There was no racing yesterday, on the first day of the BVI Sailing Festival. Principal Race Officer, Dave Brennan postponed the start of the race to Bitter End and indicated to the 48 racing yachts in the starting area to head for Virgin Gorda, to find out if the situation would get better. In the vicinity of Ginger Island, there were some signs of a stable wind developing, but it was short lived and competing for the day was cancelled shortly after 1100.

A windless day at Nanny Cay for the first day of racing in the prelude to the BVI Spring Regatta Credit: Todd vanSickle/BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival

“Unfortunately the wind has not materialized and there will be no racing today.” Commented Dave Brennan, Principal Race Officer: “The important thing is now to make sure the fleet gets to the Bitter End Yacht Club as every indicator available to us is forecasting that there will be no wind today. However, tomorrow is looking far more promising with possibly 15 knots of breeze, so we hope to get the racing started then, perhaps with a race around Virgin Gorda for the Bitter End Cup.”

Hoping for breeze on day one of the Sailing Festival from Nanny Cay to Bitter End Yacht Club Credit: Todd vanSickle/BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival

Yesterday, the fleet could enjoy a race around Virgin Gorda which will result in some spectacular scenery. Notably, The Baths located on the southern end of the island, these unusual geologic formations echo the island’s volcanic origins, as huge granite boulders lie in piles on the beach, forming scenic grottoes that are open to the sea.

Regatta bow stickers are carefully applied. Ready to race! Credit: Todd vanSickle/BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival

With an early arrival at the Bitter End Yacht Club, competitors will be able to take advantage of some fabulous facilities, including all manner of aquatic sports, restaurants and beach bars. Many local sailors consider the North Sound as the most picturesque area of the British Virgin Islands. Yesterday’s awards party was obviously not possible so the limbo jump-up at Almond Walk and adjacent beach will be the first competition of the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival!

Farr 400 leaves the dock for the race up to Bitter End Yacht Club Credit: Todd vanSickle/BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival

Back at Nanny Cay, crews competing in the ISAF sanctioned Grade 3 match racing event sponsored by GILL arrived throughout the day and completed registration for the two day event. If the wind plays ball, exciting duels are expected between the IC24’s on tight windward leeward courses with expert race commentary by Denise Holmberg. Eight teams will compete on courses close to the shore so spectators can watch the drama unfold from the beach at Nanny Cay.