PAYS Dominica Yachting Festival & Race to Mero
The PAYS Dominica Yachting Festival is a week-long celebration of sailing, culture, and community held each March in Portsmouth on Dominica. Hosted in Prince Rupert’s Bay and organized by the Portsmouth Association of Yacht Services(PAYS), the event welcomes visiting cruising yachts to experience Dominica’s natural beauty and vibrant island culture.
The festival combines relaxed sailing with a variety of shoreside activities designed for the cruising community. A highlight of the week is the Race to Mero, a friendly two-day sail from Portsmouth to Mero Beach and back. The event features beach gatherings, live music, and traditional Sensay costume dancing, creating a festive atmosphere both on the water and ashore.
Throughout the week, participants can also enjoy guided excursions to Dominica’s rivers, waterfalls, and snorkeling sites, including trips along the Indian River. Community events such as beach barbecues, live entertainment, and a masquerade ball bring sailors and locals together in celebration.
Proceeds from the festival help support the local patrol boat and community initiatives, reinforcing Dominica’s reputation as a welcoming and cruiser-friendly destination in the Caribbean.
