Daily Nation
Barbados hosting yacht meet
By Daily Nation
Jun 5, 2009, 11:04 UTC

BRIDGETOWN - In a little less than three weeks, Barbados will host the 2009 One-Metre Radio Control Yacht World Sailing Championship.

A total of 69 competitors from more than 15 countries will take part in this prestigious event from June 20 to 27.

Plans were well advanced for the staging of an exciting event, member of the organising committee Peter Marshall told a Press briefing held at Whispers Restaurant on Bay Street on Wednesday.

"Barbados has been fortunate to be the first island in the Caribbean to be hosting this international event, and thanks and credit must go out to the Barbados Tourism Authority which, through the Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy, has embraced the idea of the tournament being a viable sports tourism project for Barbados and the region."

Marshall also noted that special thanks must go to Senator Peter Gilkes, who, because of his knowledge and enthusiasm for the event, was able to convince the tourism minister that the regatta was worthwhile and an important tool for bringing visitors from all parts of the world.

"One of the outstanding features of this event is that it will, for the first time in its history, be streamed live on YouTube," said Senator Gilkes.

"This will allow sailing enthusiasts, along with the families of the sailors, to see first-hand how well their individual countries are doing," Gilkes said.

"This is a tremendous plus for our sports tourism product and for Barbados on the whole."

The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Boat Yard Restaurant on Bay Street on June 20, beginning at 6 p.m., when Prime Minister David Thompson will officially welcome the competitors.

The tournament has attracted sailors from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, France, Britain, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, United States and the host country.

Barbados will be represented by a five-member team comprising Peter Allen, Chris Durant, Tony Gonsalves, Dane Maingot and Doc Hoyos. (CH)