May 8: Antigua Bermuda Race. A new record may be on the horizon in the third edition of this 935 nautical mile race north from Antigua to Bermuda. Scallywag, the 100-foot canting keel super-maxi owned by Hong Kong executive Lee Seng Huang and skippered by Australia’s Dave Witt, could break the record (2 days, 18 hours, 32 minutes and 48 seconds) set by the Volvo 70 Warrior last year. Even better, this regatta is evolving into a  Caribbean staple. “We were encouraged that without the draw of the America’s Cup, we had 14 entries last year,” says Les Crane. “Some competitors enjoy that this is almost 1000 miles of true offshore racing in beautiful weather and warm seas, the longest race in the Western Atlantic. Others recognize the safety aspect of being part of an organized, tracked race in the middle of the Atlantic. We expect 20 or more entrants including 4 double handers. Bermuda is a beautiful destination and a great stop off in advance of the Newport or Solent season.” The Antigua Bermuda Race is part of the Atlantic Ocean Race Series and is equally weighted with the RORC Caribbean 600, Rolex Fastnet Race and Rolex Middle Sea Race. www.antiguabermuda.com

May 26: 2019 Leverick Bay Poker Run. More than 250 boats and over 2,000 visitors from the British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and World are expected to take part in the 18th annual Leverick Bay Poker Run. The event begins at Leverick Bay, in North Shore, Virgin Gorda, BVI and follows a predetermined route to several neighboring islands, where each contestant draws one playing card per stop. Upon returning to Leverick Bay Resort & Marina for the prize-giving celebration, the participants with the best poker hands win! The Run is not a race, but instead a celebration of the BVI and an opportunity to benefit local charities to improve the quality of life for the territory’s residents. To register and for a complete route map, Email: info@bvipokerrun.com or visit: www.bvipokerrun.com

May 27: Foxy’s Wooden & Classic Yacht Regatta. Wooden boats and wannabes are invited to the British Virgin Island of Jost Van Dyke for a weekend of sailing, music and partying. “Foxy wanted to keep this event going, but there are fewer wooden boats, and the ones that are left are in pretty bad shape,” says Thomas Warner, general manager of event host, Foxy’s Tamarind Bar in Great Harbour. “The idea of ‘Wooden Boat for a Day’ came up. Any vessel of any vintage and construction can become an ‘Honorary Wooden Boat’ for the weekend by virtue of a small donation to the Sloop Foundation and The Jost van Dyke Preservation Society. Both organizations are currently working on repairing or restoring their wooden boats to keep this heritage alive.” Festivities kick-off on May 25 with a BBQ and a live band. Hangover registration starts May 26 at 9 a.m., the racing begins at 10 a.m. and the day finishes with a Lobster and Seafood Buffet with music by Barefoot Davis and his band. May 27th features the singlehanded race with prizes awarded during happy hour. foxysbvi.com

June 7: Nautical Parade – 500th Anniversary of Havana, Cuba. All boats are welcome to take part in this marine event, which is one of several hosted by the Hemingway International Yacht Club (HIYC) to commemorate the half-millennia anniversary of the founding of Cuba’s capital city. “The Nautical Parade starts near the mouth of the , which crosses the Cuban capital. Then, it continues along the malecon (the city’s famous seaside esplanade), into the Havana Bay, and then out to sea. Navigation along the Havana Malecon offers a colorful nautical show to the city’s residents and people in transit through the capitol,” says Commodore Jose M Diaz Escrich, who invites participating yachts to dock at HIYC. Other nautical event’s in the city’s 500th anniversary celebration include a Kite Surfing Festival on July 6, Shore Fishing Tournament from the Malecon on August 31, and another Nautical Parade on November 15. For information, Email: yachtclub@cnih.mh.tur.cu

For more events check out our Calendar

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