Mount Gay, the world’s oldest running rum distillery, has reaffirmed its commitment to the UK sailing community by extending its sponsorship of two of the country’s premier nautical events: Cowes Week in August and the Southampton International Boat Show in September.
In celebration of this enduring partnership, The Luxe Review was invited to an exclusive Mount Gay rum tasting at London’s Laki Kane cocktail bar, where the brand showcased its flagship expressions – Eclipse, Black Barrel, and XO – paired with insights into its deep connection to sailing and maritime heritage.
Dating back to 1703, Mount Gay has long been intertwined with life at sea…
Rum, regattas and revelry
Dating back to 1703, Mount Gay has long been intertwined with life at sea. From its origins in Barbados, where barrels of rum matured over ocean voyages, to its decades-long presence at global regattas, the brand’s legacy is steeped in saltwater and sailcloth.
By the 1980s, Mount Gay had firmly established itself as the sailor’s rum of choice – its now-iconic red hat debuting during the 1983 America’s Cup, quickly becoming a badge of honour among crews.
This summer, Mount Gay’s signature red branding returns to Cowes Week, the UK’s most prestigious sailing regatta, running August 2–8. As official rum partner, Mount Gay will offer its full range at the dedicated Mount Gay Bar in the Regatta Village on The Parade, and at select venues across Cowes. Festivalgoers can expect premium pours served neat or in signature cocktails, bringing the distillery’s Barbadian warmth to the Solent.
Bob Trimble, Chair of Cowes Week Limited, welcomed the continued partnership: “Mount Gay Rum is a brand truly synonymous with sailing regattas worldwide. Last year’s Red Cap Party was a roaring success, and we’re excited for another unforgettable evening following a thrilling day of racing.”
Mount Gay’s UK sailing season also includes sponsorship of racing yacht Luna, which has been competing under the distillery’s colours since May.
The rum brand will close its season in style at the Southampton International Boat Show in September, continuing its support for the UK’s vibrant yachting scene.
“Sailing is deeply woven into Mount Gay’s DNA,” says Maud Tsassis, UK Brand Manager. “Our continued support of Cowes Week and other iconic UK sailing events reflects our commitment to this vibrant community.”
From the docks of Bridgetown to the shores of the Solent, Mount Gay’s bond with sailors is more than symbolic, it’s centuries in the making, and still going strong. We’ll drink to that.
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The Luxe Review 
Mount Gay, the world’s oldest running rum distillery, has reaffirmed its commitment to the UK sailing community by extending its sponsorship of two of the country’s premier nautical events: Cowes Week in August and the Southampton International Boat Show in September.
In celebration of this enduring partnership, The Luxe Review was invited to an exclusive Mount Gay rum tasting at London’s Laki Kane cocktail bar, where the brand showcased its flagship expressions – Eclipse, Black Barrel, and XO – paired with insights into its deep connection to sailing and maritime heritage.
Rum, regattas and revelry
Dating back to 1703, Mount Gay has long been intertwined with life at sea. From its origins in Barbados, where barrels of rum matured over ocean voyages, to its decades-long presence at global regattas, the brand’s legacy is steeped in saltwater and sailcloth.
By the 1980s, Mount Gay had firmly established itself as the sailor’s rum of choice – its now-iconic red hat debuting during the 1983 America’s Cup, quickly becoming a badge of honour among crews.
This summer, Mount Gay’s signature red branding returns to Cowes Week, the UK’s most prestigious sailing regatta, running August 2–8. As official rum partner, Mount Gay will offer its full range at the dedicated Mount Gay Bar in the Regatta Village on The Parade, and at select venues across Cowes. Festivalgoers can expect premium pours served neat or in signature cocktails, bringing the distillery’s Barbadian warmth to the Solent.
Bob Trimble, Chair of Cowes Week Limited, welcomed the continued partnership: “Mount Gay Rum is a brand truly synonymous with sailing regattas worldwide. Last year’s Red Cap Party was a roaring success, and we’re excited for another unforgettable evening following a thrilling day of racing.”
Mount Gay’s UK sailing season also includes sponsorship of racing yacht Luna, which has been competing under the distillery’s colours since May.
The rum brand will close its season in style at the Southampton International Boat Show in September, continuing its support for the UK’s vibrant yachting scene.
“Sailing is deeply woven into Mount Gay’s DNA,” says Maud Tsassis, UK Brand Manager. “Our continued support of Cowes Week and other iconic UK sailing events reflects our commitment to this vibrant community.”
From the docks of Bridgetown to the shores of the Solent, Mount Gay’s bond with sailors is more than symbolic, it’s centuries in the making, and still going strong. We’ll drink to that.
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