The Big South Regatta

The Big South, held over a long weekend each May at Cockburn Harbour, is the South Caicos regatta and the biggest thing that happens on the island. Full-size sloops race in the harbour, there are model sloop races, a beauty pageant, food stalls, ripsaw and rake and scrape bands, and enough people fly in from Providenciales and the other islands to double the population for the weekend. It descends from the working boat races the fishing fleet ran, and the boats are still crewed by fishermen. Outside that weekend South Caicos is very quiet indeed.

What you actually see

• The sloop racing - full-size boats crewed by the fishing fleet.
• The model races - the miniature version alongside.
• The food and music - stalls and bands round the harbour.
• The island full - the population roughly doubling for the weekend.

When to go

A long weekend in May, with dates announced a few months ahead. Accommodation on South Caicos is very limited and fills entirely; many people fly in for the day from Providenciales.

Honest expectations

Accommodation on the island is minimal and books out for the regatta; day trips from Providenciales are the practical option. Flights are small and fill. Facilities at the harbour are basic. Dates shift and are confirmed late.

Nearby

Grand Turk is across the passage; Providenciales is 25 minutes by air.