By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of the Caribbean’s greatest racing events is back for its 35th edition this year with Martinique’s one-of-a-kind Tour de Yoles sailing festival.

The week-long event is a nautical competition unique to Martinique — and one of the French Caribbean department’s cultural emblems.

The racing series is unique in using the rectangular-sailed “Yole Ronde,” a boat created by a carpenter from Le Francois, Martinique in the 1940s.

Set across eight stages around Martinique, it’s as much about the on-land festivities as it is the intense racing, with beach parties, fetes and, of course, Martinique’s world-famous rhum.

The festivities begin in Le Francois on July 27, followed by racing in La Trinite, Saint Pierre, Fort-de-France, Les Anses d’Arlet, Diamant, Sainte Anne and Vauclin.

The eighth and final stage takes place on Sunday Aug. 4 from Vauclin to the town of Robert.

For more, visit the Tour des Yoles.

— CJ