The sport of sailing has grown in popularity in recent years becoming a major draw for persons to visit the island of Barbados to take part in a number of races and regattas. One sailing event which has literally brought visitors to the island is the annual Mount Gay Rum supported Trans-Atlantic Adventure.

Organised and operated by the UK based sailing services company “Ondeck”, the 2,000 mile journey brings individuals from Europe, the United States and Canada, among other countries across the Atlantic, with the final stop being Barbados.

Commencing in Porto, Portugal, proceeding to Madeira; the Cape Verde Islands and concluding in Carlisle Bay, St. Michael, Barbados, the adventure has grown in popularity since the first trip was made in 2006.

Peter Samuel, Mount Gay Rum Brand Manager, said Mount Gay Rum’s support of the race is part of the brand’s strategy of continued support for the sport of sailing, which has assisted in raising the profile of Barbados and the promotion of Mount Gay Rum across the world:

“Our involvement with sailing around the world has provided us with an avenue to continue promoting the brand in several markets abroad. Mount Gay Rum has becoming synonymous with sailing, especially with the much coveted Mount Gay Rum Red Cap being presented to persons who participate in Mount Gay Rum sponsored events. As a result, sailors around the world have become very fond of Mount Gay Rum and have aided in its promotion in their homelands. We are also pleased to be associated with an event which has successfully promoted Barbados as a desirable destination for sports tourism and tourism in general, with many persons who take part in this adventure returning the island in the future on vacation.”

Recently, a reception was held at the Visitors’ Centre of Mount Gay Distilleries Limited, where the group of excited sailors to take the journey from Cape Verde to Barbados were each presented with the coveted Mount Gay Rum Red Cap in recognition of their accomplishment, in addition to being taken on a tour of the distillery.