Martinique Readies Yawl Boat Race Festival

by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 1:19 AM ET, Tue June 30, 2009

In Martinique, carnival and sea are brought together for a celebration unlike any other, the Yawl Boat Race (Tour des Yoles Rondes). A yearly highlight of the Martinican social calendar, the Yawl Boat Race will be contested this year between July 26 and Aug. 2, literally encircling the island with the spirit of carnival, replete with pulsating rhythms, libations and nonstop parties. "This is a uniquely Martinican cultural event that gives a wonderful expression of our seafaring past and the importance that the daily catch still holds in our society today," said Muriel Wiltord, director of the Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA. "At the same time, it's a great party with daily celebrations across the island open to all."

Yawl boats featured in the race are constructed with painstaking detail in the grand tradition of Martinican fishing vessels initially developed by local craftsmen in the '70s. Each vessel flies brightly colored rectangular sails over rounded canoe-like wooden hulls made from local pear trees. As distinctive in style as they are challenging to sail, quick and agile yawl boats test the mettle of even the most experienced sailors; their rounded hulls ensuring an instant capsize if ever the vessels should come to a stop at sea.

This year's race departs initially from the seaside village of Vauclin, continuing in a counter-clockwise fashion around the island in seven stages. Teams representing various towns across Martinique compete alongside international competitors from neighboring islands. Visitors and locals turn out by the thousands each day of the race to offer support and enjoy the festivities.

Throughout the race, the party extends to the hundreds of yachts, catamarans, speedboats, and other private vessels trail the racers, partying along the way. Charter boat operators offer affordable race packages, including meals, excursions to secluded beaches and more, enabling visitors to experience the race up-close and at sea. For more information, call 212-838-6887, email [email protected] or visit www.martinique.org.