Annual Fools Regatta in the Turks & Caicos Islands
Boat Racing Event on Providenciales is Fun for All Ages
The Fools Regatta; the joy and exuberance of a party on the water, wrapped up with a ribbon of friendly competition. Bring your red rubber noses and your willingness to laugh.
Even though the posters read “May the best ship of fools win!” the Fool’s Regatta on Providenciales (Provo) in the Turks and Caicos Islands has been a serious “must” on the island calendar now for 24 years. “Fools Regatta” is held every June off Bight Beach. You might wonder at the name. Is this an event which would only attract a daredevil craving a crazy challenge? Maybe it’s a sailing contest where gold is the prize? You’d be wrong with either guess. The event debuted on April Fool’s Day, 1990. But as the April month is peak tourist time in the islands, it became more and more challenging over the years to host the event. So the regatta date was moved to June. The name however remained the same.
Video for Fools Regatta 2013
From simple beginnings in Sapodilla Bay, the annual Fools Regatta in the Turks & Caicos Islands has grown to become one of the largest events in the islands and gathers together sailors of all ages and abilities. The inaugural event was a multihull race. Boats made their way to Pine Cay and then raced back to Grace Bay. By 1993 Caicos sloops participated. Nowadays the all day festivities are based at the Bight Children’s Park just to the west of Grace Bay Beach and include an inter school race, a Hobie Cat race pitting local resorts against one another, a tug-of-war, and a great raft race.
“Don’t miss this staple event!” says the Fools Regatta Facebook page. Fools Regatta is like the famous conch: it’s on the menu of all things mandatory to experience on Provo. It’s a tradition on the island. In fact, two of the original vessels that kicked off the event back in 1990 still participate. One is Beluga, a 37 foot catamaran, which serves as the charter vessel for “Sail Beluga”. The other is Minx, a 41 foot trimaran that provides private charter tours out of Turtle Cove Marina.
Video for Fools Regatta 2009
Perhaps the reason the regatta day is such a fixture on the calendar is because of its charitable focus. It’s true that sailors are motivated to finish first across the finish line, to raise the shiny cup in the air and to have the bragging rights for the rest of the year. But it would also be fair to say that because the event will benefit worthy causes it’s equally motivating. Proceeds from the most recent Fools Regatta, 2014, went towards the PSC Children’s Sailing Program. Previous events have benefited the TCI National Trust, Provo Fire Service and the TCI SPCA.
Fools Regatta is a marine celebration for everyone boasting culinary and cultural feasts. Bambarra Rum Company offers a taste of their libations and many local restaurants provide a variety of delicious authentic dishes. There is also musical entertainment on tap.
Whether you’re a boat builder wanting to showcase your labors, a sailor eager to pit your sailing techniques against other sailors, or a landlubber just wanting to enjoy a local event, the 25th Annual Fools Regatta in June 2015 is guaranteed to be a delightful day that brings endless waves of fun.
Keep your eye on the Fools Regatta Facebook page and make plans to join the fun in 2015!
