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Caribbean News, May 14, 2012 - Several of the premiere Caribbean regattas have agreed to adjust their dates in 2013 to improve crowding the racing calendar. The race directors will meet again in October 2012 to discuss this new schedule and work on a permanent solution that will run from 2014 onward.
The big boat racing circuit in the region has grown over the years, with new regattas being added and smaller events developing to an international level. This resulted in a crowded race calendar with some conflicting dates.
Peter Holmberg of the Caribbean Sailing Association spearheaded this effort in an attempt to help both the visiting sailors and the events. “The regatta directors were asked to consider the overall benefits, and not just the success of their individual event. The spirit of cooperation from everyone was greatly appreciated. With these adjustments, the entire Caribbean gains- the individual regattas and sponsors gain, the island economies gain, and the sport of sailing gains.”
After 40 years the BVI Spring Regatta is looking at a new chapter for the regatta. “The Caribbean has been discovered for the best sailing and the best racing in the world” said Judy Petz, Director of the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival. “In order to help promote Caribbean racing, we will be changing our dates in 2013 to March 25-31 to allow campaign boats to enter more regattas and sailors who come for race season will have the opportunity to attend more events."
See Caribbean Schedule for all Caribbean Regatta Dates
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Sunday, April 01, 2012 A GRAND FINALE! Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI), April 1, 2012—
A southeasterly breeze of about 12-15 knots emanating from Dead Chest Island, provided shifty conditions for a tense last day of racing at the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival. Today all classes raced in the Sir Francis Drake Channel outside Nanny Cay and there was a lot of traffic to contend with. Probably the most important factor was staying in clear air and spotting the shifts as they whipped over and around the chain of islands on the south side of the Channel.
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 Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI), March. 31, 2012—
Day Two of the BVI Spring Regatta gave competitors the amazing opportunity of experiencing the western extent of the British Virgin Islands. Virtually all racing and cruising classes were sent through The Cut, a narrow gap between Tortola and St. John, whatsmore there were a multitude of downwind starts, resulting in some fantastic action from the get go. As the fleet came up on the wind at Soper's Hole, the scenery was nothing short of spectacular; Little Thatch and Great Thatch Islands offer some of the most outstanding vistas anywhere in the Caribbean. This amazing scenery was given an out-of-this world experience due to a very close encounter with Paradox, as the giant trimaran cut through the fleet.
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 Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI), March. 30, 2012—
Racing in the BVI Spring Regatta started on schedule, 15 knots of solid breeze intensified during the morning, peaking at 18 knots to provide some fantastic racing conditions for the opening day of the BVI Spring Regatta. Many classes enjoyed the fantastic vista of the southeasterly face of Salt Island today. With knarled rock formations and spectacular reefs, the windward side of Salt Island is one of the most hauntingly beautiful areas of the BVI.
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 Today marked the final day of racing in the Gill BVI Match Racing Championship and the overnight leader, local favourite Colin Rathbun, had a real fight on his hands, losing the first two races to set up a fascinating finale with Guy Mossman (South Carolina, USA). The breeze blowing down the channel was gusting up to 18knots producing foaming and at times confused seas. It was a day where boat handling was key and Rathbun held his nerve to take an unassailable two-race margin in the final to win the Gill BVI Match Racing Championship.
Denise Holmberg provided riveting commentary throughout the championship: “Today the wind was just as shifty as the first day, but with big breeze it was a lot more exciting for the spectators at Nanny Cay,” commented Denise. “It was a long day today and the racing was extremely close.
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