The BVI Regatta & Sailing Festival is famed for gorgeous sailing conditions, hot racing and a friendly atmosphere which attracts a large number of competitors with impressive sailing backgrounds. Registration for the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival opened at noon today and a steady stream of noteworthy sailors were enjoying a cold drink at the Regatta Beach Bar at Nanny Cay.
Team Trolly Car, a MarineMax 413 racing in the Bareboat Class aptly captures the true spirit of the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival. The team is co-skippered by Peter Stazicker and Bill Petersen:
“We have come here all the way from California and our main goal is to have as much fun as possible, but I have to say we do have some excellent sailors on board,” admitted Peter Stazicker. “Bill Petersen is a past Commodore of California Yacht Club and was also the mainsheet trimmer for Stars & Stripes in the victorious 1987 America’s Cup. His son, Willy Petersen has graduated from the University of Hawaii, where he was a prominent member of the sailing team. Of course we want to do well but above all we want to have a good time, that is the reason for coming to the British Virgin Islands.”
Skipper of First 47.7, Global Yacht Racing Marcus Chollerton-Brown will be racing with a team from the Manhattan Yacht Club. “The crew all work in New York but we are a variety of nationalities: British, American, Dutch, Swedish and French. This will be the first time that we have raced together as a team and we hope to be competitive especially in the Spring Regatta, once we have got to know the boat a little better.”
Back in Manhattan, Marcus skipper’s the magnificent 12 Metre, America II and skippered Clipper Qingdao in the 2007-08 Round the World Race.
Mike Caldwell, boat captain of El Ocaso was enjoying a cold beer waiting to check through Customs and Immigration: “We had a great sail here from St.Martin although the team actually come from Florida. I’m waiting for the rest of the guys to arrive to unload the boat, so it’s a great opportunity to catch up with some of the other teams. There are so many good friends here and it’s one of the reasons we enjoy this regatta so much. Besides the sailing, it’s a really friendly regatta.”
Tonight’s opening party hosted by Peg Legs Restaurant should be a lively affair especially with the assistance of regatta sponsor, Mount Gay Rum. The party kicks off at 5:30 pm just as the sun will be dipping down into the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
The first warning signal for the Bitter End Cup Race to Virgin Gorda will sound at 1000am tomorrow marking the start of racing for the 2012 BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival.
