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On Discovery
Day, August 1, 1969, the Great Race began off Carenage in Trinidad
with 62 boats participating. The winner was the 21-foot wooden
Camena which narrowly beat Tranquilizer in a time of 2 hours
38 minutes.
In 2005,
the legendary 14 time winner, Mr. Solo, set a course record
of 58 minutes.
In 2001
Carib, Trinbago's giant brewery and long-time sponsor of numerous
social and sporting events, signed a ten-year contract as the
sponsor of the Great Race and has significantly increased media
coverage and public awareness of the events.
Prizes are
awarded to the first boat past the post in each class category.
The first 10 boats to finish receive cash prizes - first prize
being TT$100,000.
It's a
thrilling event, broadcast live on radio and hyped up beforehand
in Trinidad with a massive main street parade of the boats complete
with gorgeous bikini-clad girlettes. It's become a tradition
for Tobago folk to herald the arrival with a huge all-day fete
at Store Bay.
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