Sponsors Fuel BVI Spring Regatta, part I

Sponsors are a huge part of BVI Spring Regatta’s success, and we’re proud that many of our sponsors truly get involved in the event; some even go racing with us, like Rob Windsor, Solutions/Special Projects Director with Portland Yacht Services and Miles Sutherland Pilch, general manager of Nanny Cay Resort and Marina, who likes to make time for the Round Tortola Race for the Nanny Cay Cup.

Nanny Cay has sponsored BVISR for some 20+ years and during this time it has developed into more than just the Regatta destination; for a few weeks every year it becomes home to the Regatta’s racing fleet of locals and visitors who enjoy the wonderful welcome from staff and old friends.

“I love the opportunity to join the fleet and go racing during Spring Regatta, it’s always fun to be part of the event on and off the water,” Sutherland Pilch commented. “Over the years, we have significantly enhanced our infrastructure and refined our preparations for the Regatta – from organising dockage, ensuring reliable electrical, plumbing and WiFi services, providing the manpower needed to set up the Regatta Village and more recently providing ample volunteers to keep the whole thing running.”

Portland Ship Yard is quickly becoming the premier destination on the East Coast for performance multihull refits, whether large or small, and is once again honored to sponsor the BVI Spring Regatta, home to some of the Caribbean’s most thrilling racing as Rob Windsor can attest.

“This year, our team is excited to return to the BVI Spring Regatta racing aboard the Gunboat 40, Timbalero,” Windsor said. “Previously, we’ve had the pleasure of competing on the Gunboat 60 Flow and the Gunboat 55 Thirst. While we’re eager to welcome more performance vessels to our shipyard, and I must admit our team has an undeniable passion for racing these incredible machines, we are more than capable of taking on any project on any boat. Be sure to find us both on the water and at the Regatta Village!”

Parties are always a memorable part of BVISR and the post-race festivities at Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina following the Scrub Island Invitational are no exception. This year the party will be hosted at Marina Cay, Scrub Island’s neighboring sister island.

“This is our seventh year as host of this highly anticipated sailing event,” Sandra Grisham-Clothier Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina General Manager, stated. “It’s always an honor and privilege to welcome back familiar faces and first-timers among the growing number of racing teams, fans, and families from around the world. This year, we’re excited to host the event at Marina Cay—a cherished gem of the British Virgin Islands, renowned for its laid-back bohemian vibe and warm hospitality.”

The Regatta Village at Nanny Cay is community-driven, from the many local volunteers who step up to help and support sponsors like Creative Waves, a creative arts fund which was launched to cultivate creativity across the BVI. This year Creative Waves has commissioned local artists to paint small sails which will be on display, and local artist Christine Nissen has been commissioned to design the Regatta awards. Walden Benjamin, another local artist will be creating live paintings so people can come and watch him as he works.

“He’s a beautiful detail artist so he will be fun to watch,” Sophie Stanton, Creative Waves director noted, adding that the main art event will be on Saturday afternoon of Spring Regatta -“Craft-A-Noon” – kids are invited to stop by and work on crafting projects throughout the afternoon at the Village.

“We’re working with a number of boat yards across the BVI who are giving us their old refuse – ropes, fenders, bits and bobs and we’re going to make something out of it all,” Stanton smiled. “I’m not sure what it’s going to look like but it’s going to be pretty amazing! I think the whole point of what Nanny Cay does so well as a host venue is to allow something for everybody so if you are racing or watching or just wanting to come along to be part of the whirlwind atmosphere, there is something for everybody and the Village reflects that.”

BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is proud to welcome all of its 2025 sponsors, check back for more sponsor stories coming soon!

Major Sponsors: Host-Nanny Cay Resort and Marina, Government of the Virgin Islands, BVI Tourist Board, The Moorings, Mount Gay, Heineken, SoL, Coca Cola, Portland Ship Yard, Silver Airways, 284 Media/CCT, Sea Hawk Nautical Coatings, RiteWay, Scrub Island, Department of Culture BVI, La Marca Prosecco.

Supporting Sponsors: Talking Points, Creative Waves, Golden Hinds, Cape Air, International Motors, Husky Towing.