Over the years, BVI Spring Regatta has woven community activities and maritime history into the week-long activities. This year is no exception.
Opening night of the BVI Spring Regatta will be hosted by the Premier’s Office and visitors to the regatta village can expect local entertainment like the Heritage Dancers, fungi or steelpan bands, and maybe even Moko Jumbies.
Art is now a growing part the regatta’s onshore activities. In 2024, Dr. Katherine Smith, historian and BVI Director of Culture, was instrumental in helping orchestrate a beautiful art exhibit for the opening night of the BVI Spring Regatta reflecting the maritime traditions of the BVI. Creative Waves, a creative arts fund which was launched to cultivate creativity across the BVI, commissioned a stunning parade of painted sails each showing the evolution of local maritime history in addition to paintings by a local artist Vincent “Bing” Malone.
This continued in 2025 when Creative Waves once again commissioned local artists to paint sails which were on display in the regatta village. Local artist Christine Nissen was commissioned to design the regatta awards. Walden Benjamin, another local artist, created live paintings so people could watch him as he worked. An art event was introduced on Saturday, a “Crafternoon” where kids were invited to stop by and work on crafting projects throughout the afternoon in the village.
The Crafternoon will be back this year and Creative Waves is currently in the process of seeking local artists for sail painting for this year. The 2026 theme is “The Healing Ocean”. Local pottery studio TerraForma, has been commissioned to create the 2026 awards.
VP Bank steps up as a sponsor for 2026. Over the years, VP Bank has been an integral part in supporting the Tortola Sloops and the Virgin Islands Sloop Foundation, with activities focused around the regatta.
In 2013, VP Bank assisted with the publishing “Building A Virgin Islands Sloop” by Professor Brooks and illustrations by artist, Lutia Durante, a wonderful publication which documents the unique boat-building history and heritage of the British Virgin Islands.
To tie in its support of Professor Brooks’ book, VP Bank funded the purchase of Intrepid, built in 1914 and brought back from St Croix, as a donation.
In 2014, 2015 and 2016, the VP Bank Tortola Sloop Spring Challenge took place as part of the BVI Spring Regatta’s Maritime Heritage Day. The sloops were raced by dignitaries and supporters in showcase racing off Nanny Cay.
© Todd vanSickle.BVI Spring Regatta
Tortola Sloops or Tortola Boats, designed and built in the BVI territory, are an important legacy of the rich seafaring past of the BVI. These sailing vessels were used by local entrepreneurs as early as the 18th century to ferry passengers and cargo around the Caribbean. They ranged in length from 20-100 feet and became a solid cornerstone around which grew the culture and economy of the BVI. The unique design made Tortola Boats immediately recognizable as they sailed between islands. This important piece of BVI maritime history was almost lost when many of the vessels were sold or abandoned after the advent of more modern sail and motor crafts.
However, the Virgin Islands Sloop Foundation was formed to preserve this maritime heritage. Despite the best efforts of time and Hurricane Irma is 2017, there are presently four Tortola Boats that have been preserved by the Foundation with major support from volunteers, Nanny Cay and sponsors like VP Bank. Intrepid and Youth Instructor and currently afloat at Nanny Cay and racing in local regattas. Esmie, built by Leondo Nibbs in 2000, and Sweet Wind, built by Anegada boatbuilder Watson White, are in the Nanny Cay boatyard awaiting funding for repair.
