Another year has sneaked past us, and it's time to celebrate the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009. New Year's Eve is known as St Sylvestre on St Barth, and, as always, the island is ready to welcome in the new year. The festivities in Gustavia, organized by the association Rhum et Gingembre, will take place on the Quai Général de Gaulle starting at 8:00 pm with skits, music, dancing and drinks. Fireworks will be set off at midnight over the water, and if previous years are an indication, they will be spectacular. Throughout the day on December 31, Le Goût de Vin on Rue Oscar II in Gustavia will be offering a free wine and champagne tasting. La Plage restaurant, on the beach at the Tom Beach Hotel in St Jean, is also hosting a New Year's Eve party with music by "Addicted 2 Paradise" (who can't identify with that?!) and fireworks at midnight. And, don't forget the 13th Edition of the New Year's Eve Regatta. The sailing yachts will depart at 10:00 am and sail around the island, which usually takes about two hours. The Awards Ceremony will take place on the quay in Gustavia late in the afternoon, usually around 5:00 pm.