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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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