In 2016, Barbados will have a golden year – as it celebrates 50 years of independence – and the Barbados Open Water Festival (BOWF) will enjoy a milestone of its own as it hosts its fifth event. ‘There has never been a better time to visit!’ A fter the English settlement in 1627, Barbados remained a British colony until 1966. During these past 50 years, Barbados’ relationship with the UK has remained strong and, given its exceptionally rich culture and history, the island remains a choice destination for UK leisure seekers. The BOWF provides a great opportunity for swimmers to enjoy a wonderful vacation (in the island recently rated best destination in the Caribbean by Expedia and readers of The Telegraph) in addition to experiencing the delight of sea swimming. Born out of casual conversation between local masters swimmers back in 2011, the BOWF has flourished, enjoying an expansion that has surpassed the expectations of husband and wife organising team, Zary and Kristina Evelyn. The 2015 event attracted 305 swimmers of all ages and abilities and from as far away as Australia. Originally, the Festival started as a oneday event but has evolved into five days of swimming (three days of informal swims and two days of competitive swimming) and will include a 10K swim for the first time this year. The Festival has hosted an impressive list of well-known swimmers. Alex Meyer, elite open water swimmer, who attended in 2014 and 2015 declared after his first race, ‘This is what open water swimming is all about!’ Taylor Abbott, junior world champion, was a winner in 2015 and Masters legend, Jane Asher (rt) of the UK, British masters champion Stuart McLellan, American masters swimmer Darcy Le Fountain, and Australian world record holder (85-89) Dorothy Dickey are just a few of the many talented swimmers that have visited to ‘Swim the Bay.’ The visitors rave about the ideal open water swimming conditions in Carlisle Bay, a protected Marine Park. The spectacular Bay, once a bustling seaport, is steeped in history, its importance first recognized by George Washington when he visited back in 1751 and famous British Admirals such as Lord Nelson have docked in the Bay. Suitably, the Bay now lies in the heart of a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site: ‘Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison’, an honour bestowed in 2011. Swim conditions and beauty of the island aside, there is a wonderful camaraderie among the swimmers at this event with its laid-back island-life setting and the highly popular pre-event practice/social sessions leading up to the swim races. It’s this mix of fun and competition in a fabulous location that has resulted in excellent reviews and many repeat swim visitors.
• The 2016 BOWF will offer 1.5K, 5K and 10K swims and is scheduled for November 2-6, 2016.
www.swimbarbadosvacations.com
• The 2016 BOWF will offer 1.5K, 5K and 10K swims and is scheduled for November 2-6, 2016.
www.swimbarbadosvacations.com
