Spring Regatta – One of the BVI’s Top Events
Photography by Todd VanSickle
This is arguably one of the most important months in the BVI calendar. It marks an individual, exclusive event – the momentous occasion known as BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival; seeing 44 years, this race and immense social gathering is internationally renowned and stapled in any true sailor’s annual itinerary.
Talking to Spring Regatta Director Judy Petz, the 2014 entry list saw over 100 boats, testifying to the event’s continued success. “We brought back our One Design course and increased our International marketing for the past few years, which is paying off,” said the director with regard to last year’s achievements.
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The festival’s evolution reveals new activity for 2015 with the intention of maintaining a fresh delivery for repeat visitors. “The Wednesday race of the festival will be to the world famous Foxy’s,” said Judy in reference to the well-known beachfront bar/restaurant. “We’ll be sending the fleet on a fun race in the morning heading to Jost Van Dyke. Then all the participants can enjoy a beach BBQ, music, and the opportunity to check out Jost and Foxy’s. That’s a new island in the BVI that we haven’t gone to before.”
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In review of the yacht entries, Judy relayed her pleasure at the new line-up and optimism for further diversity: “Our early entries are on par to last year, but we are awaiting the multi-nationals to come on board. We are really pleased to see our fellow islands Puerto Rico and St. Thomas coming together with a class of Melges 32’s,” she said. There is a good fleet of Swan boats, which will also race to win the Best Overall Swan award,” continued the director.
Focusing attention toward other activity that occurs during the festival, Judy highlighted the promotion of British Virgin Islands culture that is exhibited every year. “Maritime Heritage Day, with the Tortola Sloop Spring Challenge will be celebrated on Thursday our traditional lay day,” she said. “Over the past few years, the Sloop fleet has grown in number and they will be lovely to watch sailing just off the shore of Nanny Cay.”
With sponsorship from brands that fit in with the BVI Spring Regatta theme of sailing and socialising, Mount Gay, Heineken, SOL, Seahawk Paints, The BVI Tourist Board, The Moorings, LIME, and their host sponsor Nanny Cay are all contributors, serving to bring this event to the fantastic delivery witnessed every year.
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The Anticipated Closing Sunday Night Music Line Up
(FYI – Easter Monday follows so it’s a holiday for all the party people)
- Final Faze
- Hudson and Hoo Doo Cats
- Quito and the Edge
- Chef Al “Hot Sauce with Chef Al”
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