A big party and reception are among plans for participating yachts as they approach Antigua and Barbuda for the final leg of the inaugural OECS Rally. 

All the yachts, en route from the Saints and Guadeloupe, are due to dock at Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour this weekend. 

Nelson’s Dockyard is famous for hosting marine activities including Antigua and Barbuda’s sailing week, an event that is ranked among the top five sailing regattas in the world. 

The OECS Rally for Yachts sailed off from Castries on Wednesday December 29 th 2004. 

Prior to the final leg in Antigua and Barbuda, the yachts berthed at St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a welcome splash on December 30 th. This was followed by stops in Grenada, St. Lucia, Martinique and Dominica. 

One of the highlights of the rally so far is the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to the towns of Portsmouth and Mero and the hosting committee in Dominica. The yachters expressed this gesture in response to the level of hospitality they received. 

Each stop of the OECS Rally featured sight seeing tours and several national events including carnival festivities. 

The final leg of the OECS Rally will comprise a trip to Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda for a historic tour. 

Activities will formally end with an official prize giving ceremony for all the participants at one of Antigua and Barbuda’s archeological sites, English Harbour on Saturday Feb. 12 th. 

The participating yachts in the first OECS Rally challenged each other in the annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC).

The OECS Rally is designed to attract yachters from around the world. It precedes another major yachting and tourism sector development opportunity for the sub-region this year when the OECS will be the “Guest of Honour” at the world famous Le Grand Pavois Boat Show in France from September 7 th to 12 th.

For further information please contact: 

Daphne Vidal Tourism Officer OECS Sec. email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Senior Communications Officer Kendol Morgan at Tel: (758) 452-2537 ext 8120 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Communications Officer Raymond O’Keiffe at Tel: (758) 452-2537 ext: 8121 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it