Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com
ST. THOMAS, USVI: According to the US Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism, Pamela C. Richards, nearly 100 top-ranked boat racers and sailors from the Caribbean, US mainland, Canada and Europe will converge on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands from March 24-27, for the 32nd annual International Rolex Regatta.
One of the Caribbean’s oldest sailing events, the Rolex Regatta is hosted by the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC), and sponsored and supported by Rolex, A.H. Riise Stores (St. Thomas) and the United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
The Rolex Regatta is held over Easter Weekend, beginning on Thursday, March 24 with a “Skippers Meeting” and “Welcome Party” at the Yacht Club, and followed by three days of racing, festive beachside events and evening Regatta receptions.
The many festivities lead up to the prestigious “Rolex Prize Giving” and the “Taste of St. Thomas” farewell party held at the Yacht Club on Sunday, March 27. Winning sailors in each class, including spinnaker and non-spinnaker divisions will receive a Rolex timepiece, along with winners’ “bragging rights” in keeping with more than three decades of tradition.
For registrations received before March 15, the cost of Regatta registration ranges from $175 to $300 depending on class, and from $200 to $350 for registrations received between March 16 and March 21. The registration fee includes three days of racing and daily continental breakfast, exclusive of accommodations or other meals.
“The International Rolex Regatta has earned a special reputation as one of the most competitive regattas within the Caribbean,” stated Commissioner Richards. “The event is a perfect venue for many yachtsmen from around the globe to enjoy sailing and racing while enjoying one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful destinations.”
Spectators will have more opportunities to watch the Regatta this year than ever before, thanks to the new race course running down the south side of St. Thomas towards the Charlotte Amalie Harbor. A number of hotels on the island’s East End will also be in the catbird seat to share views of the races sailing through Pillsbury Sound between St. Thomas and St. John.
Also new to the Regatta this year are “fixed mark” and “around the buoy” courses that have been established to maximize the island’s racing experience. Race Director Tracy Roberts and America’s Cup veteran and Olympic medalist Peter Holmberg, STYC’s Commodore for the past year, will be on hand to oversee the races.
The St. Thomas Yacht Club was organized in 1964 by racing sailors, and has a rich history of promoting world-class racing for both big- and small-boat sailors.
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