Annual South Caicos Regatta, Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos Annual Regatta Commemorates Queen’s Visit with Pageants, Fishing, and Festivities
Fifty years ago the British royal yacht Britannia steamed into the Cockburn Town harbour and a flotilla of local boats sailed past to welcome the Queen. Flags flew and island pride soared as, for the first time, a reigning monarch visited this British overseas territory. It was an exciting and memorable day in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Today there is no royal yacht moored in the harbour, but national pride still rules the day in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and that flotilla is now a gathering of international power boats and sailing vessels vying for speed and performance honours.
Annual South Caicos Regatta
The 49th Annual South Caicos Regatta takes place May 26 to 28, 2016 and is the oldest festival in the Turks and Caicos Islands. After the visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to the islands in 1966, it was agreed in 1967 that an annual regatta would be hosted.
As the event website says, “And so, the South Caicos Regatta was born.” The Annual South Caicos Regatta, Turks and Caicos Islands is an opportunity to mark the important day in the islands’ history and to celebrate their strong cultural identity in the world as reflected in the event poster, “remembering the past – embracing the future”.
Regatta Activities
All the action kicks off at the Regatta Village and includes numerous activities including boat and sail races, beauty pageants, parades, concerts, street parties and beach celebrations.
This is a major boating competition with entrants from all over Turks and Caicos, as well as the rest of the Caribbean, and as far away as North America. Sailors compete not only for bragging rights but also for significant cash prizes.
Little Miss Regatta Pageants
Many islanders eagerly anticipate a couple of particularly special regatta events, the two beauty pageants. The Little Miss Regatta for age 8-12 and the Miss Regatta for age 16-21 both draw great response. Young participants are put through their paces and compete in a fashion presentation, a talent show, and interviews with judges. While tangible awards like cash prizes and gift certificates are given, it’s the rewards of confidence, self-development and meeting new friends that prove invaluable for those participating.
Regatta Fishing Contest
An additional part of the regatta weekend events this year is a Fishing Contest taking place on May 28th. Participants can choose from a variety of fish categories: Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and Mackerel. There are cash prizes and trophies for contest winners. For more information: alvinparker77@yahoo.com
But more than anything, the regatta is an island party. There is a colourful street parade, maypole dancing, a beach party, and musical performances by local bands showcasing junkanoo, rake and scrape and gospel music styles.
So if you’re visiting the Turks and Caicos in May, make sure you cast off for the South Caicos Regatta. It’s a royal bash for people of all ages and truly a celebration of Caicos culture.
Getting to South Caicos from Providenciales
Staying at Villa del Mar on Providenciales…no worries!
You can travel easily to South Caicos on a 75 minute ferry with TCI Ferry Service departing from Heaving Down Rock Walkin Marina in Leeward. Ferries depart from Provo on Fridays and Sundays at 1:30pm and return from South Caicos at 3pm on the same days. The round trip fare is $99 per adult and $70 per child.
