfers and wing foilers.
Sailors competed in challenging conditions in two coastal regattas and the legendary Mount Gay Round the Island Race. This year, the Mount Gay Calypso Cup was introduced, offering a more accessible course for some participants. The events concluded with the Rum to Spice Regatta, linking Barbados to Carriacou (Grenada) and bridging the gap between Barbados Sailing Week and Grenada Sailing Week. The week of competitions was punctuated by social events at the Barbados Cruising Club and Barbados Yacht Club, as well as a visit to the Mount Gay distillery, before the unmissable Mount Gay Red Cap party.
Foiling and kitesurfing: the new wave of nautical tourism
The integration of foiling and kitesurfing, led by Kevin Talmahas broadened the appeal of the event, attracting a varied audience – from seasoned sailors to those curious to discover these emerging water sports.
“There was a lack of an open space in Barbados for these disciplines. We wanted to create a gathering where everyone could test their skills, meet other enthusiasts and, above all, have fun.” – Kevin Talma
Although more recent than traditional sailing, kitesurfing and wing foiling have quickly established themselves as major attractions, attracting sportsmen and tourists alike. Barbados offers ideal conditions thanks to :
- Steady winds and accessible wavessuitable for all levels.
- A welcoming marine environmentwith lagoons ideal for beginners.
- A unique atmosphere attracting water sports enthusiasts from all over the world.
- A warm and hospitable culture.
“Barbados benefits from stable wind conditions, accessible to different levels of experience. That’s why many riders choose to extend their stay here.” – Kevin Talma
A driving force for business and tourism
Unlike conventional tourists, who stay an average of seven to ten days, water sports enthusiasts often stay three weeks or even three months.
“These visitors don’t just stay in hotels. They rent houses and cars, support local businesses and become part of the community. This type of tourism brings real added value to the island.” – Kevin Talma
As Marianna Polacka Marianna Polacka in her closing speech, the event relies heavily on volunteers volunteers and the support of key partners.
She pointed out that the 2025 edition would focus on ocean protection and sustainability. In partnership with Sailors for the Sea, a world leader in marine conservation, Barbados has achieved Clean Regatta certification. and organized a beach clean-up with the Sea Scouts and students from St. Gabriel and Codrington schools.
Investing in the future: the role of sailing schools
For Barbados to consolidate its status as a water sports hub, training and education are essential. Three institutions play a key role in the emergence of a new generation of sailors:
- The Barbados Sailing Associationbased at the Barbados Yacht Club, offers courses and organizes dinghy regattas.
- Set Sail Barbadosat the Barbados Cruising Clubwhich offers sailing lessons for children and adultsin addition to after-school programs and summer camps.
- Wet & Salty Sailing Schooldirected by Marianna Polacka, a school accredited by the American Sailing Association (ASA)offering courses from beginner level to international certificationsallowing students to charter boats all over the world.
These schools do more than just teach techniques: they make the ocean more accessible and help build a genuine nautical culture on the island.
Challenges for sustainable growth
If partners such as Mount GayBarbados Tourism, Wet & Salty Sailing SchoolThe Pierhead Carib LPG and Sagicor are already providing significant support, Kevin Talma stresses that the event could reach new heights with more funding.
“Everyone recognizes the positive impact of these competitions, but we still need some long-term financial support. To professionalize and further develop the event, we need stronger commitments.” – Kevin Talma
Despite its success, the high cost of inter-island travel remains an obstacle to regional participation.
“We have friends in St Lucia, Tobago and Antigua who would love to come, but with the rising cost of flights and the logistical difficulties of transporting their equipment, it’s becoming a real challenge.” – Kevin Talma
What if you had a magic wand?
Asked what he would change with a magic wand, Kevin Talma answers with realism and humor:
“I’d like to see real connectivity between the Caribbean islands, with ferries capable of transporting sports equipment, and more accessible programs for local youth. And of course… perfect wind conditions all year round!” – Kevin Talma
The future of Barbados Sailing Week takes shape
The 2025 edition proved that tradition and innovation can coexist, reinforcing Barbados’ place as a major watersports destination. With improved accessibility, structured financial support and greater integration of young local talentthe event could become an essential fixture on the Caribbean nautical calendar.
“We hope to welcome even more participants in 2026! We’re improving our regatta infrastructure and every year we’ll be able to offer more to competitors and spectators alike.” – Marianna Polacka
The sea is a shared treasure, and Barbados has everything it takes to turn it into a powerful engine of economic and cultural development.
And for those who are still hesitating to enter this universe, Kevin Talma concludes with a final word of advice:
“Come to the beach, be curious, ask questions… and above all, have fun!” – Kevin Talma
