The Fools Regatta in the Turks and Caicos Islands is a fun and unique Turks and Caicos tradition that celebrates a great legacy in sailing, and makes for a fun day at the beach.
The Regatta started out years ago as an April Fool’s Day event, but has since meandered around the calendar and has taken different shapes and forms. But fun and sailing are still the two hallmarks of the day. All sorts of sailing vessels will be on display, including native Turks Island sloops. And, the event is a fundraiser for the folks hoping to build a National Sailing Center in Turks and Caicos.
This is year, the event will be held June 20 at the new Children’s Park on the west end of Grace Bay Beach (next to Gansevoort Hotel). There are all sorts of game and activities, music, food and drink. The highlight of the day is always the Great Raft Race where teams compete in uniquely constructed rafts to see who can get across the finish line fastest by shear paddle power. Previous year’s rafts have been made up of all sort of exotic materials, including beer kegs and Styrofoam coolers. This year’s Great Raft Race will award prizes for best design, fastest raft and most team spirit. Proceeds benefit the TCI Volunteer Fire Department.
Tip of the cap to Dave Douglas of Sun Charters (the folks who bring you great sunset cruises on the sailing ship Atebeyra) and his team of dedicated volunteers who make the Fool’s Regatta one of the social highlights of the year in TCI.