For the first time in the history of the BVI Spring Regatta, long-time supporter Road Town Wholesale and RiteWay (RTW), is going to enter a team to race in the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival onboard a Moorings 46.
The history of the BVI Spring Regatta and RTW is inextricably linked. Peter Haycraft OBE, founder and chairman of RTW, together with Albie Stewart, put on the first BVI Spring Regatta in 1972. Twenty-five boats entered the regatta with Squibs forming the regatta’s first one-design class. Mount Gay Rum, distributed by RTW, was the event’s first sponsor and has sponsored the event ever since.
Peter served as regatta chairman for 25 years and raced in 46 of the events. While he took many friends and staff over the years, 2024 will be the the first time there is a dedicated Team RiteWay entry.
Colm Crilly, director of central services, has been given the task of pulling together the effort. A keen sailor, and recent BVI arrival, Colm is keen to take his cruising experience in Irish and UK waters on a Moody 40 to the waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
“With our deep history with the Regatta we thought it would be nice for us as a company to be part of the sponsorship and participate too,” said Colm. “Sailing is about participation, fun, and sharing the experience of these beautiful British Virgin islands. What better way to do this than partaking in the BVI Spring Regatta?”
According to Colm there is genuine excitement throughout the organisation, and they hope to share that experience with as many staff as possible.
“We want to recreate that team spirit throughout the organisation and incorporate team spirit into a different environment. Some excitement, plenty of wind and sun. I look forward to seeing smiling faces and post-sailing stories with colleagues over a well-earned and relaxed drink – Heineken if anyone asks!” he added.
With four key crew made up of the RTW management team with sailing experience, remaining crew each day will be made up of a mix of other local staff members, visiting staff from head office, and suppliers including representatives from Regatta sponsors Mount Gay Rum, Heineken, and Coca-Cola.
Colm continued: “We have different experience levels, but most have not sailed; we will participate in the white sails events. We will use the opportunity to teach, train, and have fun. The event is about sharing and creating teamwork in a different setting.”
He’d also like to encourage other BVI-based companies to take part: “Jump in, get involved! The regatta schedule is perfect for businesses like ours with limited sailing experience. The first event is a leisurely sail around Tortola, the ideal way for a new sailing team to understand the boat and learn the different roles. It’s followed by a sail up to Scrub Island the next day. Thursday is a day off or a simple practice day – who knows? Then, the regatta starts on Friday and goes through to Sunday. At this stage, crews will be ready for a little more excitement in the form of some gentle racing!”
Look out for Mount Gay and Coke promotions in the regatta village at Nanny Cay
