Like a snow ball rolling downhill, the momentum is already building as plans take shape for the 2012 BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, March 26 – April 1 2012.
The promotional kick off takes place this week at the longest running and perhaps the biggest yachting event in the world, Cowes Week. Joining forces with Sunsail, Nanny Cay and Gill, BVI Spring Regatta will launch its annual campaign to make sure that the thousands of sailors and visitors to Cowes mark their calendars that in eight short months, the action will be on the other side of the pond.
BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival 2012
With the successes of last year’s 40th Anniversary, three new videos are on line. The first highlights the inaugural Gill BVI International Match Racing Championship; the second features Sir Richard Branson sharing his enthusiasm for the BVI and this event and the third is the 2012 promotional video featuring ten reasons why the BVI Spring Regatta is a ‘must do’ event.
According to event director, Judy Petz, “Somehow each year we squeeze in just a little more. This year we will expand the International Yacht Club Challenge raced with Sunsail’s fleet and include intercollegiate sailing teams among the yacht club teams from around the world”
Bob Phillips, Chairman, is pleased to continue the addition of Level three match racing, “Sponsored by Gill, match racing provides the purest type of racing with one-on-one competition in equal boats. It’s a different type of racing and we’re excited to offer this fast-paced competition right off the beach at Nanny Cay” Those that were lucky enough to watch last year, not only were entertained but also had the opportunity to pick up a few tips as Denise Holmberg, Peter Holmberg’s wife, provided enlightened commentary.
Seven days of racing, five separate events, and loads of fun in the Caribbean. Sounds like a regatta and party you wouldn’t want to miss.
Warm Water – Hot Racing. Guaranteed.
Held annually on the first weekend of April, the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival will be celebrating its 41th anniversary. The BVI Spring Regatta and the Sailing Festival is now one of the top three Caribbean sailing events, with an average of 125 yachts per year with eighty percent of the competitors from overseas. The week encompasses seven-days and features five separate events, The Sailing Festival comprised of The Bitter End Cup, the Nations Challenge and The Nanny Cay Cup; the Gill BVI International Match Racing Championship and the BVI Spring Regatta.
The BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is presented by Nanny Cay Resort and Marina with top sponsors the BVI Tourist Board, Bitter End Yacht Club, LIME, First Caribbean International Bank, Heineken, The Moorings, Mount Gay, SOL, Sea Hawk Nautical Coatings and Gill. Contributing sponsors are Clearwater, Sunsail, Tortola Yacht Services and Meridian Construction.
Visitors can fly to the Bristish Virgin Islands through San Juan, Puerto Rico with American Airlines, Cape Air and LIAT. Flights are also available through Antigua, St. Maartin and Barbados and there is ferry service from St. Thomas and St. John.
