Dear Sailors,
Its mid summer and the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival committee has been very busy preparing for more fantastic racing in 2014.
We hope you are all out on the water and having a great summer. Save the date for March 31-April 6th for the 43rd BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival.
Optimal Race Experience
More racing; a move back to what the BVI Spring Regatta does best. That’s the future of the 2014 BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, taking place between March 31-April 6 in the British Virgin Islands.
Over a decade ago, the BVI Spring Regatta originated the rolling start format in big boat regattas that allowed competitors to experience the most racing each day. Many classes enjoyed five or more races a day, with individual classes starting shortly after the last boat in their class finished the previous race. Combined with the ability to change courses for each race, it guarantees the most racing of any Caribbean regatta.
The Race Committee also recognizes the success of deep water windward/leeward courses and will bring that format back to the spinnaker classes.
Around Islands, Marks + Three types of Water for all Classes
“Over the years we have experimented with various options to give our competitors the optimal race experience. Each year we try to develop something new,” comments Robert Phillips, Race Committee Chairman.
“Last year, with our course options, the Race Committee could select the best course for each class depending on the winds and water conditions. Now with added distance features, we can offer each class the best racing, around the islands, marks, in three types of water- a Channel, an Ocean and a Sea.”
Sailing Festival has even More BVI Racing
In addition to the race format, the new Sailing Festival that moved its location to Nanny Cay and surrounding Islands this year, will again be welcoming sailors to compete for the elapsed time record racing around Tortola for the Nanny Cay Cup.
“I would like to say a big thank you to Nanny Cay. I have sailed all over the world, but I love coming back to the BVI; the scenery is just beautiful. This is my third trip to the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival and it definitely won’t be the last,” says Peter Corr, owner of the 82ft Aiyana, which set a new monohull record of 3 hours, 29 minutes and 44 seconds for the 37-mile run around Tortola.
International Yacht Club Challenge
The 5th annual International Yacht Club Challenge will again be looking for members from yacht clubs around the world to bring their best sailors to compete on Sunsail boats for a free week charter from Sunsail.
The Editor of Sail magazine, Peter Neilsen took home the trophy home to the Boston Yacht Club and will be back to defend their title in 2014.
“We found the racing tough and tactically interesting. Each course presented its own challenges and we are now very well acquainted with the fastest and slowest ways to get through Soper’s Hole! Having bigger, faster boats to compete against was interesting for me as I only race on a one-design. commented Peter Neilsen, racing the Jeanneau 41, Merlin. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy, which was why the overall win was so satisfying.” ” What I’ve taken away over the years is that ‘condo’ racing attracts some really good crews” he added.
Key Ingredients
Even as the regatta grows and changes, it will keep some of its signature ingredients. Home base at Nanny Cay Resort, Marina and Boatyard, with plenty of cold beer, hot music, great food and a place to hang out and share the days triumphs and defeats, under the stars on a Caribbean beach.
