2020 BVI Spring Regatta already sparking global interest

The 49th edition of the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival scheduled for March 30 to April 5 has already attracted a number of contestants not only locally but also regionally and internationally.

Regatta Director Judy Petz said her committee crew and host Nanny Cay Resort & Marina are now set to provide a stellar event for participants.

“We are thrilled that so many sailors from around the world continue to put the BVI Spring Regatta on their annual calendar and we hope those who have yet to experience this special sailing event make it to our beautiful islands in 2020,” Director Petz stated in a media release.

Among those returning is American Andy Friedman, who will be competing in his third BVI Spring Regatta on sailboat SV Papillion.

“To meet and sail against crews from around the Caribbean, US and Europe is really fun and something I don’t get to experience sailing in local club races at home. Beautiful scenery and great sailing in relatively protected waters; it’s a sailors paradise and very special having islands as marks,” Friedman stated.

Also making a return to the event is the Hanse Class race, following its successful debut in 2019. The newly created race saw a fleet of eight chartered Hanse yachts competing last year. Organisers said they are expecting a bigger turn out of Hanse owners in the 49th edition, including reigning class winner Juan Teixidor from Puerto Rico.

Charter options

Meanwhile, persons who intend to charter vessels to compete in the festival will have a number of options. For bareboat charters, persons can do so through long-time event partners Sunsail and the Moorings, and for charter race-ready boats, persons will have the options of companies such as Global Yacht Racing, LV Yachting Limited, and Caribbean Races.

“Sunsail has added new boats to their fleet which is a bonus for sailors looking to charter bareboats. In 2019, five Sunsail 41s made up the Bareboat 3 Division, so expect to see that class grow,” stated Sunsail’s Marketing Manager Ian Pedersen.