The 41st edition of the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival is less than one month away and a truly international cast are getting ready to take centre stage in the beautiful sailing grounds of the British Virgin Islands. Well over 500 competitors are expected to enjoy some hot racing and fabulous shoreside entertainment.
A view from the top of Nanny Cay from the top of Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Belle which competed in 2011. Credit Todd VanSickleBVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival
The BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival has always attracted sailors from all over the world and this year is no exception, participants from at least 12 different nations will compete at this year’s event: Australia, British Virgin Islands, Croatia, Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Russia, Sweden, United States and St.Martin.
Andy Middleton’s First 44.7, EHO1 (GBR) is competing in the Racing Class, his Global Yacht Racing Team has been competing extensively on the Caribbean circuit for the last five years:
“It’s good to be back,” smiled Andy. “The regatta is really enjoyable and very different from other Caribbean events. The racing is as good as anywhere but the event also offers a variety of brilliant locationsall very close to each other and whilst you get the constant breeze that the Caribbean is famous for, the British Virgin Islands offer flat water, which is not so common. Our crew for the regatta will be a mixture of British and American charter guests and they could have chosen any other regatta on the circuit but I am glad they chose this one. In 2008, we came second in class by a whisker, so this is unfinished business for us.”
Dutch sailing legend, Bouwe Bekking will be racing at the event on Willem Wester’s Grand Soleil 43, Antilope (NED), returning to defend their emphatic win in Racing A Divison last year:
Willem Wester’s Grand Soleil 43, sailing yacht Antilope return to defend their win in Racing A Division – Credit Todd VanSickleBVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival
“The sailing in the BVIs is pretty much unique in the Caribbean. You are racing around islands with beautiful views and great sailing. The regatta is well organized by experienced people and the race officials also do a great job. There is a wonderful atmosphere ashore, the parties are really enjoyable but first of all we are here to win. It will be our last regatta before returning to Europe to represent Holland in the Brewin Dolphin Commodores’ Cup, so it would be nice to finish our Caribbean season on a high.”
Puerto Rico’s Jaime Torres will be racing First 40, Smile and Wave (PUE):
“The best thing about the BVI Spring Regatta is the mix of local boats and international
stars. Professional teams mixing it with local boats with the old school attitude of doing it for fun. Competition is always top notch but at its best in the 40ft class. We are looking forward to improving out 3rd place class finish from last year.”
The BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival attracts a wide variety of yachts, this year no less than 15 entries are 50ft and over including six elegant Swans, including Swan 51, Northern Child (GBR). Co-owner Lucy Reynolds spoke about the event:
“It really is my favourite regatta in the Caribbean. We came second in class last year and had such an amazing time. The crew all live on board during the event, so Northern Child really becomes their home for the regatta. The atmosphere in the BVIs is really laid back and everybody makes us feel so welcome. The regatta has such a great feel, it is an event that I really look forward to.”
The weeklong BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival takes the fleet through the beautiful British Virgin Islands. Starting at Nanny Cay, the Sailing Festival races up the Sir Francis Drake Channel to the renowned Bitter End Yacht Club. After the warm up, the BVI Spring Regatta kicks off with three days of some of the best racing in the Caribbean. Yachts can participate in the entire seven-day BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival, just the four-day Festival, or the three-day Regatta. For family and friends who just want to relax or have some fun there is a huge choice of shore side accommodation and activities, so there’s no need to leave your loved ones at home.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS:
Visitors can fly to the British Virgin Islands through San Juan, Puerto Rico with American Airlines, Cape Air and LIAT. Flights are also available through Antigua, St. Maartin and Barbados on Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and BWIA. Ferry service is also available from St. Thomas and St. John.
