Superb sailing, free regatta dockage and travel reimbursement for the first ten international boats to register make the new Casa de Campo Race Week 2012 an event not to be missed.
Double the fun is what racing sailors can look forward to when one of the most popular regattas in the Dominican Republic expands into a full week. The inaugural Casa de Campo Sailing Week 2012 will set sail February 13th – 18th. Organizers are committed to making this event into a 'must-do' regatta on sailors' race calendars and are offering some fantastic enticements. For example, in addition to Marina Casa de Campo offering free dockage (water and electricity not included) to all participating boats during the week before, during and after the regatta, there's also a US $1500 travel reimbursement to the first 10 international boats to register.
The Dominican Republic is an ideal destination to host a regatta in February. Caribbean sailors can sail north and get a jump-start on the region's regatta season and sailors from the U.S. can enjoy a stop-over in a long sail south to race before heading over to Puerto Rico, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten and Antigua for the rest of the season.
Casa de Campo isn't new to hosting world-class sailing events. The 354-slip full-service marina played host to the Farr 40 Pre-World Trials in 2010 and has presented the Casa de Campo Regatta for the Presidente Cup since 2007. Working in hand with the Dominican Sailing Federation, this later event has grown from a handful of local sailors to one that annually attracts nearly 30 national and international boats. As a result the time had come to embark on something new – like Casa de Campo Sailing Week 2012.
"Our goal is to make Casa de Campo Sailing Week into an important international sailing event," says Rafid Ynirio, secretary of the Casa de Campo Yacht Club (CCYC). "Steady winds blowing from 10 to 18 knots combined with the beautiful landscape and welcoming service makes this the perfect chance for sailors to enjoy some quality time away from home."
Racing, spinnaker cruising, non-spinnaker boats and multihulls are invited to enter. In addition, organizers will welcome additional classes of three or more boats. Courses over the four days of racing will feature a delightful mix of round-the-buoy and round-the-coasts courses, including a race to nearby Catalina Island and back. Spectator boats will be available. At the end of each day, there will be cocktails, food, music, a replay of the day's racing in pictures and daily prizes. One of the social highlights is dinner on February 16th at Altos de Chavón Village. This is one of the Dominican Republic's most popular attractions and features a replica of a medieval European village created by a former set designer for Paramount Studios. It's here that sailors will enjoy the Kandela Show, a Caribbean-flavored musical revue featuring over 50 dancers and singers.
Casa de Campo Sailing Week 2012 is also the start of the fourth annual Catalina-Santo Domingo Circuit, a three regatta series organized by the Dominican Oceanic Sailboats Association.
Marina Casa de Campo offers a variety of facilities and services including Internet, golf carts, fuel, 24-hour security, on-site Customs and Immigration, and over 60 stores including supermarket, laundry, drug store, bank and cinema. Nearby hotel facilities include world-class golf courses, tennis courts, and a variety of beach sports by day and nightlife in the darker hours. The towns of La Romana and Santo Domingo are five minutes and 90 minutes away, respectively.
"The Dominican Republic has a unique quality that sets it apart from surrounding destinations: the warmth of its people," says Ynirio. "We assure you will have the best time ever while enjoying your passion: yacht racing."
For more information contact the Casa de Campo Yacht Club – ccyc@marinacasadecampo.com.do
Carol M. Bareuther, RD, is a St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands based marine writer and registered dietitian.
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