by Travis Lueth 
As the sun sets on the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, the island of Saint Lucia comes alive with the thrill of sailing. Located at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Saint Lucia has become a home for world-class sailing events that draw top talent from around the globe.
Saint Lucia Sailing Week
One of the most prestigious regattas on the Caribbean calendar is the annual Saint Lucia Sailing Week (SLSW). Now in its 18th edition, this premier event attracts sailors from over 20 countries to compete in a range of classes, including keelboats, catamarans, and dinghies. The week-long competition takes place in March and features a mix of racing and cruising events.
Caribbean Sailing Championships
Another highlight of the sailing calendar is the biennial Caribbean Sailing Championships. Hosted by the Saint Lucia Yacht Club, this event brings together top sailors from across the region to compete, hoping to land a national title. The championships feature a variety of classes, including keelboats, catamarans, and monohulls.
Saint Lucia Laser National Championships
In recent years, Saint Lucia has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the Laser sailing community. The island’s top Laser sailors have claimed several national titles at the annual Saint Lucia Laser National Championships, held every December. This event attracts top talent from across the Caribbean and is considered one of the premier events on the regional sailing calendar.
Winning Teams
In recent years, Saint Lucia has seen a surge in success in international regattas. In 2020, the Saint Lucia Sailing Team took home gold at the Caribbean Sailing Championships, with top sailors like Jason Joyce and Sherry Cox leading the charge. Meanwhile, local sailor Mark Mendes claimed victory in the Laser class at the prestigious Rolex International Regatta.
Athletes to Watch
As the sailing world continues to evolve, a new generation of talented athletes is emerging from Saint Lucia. Sailors like 17-year-old Zara Telfer, who recently won the youth division at the Caribbean Sailing Championships, are set to take the world stage by storm. Meanwhile, veteran sailors like Jason Joyce and Sherry Cox continue to dominate on the water.
Conclusion
As the Caribbean sailing community continues to grow and thrive, Saint Lucia remains at the forefront of international competition. With its stunning natural beauty, colorful sailing history, and world-class events, this island paradise is the perfect destination for sailors from around the globe.
“Sailing in Saint Lucia is like nothing else – the crystal-clear waters, the lush green hills, and the warm Caribbean breeze make it a truly unique experience. As a sailor, there’s no better feeling than competing in these events and representing my island on the world stage.”
