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It began as just an idea. An idea sparked by a love of the tranquil blue waters of the Virgin Islands, the warm steady trade winds, and the picturesque scenery of the islands.

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In 1972, local sailors felt it was the right time to organize a major regatta, inspired by the perfect conditions that prevail in the BVI, and events which were beginning to establish an ideal climate for larger scale sailboat racing. Bareboat charters had established themselves in the BVI offering larger yachts to race aboard, small Squib and Sunfish classes were racing among themselves, and privately-owned yachts added to the overall fleet.

Over 20 boats, including the first one-design fleet to race – the Squib class - competed in that first 1972 regatta. It was won by the yacht Nutmeg skippered by Alex Forbes of the UK who had brought his boat across from St Thomas to race. 

In 1973, with the formation of the BVI Yacht Club, the Spring Regatta became a joint effort between the BVI Yacht Club and the Hotel Association. Initially, sailors came from mainly around the Caribbean to enjoy friendly racing at the BVI Spring Regatta – from St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and Puerto Rico.

Early courses took the BVI Spring Regatta fleet back and forth across the Sir Francis Drake Channel and to the south of the barrier islands. One race a day was sailed, and the fleet often ended the race and began its party on a different island than the one from which it had started.

The sailors that raced and cruised the 19-foot Squibs in the early days are part of the BVI Spring Regatta and the British Virgin Islands heritage.

An early Squib owner, El Richardson, said: “We went every place in that boat and had a great time. It could sail in any weather and was so stable, you never needed to reef. The Squibs would get into the big waves on the other side of Peter or Salt Island, we’d set the chute and take off, lots of time, catching up to boats that were a lot bigger than us. We did really well!”

El competed in every BVI Spring Regatta from 1972 - 2002. 

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John Glynn

"My memories of BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival post focuses on the people I've sailed with over the years. And today one particular person springs to mind - Rob Moore. I did at least five Spring Regattas with him, and each more enjoyable than the last. Rob was the racing Editor for Latitude 38 Magazine at the time, so he was always "on assignment" when racing. But that never interfered with the task at hand, or the fun to be had. "In this photo, he's spinning the winch (at right) while I trim the kite (aboard the NYYC 42 Arethusa). Sadly Rob passed away in 2012. But whenever I sail/race on Sir Francis Drake Channel, I always think of Rob.
This particular year (2003) we raced a very nice Swan 48 named Windancer. Tall rig, deep keel. Plush boat, but surprisingly fast in the big breeze. Swans have always turned out in strong numbers at Spring Regatta! This photo was taken on approach to the windward mark during the race from Virgin Gorda to Nanny Cay.
A slightly late Monday Memory from John A. Glynn: "Here was yet another opportunity to help point the way at BVI Spring Regatta towards the coldest beverages and best food in the BVI. This time aboard a Tripp 75. She spent two years with us on the docks at Bitter End Yacht Club (as Bella Pita, and later as Blackbird). In this photo (I recall it well) I’m actually suggesting dinner reservations at Brandywine Bay Restaurant (I’m just aft of the helm in my wide brim hat). We often kept pace with the stripped out maxis, and the lifting keel allowed us to get into Nanny Cay with room to spare.
The Monday Memories of BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival continue! This particular year I had the rare chance to sail with an "all local team." (Usually I sailed with visiting racers needing some local knowledge, or a BEYC team.) In this case, everyone on board knew the local bartenders better than I did. Luxury Girl was a super fun program with Guy Eldridge (RIP--The Artful Boater) leading the way. Photos by Ingrid Abery Copyright - © Ingrid Abery/www.hotcapers.com 07768 698 316
The Monday Memories of BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival continue! This particular year I had the rare chance to sail with an "all local team." (Usually I sailed with visiting racers needing some local knowledge, or a BEYC team.) In this case, everyone on board knew the local bartenders better than I did. Luxury Girl was a super fun program with Guy Eldridge (RIP--The Artful Boater) leading the way. Photos by Ingrid Abery
I am a self proclaimed "regatta gear junkie." I always have to have some kind of gear, goodie, or swag from regattas I attend. And BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival always had/has something worth keeping. In fact, to this day I still use this briefcase from the 40th annual regatta. And I still wear this shirt from Gill. Can't wait to see what they will have for the 50th.
I am a self proclaimed "regatta gear junkie." I always have to have some kind of gear, goodie, or swag from regattas I attend. And BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival always had/has something worth keeping. In fact, to this day I still use this briefcase from the 40th annual regatta. And I still wear this shirt from Gill. Can't wait to see what they will have for the 50th.
I am a self proclaimed "regatta gear junkie." I always have to have some kind of gear, goodie, or swag from regattas I attend. And BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival always had/has something worth keeping. In fact, to this day I still use this briefcase from the 40th annual regatta. And I still wear this shirt from Gill. Can't wait to see what they will have for the 50th.
There are boats/crews you remember on the race course, and boats/crews you remember at the marina. Don Q falls solidly into the latter category for me. They may have done well on the race course over the years at BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival (I can't recall) but they always won the dock parties (that part I remember vividly). This photo was taken in either 1989 or 1990, and note the provisions being brought aboard, pre-race. They danced their way out to the race course, and danced their way back. Always fun to be docked near them at Nanny Cay but not too close!
"Not everyone knows that BVI Spring Regatta features far more than serious race boats. In the early 90s we often raced in the charterboat classes, entering 1-2 of Bitter End’s Freedom 30s. We were among the smallest boats in class, but often did well on corrected time, sometimes winning from behind."
"Not everyone knows that BVI Spring Regatta features far more than serious race boats. In the early 90s we often raced in the charterboat classes, entering 1-2 of Bitter End’s Freedom 30s. We were among the smallest boats in class, but often did well on corrected time, sometimes winning from behind."
"Not everyone knows that BVI Spring Regatta features far more than serious race boats. In the early 90s we often raced in the charterboat classes, entering 1-2 of Bitter End’s Freedom 30s. We were among the smallest boats in class, but often did well on corrected time, sometimes winning from behind."
One of my favorite t-shirts put out by BVI Spring Regatta, on their 35th anniversary. Can’t wait to add the 50th anniversary edition to my collection this coming Spring!
Shirtless in the BVI! This week’s Monday Memory Alert recalls racing aboard the Express 37 Cosmic Warlord at @bvisr in 1997, crewed that year entirely by staff from Bitter End YC. One of at least seven “Cosmic” Spring Regatta campaigns.
Monday Memory Alert! I have lots of hats from past BVI Spring Regattas @bvisr But most of them are of the Mount Gay red hat variety. This particular hat brings back many happy memories from 1997. Do you have a favorite Regatta hat?
This recalls the first of two adventures with Roy Disney (recent Sailing Hall of Fame “Lifetime Achievement” award winner) and crew aboard Pyewacket in 2002. What an honor and privilege to sail with this legendary team. That’s me, circled in red, pretending to be strong as “Tiny” on the winch-grinding pedestal. Mr Disney is just aft of me in both photos.
This recalls the first of two adventures with Roy Disney (recent Sailing Hall of Fame “Lifetime Achievement” award winner) and crew aboard Pyewacket in 2002. What an honor and privilege to sail with this legendary team. That’s me, circled in red, pretending to be strong as “Tiny” on the winch-grinding pedestal. Mr Disney is just aft of me in both photos.
This week’s #mondaymemories of BVI Spring Regatta recalls racing aboard the mighty FENIX a Swan 60. I’m pictured at far right, pointing the way towards the coldest beer on Tortola (in my role as “local knowledge expert”).
This week’s #mondaymemories of BVI Spring Regatta recalls racing aboard the mighty FENIX a Swan 60. I’m pictured at far right, pointing the way towards the coldest beer on Tortola (in my role as “local knowledge expert”).
John Glynn from Bitter End Yacht Club helming Cosmic Warlord at the 20th Annual in 1991. To leeward are Peter Haycraft and Sam Laing.

John Glynn, formerly marketing and event supremo at Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC), has committed to posting a weekly archive photo from the BVI Spring Regatta until our 50th kicks off on March 27 next year.

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Here’s John’s impressive entry list at the BVI Spring Regatta:

Paranda (BEYC’s Spronk 48)
Three times in the charter class on a Freedom 30*
Three or Four times on Cosmic Warlord (Express 37)*
Two times on an IC24
Two times on Arethusa (a ClubSwan 42)
Two times on Fenix (Swan 60)
Once each on:
Pyewacket 75
Pyewacket 86
Luxury Girl (Beneteau 10R)
Bella Pita (Tripp 75 mini maxi)
Wind Dancer (Swan 48)
J/80 (unnamed)

Tony & Ellen Sanpere

Tony and Ellen Sanpere were recently first to sign up for 2023 BVI Spring Regatta chartering a Sunsail 47 to be named Team Cayennita for the event. Tony and Ellen have been attending the BVI Spring Regatta since 1996 competing on their boats Cayenne, Cayennita, Cayennita Grande, and Pandemonium.

Tony has competed in over 20 BVI Spring Regattas. His history with the BVI Spring Regatta dates backs to the early 70s, competing in the first event and racing with Jean Brauer from St Thomas and Bob Moya from Puerto Rico. Over the years he crewed on Morningstar, MuMu, Twisted Lizard, Broken Drum, and Hotel California II.

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BVI Spring Regatta

Did you compete in the early years?  We'd love to share any photographs you have from the early years.  Please submit them if you can!

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I hereby irrevocably authorize the BVI Spring Regatta to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute these photos for any lawful purpose. In addition, I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of the photo. I hereby hold harmless, release, and forever discharge the BVI Spring Regatta from all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate have or may have by reason of this authorization. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE PHOTO RELEASE. I AFFIRM THAT I AM AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE, OR, IF I AM UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE, I HAVE OBTAINED THE REQUIRED CONSENT OF MY PARENTS/GUARDIANS.