Holmbergs Return To Defend Nanny Cay Nations Cup – The fourth annual Nanny Cay Nations Cup will take place the weekend of November 15/16 off Nanny Cay Marina in the British Virgin Islands.  The US Virgin Islands team of Peter and John Holmberg, winners of last year's event, will be returning to defend their title.

 In a hard-fought last race, the Holmbergs snatched the crown from the British Virgin Islands' Hirst brothers who had held the title since the event's inception in 2005.  The Hirst brothers needed to finish with three boats between themselves and the Holmbergs to earn their third title.  But after the 20th — and last — race of the event, there was only a two-boat gap; the Hirsts and Holmbergs finished tied on 18 points each.  The tie was broken with race wins and the Holmbergs bested the Hirsts with six wins to their five.   

"We're expecting another cracking regatta this year," said Richard Wooldridge of Racing In Paradise, organisers of the regatta.  "We couldn't have asked for a more exciting finish last year and are expecting a real battle for the title year.  With short courses close to the shore, it's going to be a real humdinger to watch and take part in!"   

The event uses the Tortola-based fleet of IC24s in a round-robin format.  Teams representing any country, gathered from anywhere in the world, are welcome to compete as long as each team member satisfies ISAF nationality guidelines.  Ideally, the all-up crew weight should total around 800 lbs with 850 lbs being the upper limit. The entry fee of only $500 includes the charter of the IC24s equipped with evenly-matched custom event sails. The event will be capped at 20 teams. 

During the weekend, teams will compete in a total of 10 races but their time afloat will be matched with time ashore in what is arguably one of the best shoreside locations in the Caribbean.  With a perfect view of the race course just offshore, Racing in Paradise sets up tents with ample shade on Nanny Cay Beach while the Royal BVI Yacht Club provides a mobile bar with food. Competitors and spectators alike can choose between the sea and the pool to cool off.

Nanny Cay, event sponsor and official home of the BVI IC24 fleet, is Tortola's flagship marina with a 40-room hotel, new waterfront homes for purchase and rental, and a full-service marina located within a natural basin on the south side of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.  For more information on Nanny Cay Marina and its services visit: www.nannycay.com.  

For more information on Racing In Paradise and the charter fleet of IC24s visit: www.racinginparadise.com.