BELIZE CITY, Mon. Feb. 23, 2015–The Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta Committee proudly invites the general public to the BTL Park, New Town Barracks to witness the 87th Baron Bliss Regatta. The series of boat races will run from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, March 7 & 8. Over 50 boats are expected in the Optimist, Laser, other “one design” classes, as well as the traditional Lighters, Sailing Dories and Seagulls. Sea Scouts’ “Bosuns” will open the course with the first race on Sunday.

Last year, in the Lighter class United defeated the long standing champion, Radio. In the Optimist class, the youngest ever to sail single-handedly on the traditional course were two 8-year-olds, “CJ” from Placencia Sailing Club and Malik Jones from Caye Caulker.

The 87th Regatta will have the Optimists sailing nearer to the BTL Park, and for the first time, in close cooperation with the Belize City Council, there will be live commentary from the race course.

Chairman of the Committee is Basil Coleman. Principal Race Officer is Douglas Gabourel. Primary sponsors are the Baron Bliss Trust and the Office of the Governor General. Other sponsors are: Euro Caribe and Print Belize. On parade will also be the Belize Coast Guard and the Port Authority.

All are invited to attend the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Baron Bliss Tomb, Fort Point at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 9.

For registration or more information, contact Douglas Gabourel at 621-7782.

– press release –

(Editor’s Note: Formerly known as “Baron Bliss Day” to commemorate the passing of the country’s greatest benefactor, March 9 is now officially “Heroes and Benefactors Day.” However, the annual regatta in his honour still carries the name of the Baron.)