Nanny Cay takes ARC and Sailing Events to a New Level – Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) is one of many international sailing events now coming into Nanny Cay and the British Virgin Islands.
Traditionally, the ARC European leg arrived in Antigua for repairs and a well-deserved break before sailing on its return leg towards Europe, the next stop being Bermuda. The contingent of racers varies from 36- to 72-foot boats with teams from Germany, Portugal, Norway, Britain and the United States, to name a few.
Now securing the British Virgin Islands as the rest stop, Nanny Cay’s General Manager Miles Sutherland Pilch beams. “We have never been happier; this is great for Nanny Cay and the BVI. We have the facilities to work on the boats, and the island offers a great venue for the sailors to relax and get a feel for the Caribbean.”
It isn’t the first of big name events for Nanny Cay. The Caribbean 1500, Oyster Regatta and Sailing Festival are now part of Nanny Cay’s arsenal of international sailing events. Going from strength to strength, event management is becoming a major part of Nanny Cay’s operations. Miles cites BVI Customs and Immigration as being one of the best assets in the transition. “Customs and Immigration were extremely accommodating—they came down and cleared boats here at Nanny Cay, but this is a territory renowned for welcoming everyone and it seems we are constantly true to form.”
YG spoke with Andrew Bishop, managing director of the World Cruising Club, at Nanny Cay Marina the day before the start of the BVI-Bermuda leg of ARC Europe who confirmed the decision to move the stopover from Antigua to Tortola. “We decided the Virgin Islands were too good to be missed, and we wanted the participants to have the opportunity to cruise through the BVI before Europe.” With Nanny Cay set for haul-outs and a compact service industry, Andrew commented that “the facilities at Nanny Cay are particularly suited to yachtsmen preparing for a long-distance sail. We have 27 boats with one more due to arrive tomorrow. Four more boats are joining us in Bermuda for the Atlantic crossing. We’re delighted with the reception the participants have been given here at Nanny Cay. I hope that it’s the beginning of a long association between the World Cruising Club and the BVI.”
Stefan Schollmayer, German skipper and owner of Carpe Diem, a Dufour 44, expressed his delight to be in the BVI. He noted, “There is good service here at Nanny Cay, good preparations. I needed to have some work done on the boat, a mechanic, and they took care of everything. We have a five-person crew. Two will leave us in Bermuda and be replaced by two more. It’s not easy to get the time,” he added. “I had to take two months from my job, but I think it’s worth it. “
Standing on the dock admiring the boats, I was then approached by Petra Lehmköster, the skipper of Viva, a Hallberg Rassy 42F. “Hey! You look like a sailor. Come to sea for two months; we are having the adventure of a lifetime!” Aaaah! So are we Madam, I smirked. Except our adventure never stops.
To track the boats/racers/countries:
