Ari Barshi, founder of Cabarete’s Laser Training Center and the annual Caribbean Laser Midwinter Regatta, is sailing around the world to promote sailing in Cabarete. This year he will be taking part in regattas in Florida, California, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Spain, and Canada, spreading the word about Cabarete as the “adventure sports capital of the Caribbean.” Several Olympic athletes have trained in Cabarete, including 2008 Beijing medal winners Anna Tunnicliffe (USA) and Paul Goodison (UK), as well as Rasmus Myrgren (Sweden) and Gustavo Lima (Portugal). To prepare for the 2008 Olympics, 19 teams trained in Cabarete. Cabarete has gained preeminent status in the Laser sailing world due to the quality of Barshi’s center, as well as the range of conditions for experienced and novice sailors alike. At the same time, the waters off Cabarete Beach are protected by a large reef, perfect for beginning sailors who come to Cabarete for the variety of adventure activities – surfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and canyoning.
Ari Basher’s 2009 Laser regatta schedule:
European Master Championship Palafruguell 20-26 April 2009; Master’s North American Championship 16-18 May 2009, Wrightsville Beach, NC; Hyannis Yacht Club’s Regatta 31-2 August 2009, Hyannis, MA; Buzzards Bay Regatta 7-9August 2009, Dartmouth, MA; World Championship 27August-5 September 2009, Halifax, Canada.