Boat racing is the number one pastime and national passion in Anguilla.
The essence of Anguillian tradition, this maritime custom was born out of a necessity to trade goods throughout the Eastern Caribbean in the early 1900s. As schooner fleets from Nova Scotia came to Anguilla to buy salt harvested from the island’s salt ponds, locals quickly learned and mastered the craft of shipbuilding and sailing.
Anguilla gradually acquired a reputation throughout the Caribbean for excellent marine craftsmanship, with the transportation of goods from island to island carried out in schooners and small ships crafted by hand.
As economic conditions became increasingly severe, the men of Anguilla took to the sea in search of employment on neighbouring islands. At the end of crop season, they would return home to their families.
To pass the time on the long voyage home, they would race each other to see which boat would arrive first at the harbour. Great excitement surrounded their long-anticipated return as women and children lined the beach fronts, cheering on as they raced – this is how boat racing was born on the island.
Today, this lively spectator sport continues to attract daring local sailors, trained in the unique Anguillian art of boat racing, as well as many passionate and dedicated spectators, now called land racers.
The boats themselves have evolved into sleek, yacht-like vessels with oversized masts and broad white sails that look like giant wings against the backdrop of Anguilla’s incredibly blue, crystalline waters.
Boat racing is accompanied by barbecues, music, and dancing, and is an unmissable event for visitors that is authentic, exciting, beautiful, and cultural all at once.
