The British Virgin Islands prepares to host BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival

By Katia Damborsky 18 March 2019

Upgraded marina facilities at Tortola’s Nanny Cay will be put to good use as sailing yachts flock to the British Virgin Islands for the 2019 edition of the BVI Spring Regatta.

Since 1972, the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival has attracted a fleet of sailing yachts to the clear waters of the British Virgin Islands.

This year will be no different, with 100 boats set to attend the event for a week-long celebration of sailing culminating in the Spring regatta; one of the Caribbean’s most popular offshore racing events.

Running between March 25 - 31, regatta participants will be able to enjoy brand new facilities at Nanny Cay marina, with four new docks complete in the Inner Marina and a further 100 slips up and running in the Outer Marina.

boats on the water in the bvi competing in regatta

sailors racing on boat in the bvi spring regatta

Sailors in pink on the water in the British Virgin Islands

Between Monday and Thursday, there will be plenty of racing action to get participants warmed up in and around Sir Francis Drake Channel. The traditional Round Tortola Race will get underway on Tuesday 26, with the winner being crowned with the Nanny Cay Cup. Meanwhile, Wednesday 27 will see the Scrub Island Invitational taking place, followed by an awards ceremony.

The 2019 Spring Regatta will then kick off on Saturday, with various courses around Virgin Gorda, Peter Island and Jost Van Dyke. This year’s line-up currently features 80 boats, ranging between 24ft and 70ft, and there will be racing divisions for a number of different sailing boats, including spinnakers, one-design, bareboat and performance cruising yachts.

“We are very open, very ready, and very excited to welcome sailors from around the world who are returning or making this their first BVI racing experience.” Said Judy Petz, Regatta Director, adding that the energy and spirit of the BVI’s has kept people coming back the region to sail time and time again.

We very excited to welcome sailors from around the world who are returning or making this their first BVI racing experience
Judy Petz, Regatta Director

In the evenings, there will be a number of shoreside soirees on the agenda, and the Regatta Village and Nanny Cay Resort will make the perfect venue for entertaining regatta participants and sailing enthusiasts

“We’re excited with the renovated facilities at Nanny Cay – they will only add to the ambience as well as be a great support for our guests.” Petz continued. “It’s going to be a great time, we’re excited to see old friends back and bring newcomers into the mix.”

Boats on the water in the virgin island sailing in regatta

The BVI Spring Regatta marks the perfect opportunity for undertaking a yacht charter - either as part of a luxury vacation to soak up these beautiful surrounds and world-class atmosphere, or in the form of a regatta charter.

If you would like to discover more, please get in touch with your preferred charter broker.

Alternatively, view all luxury yachts for charter in the Virgin Islands.