Entries for 2012

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Big breeze and ocean swell set hearts racing for the competitors in the Nanny Cay Cup. The 22-mile race from Virgin Gorda to Nanny Cay Marina in Tortola was an absolute stunner. The 34-boat fleet enjoyed a blasting reach through the foaming waters of The Sir Francis Drake Channel in gorgeous Caribbean sunshine.

However, Peter Aschenbrenner's 63ft Trimaran, Paradox was given a separate course outside the channel. The giant multihull was searing through the ocean swell, often close to airborne and consistently hitting speeds in excess of 20 knots. Paradox completed their 25-mile course in just one hour and 40 minutes.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI), March. 28, 2012—
Crews from seven teams raced in tricky conditions on day one of the Gill BVI Match Racing Championship, an ISAF Grade 3 listed event taking place during the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival. Thanks to the support of title sponsor, Gill North America and supporting sponsor, New England Ropes, top teams have been attracted to race the fleet of identical IC-24's based at Nanny Cay.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI), March. 28, 2012—
Racing finally got underway for the BVI Sailing Festival with a 30 mile race around the beautiful island of Virgin Gorda. A 15-knot easterly breeze with flat water provided awesome sailing conditions for the fleet.
First away was Peter Aschenbrenner's 63ft Trimaran, Paradox with round the world legend Cam Lewis on board calling tactics. The ballistic multihull was first to finish by some distance, completing the course in an elapsed time of three hours, nine minutes and six seconds, just 13 minutes shy of the course record set by Swan 82, Virago.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI), March. 27, 2012—
There was no racing today, the first day of the BVI Sailing Festival. Principal Race Officer, Dave Brennan postponed the start of the race to Bitter End and indicated to the 48 competing yachts in the starting area to motor up towards Virgin Gorda, to see if the situation would improve. In the vicinity of Ginger Island, there were some signs of a stable wind developing, but it was short lived and racing for the day was called off shortly after 1100.