THE 29th Annual Fiji Regatta Week is set to attract international attraction at the Musket Cove Resort and Marina in the Mamanucas from next week Thursday.
The event in which international yachts gather annually at the resort to race for fun was the creation of the late Dick Smith, one of Fiji's tourism pioneers.
Internationally recognised as the mother of all the South Pacific yachting events, the Fiji Regatta Week attracts boats of all types and sizes from all around the world.
"It is a fun week that has been carefully crafted towards presenting a good mix with events for every one of all ages," Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina general manager Olivia Mavoa said.
The Fiji Regatta Week started as the Musket Cove Race Week in 1980 with few days of laidback sailing events and onshore fun.
After four years, it preceded to the Port Vila Race, which was more of an ocean rally than a race.
Two years later, it blossomed into the Fiji Regatta Week.
The competitions to be held during this year's event includes the Hobie Cat challenge, the Short-Course Yacht Race to the Sandbank sponsored each year by Gulf Harbour Marina from New Zealand, the Fiji Water Round Malolo Race, the Merlin Yacht Racing, an Absurd Olympics day, a golf tournament and a Swap Meet where yachties sell off some of their unwanted goods and equipment.
"Evening activities are fun-filled and there is a special theme for each evening with special prizes for each activity," Mavoa said.
"All are welcome to participate during the week whether as a serious competitor or spectators and any one who wish to join in the fun. Entry to the Regatta is free," she added.
Mavoa thanked the sponsors, participating yachts, the relevant government agencies and Tourism Fiji for their support in staging this event.