November 16th, 1776
The Brig “Andrew Doria” approaches the roads at St. Eustatius, deploys the red and white striped Continental Colors and fires a salute of thirteen guns. On the insistence of the Governor, Johannes de Graaff, the commander of the fort replies with 11 guns. These shots would echo around the world! Thus starts the rise of a Super Power and the beginning of the end for the tiny island of St. Eustatius which would be made to pay dearly for her support of the American cause. To commemorate these events the Golden Rock Regatta is to be held annually to focus attention on this forgotten outpost of a bygone age.
November 16th, 2012.
A fleet of some 30 yachts approaches the roads off Fort Orange where the finish of the "First Salute Race" is situated. That morning they departed Great Bay, St. Maarten in a staggered start sequence based on the yacht's rating in a so-called "Pursuit Race" timed to have the boats arrive simultaniously at the Finish! Ashore the teams join in the local "Statia Day" celebrations.
Join in from wherever you wish!
The Golden Rock Regatta consists of 7 - 9 Races held over 5 days sailing. The event kicks-off with a "Round the Island Race" (St. Maarten.St.Martin) followed by the race to Statia (St. Eustatius) the next day. On Statia a series of 3 - 5 Windward/Leeward races are sailed on the November 17th. The next island on the menu is "Jet-Set" St. Barths (St. Barthelemy) and the regatta finishes in Oyster Pond St. Martin where the final prizegiving takes place. Participants from the surrounding islands are invited to join in at any point of the regatta, as time (from work!) allows. Each day has it’s trophy to race for and entries are accepted on a day by day basis at a fee of $75 per race (CSA members)! So you can wait till the regatta reaches your island and then join in or leave the regatta when your island comes into sight!
WE GUARANTEE A WARM WELCOME!
SEE YOU AT THE GOLDEN ROCK REGATTA
