PAYS Dominica Yachting Festival 2025

As part of the 20th Anniversary Celebrations of the Portsmouth Association of Yacht Security (P.A.Y.S.), the organization will host its 3rd Annual P.A.Y.S. Dominica Yachting Festival, previously known as Yachters Appreciation Week (YAW). This highly anticipated event will take place from March 22 to March 30, 2025, spanning Prince Rupert Bay, Portsmouth, and Mero Village. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of activities, including yacht races, cultural excursions, marine conservation efforts, and community service initiatives.

This year’s festival is a collaborative effort between P.A.Y.S., the Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), Mero Association of Yacht Security/Services (M.A.Y.S.), and Offshore Passages Opportunities (OPO) from the United States. The event aims to showcase Dominica as a premier yachting destination while celebrating two decades of exceptional service to the yachting community. Attendees can expect an engaging mix of marine adventure, local heritage, and cultural experiences, reinforcing the island’s position as a top-tier yachting hub in the Caribbean.

Programme of Activities

📍 Day One: Saturday, March 22nd, 2025

• 8:00 AM – Registration of yachts at the P.A.Y.S. Office.
• 7:00 PM – Welcome Reception at the Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth (Attendance by invitation only).

📍 Day Two: Sunday, March 23rd, 2025

• 9:00 AM – Lionfish Hunt Experience with Island Dive Operations.
• 9:00 AM – Cabrits National Park & Fort Shirley Historical Tour with Dr. Lennox Honychurch.
• 9:00 AM – Portsmouth Cultural Tour with Kenneth Gussie.
• 3:00 PM – Indian River Row Boat Tour Experience.
• 7:00 PM – P.A.Y.S. Sunday Night Barbecue.

📍 Day Three: Monday, March 24th, 2025

• 8:00 AM – Kalinago Territory Day Tour featuring:

  • Kalinago Barana Aute (Kalinago Village by the Sea).
  • Exploration of Kalinago heritage, traditions, and culture.
  • Lunch at Kalinago Barana Aute.

• 6:00 PM – Skippers’ Briefing for the Fun Race at P.A.Y.S. Events Building.

📍 Day Four: Tuesday, March 25th, 2025

• 9:00 AM – Fun Race from Portsmouth to Mero.
• 1:00 PM – Mero Beach Community Experience:

  • Cultural Spectacle
  • Barbecue Night

📍 Day Five: Wednesday, March 26th, 2025

• 9:00 AM – Fun Race from Mero to Portsmouth.
• 7:00 PM – P.A.Y.S. Wednesday Night Barbecue and Prize Giving Ceremony for the Yacht Race.

📍 Day Six: Thursday, March 27th, 2025

• 8:00 AM – Nature Island Water World Day Tour, visiting:

  • Ti Tou Gorge
  • Trafalgar Waterfalls
  • Roseau Valley Hot Springs
  • Hot Spring Baths
  • Champagne Beach
  • Lunch in Roseau Valley.

• 7:00 PM – Lionfish Dinner & Movie Night at P.A.Y.S. Events Building (hosted by Island Dive Operations).

📍 Day Seven: Friday, March 28th, 2025

9:00 AM – Community Service Projects:

1. Beach Clean-Up & Coconut Palm Planting at Purple Turtle Beach.
2. Grocery Hamper Distribution to the Grange Home.
3. Building Painting Project in Portsmouth Community.