By Jane Bakewell

Held annually the last week of March and first weekend of April, the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is one of the biggest events celebrated in the BVI. The 2007 Regatta marked the 36th anniversary, with Nanny Cay Marina and the Bitter End Yacht Club jointly hosting more than 140 lean, mean racing machines (wind-powered, that is). Avid yachtsmen descend en masse for this weeklong event, which promoters say has grown exponentially each year.

Considered one of the Caribbean's premier sailing events, the Regatta is truly an international affair. It draws an estimated 80 percent of its competitors from overseas. Each year, sailors are at the mercy of the prevailing weather conditions and unpredictable winds as they hoist their mainsails and colourful spinnakers in an attempt to work with what Mother Nature and competing boats throw against them.

The 2007 BVI Spring Regatta did not disappoint. Wind gusts averaged 20 to 25 knots, along with a few days of rain and rough seas, challenging even the most seasoned crew and sea-savvy captains. Of course, all of this made for great storytelling as the day's races transitioned into the evening's hard-core partying. The Regatta Village was literally "awash" with sailors vying for bragging rights for their boat and crew in this highly competitive yet camaraderie-filled event.

Organizers have worked hard over the last several years to reschedule the timing of races so that more boats in different classes are competing simultaneously, thereby increasing the races per class. This year, in another unique Regatta upgrade, the event planners provided on-water umpiring for the IC24 class. Using ISAI's umpired fleet racing rules, they saved time and frustration in post-event challenges to race calls. The on-water umpires were able to more closely demarcate starting lines, assigning a penalty turn for violations on the spot. Instead of back-room arbitration, this allowed boats to keep racing or become disqualified if there was evidence of a serious breach of rules.

Five years ago, an additional three days were tacked on before the serious weekend races. Dubbed "The Sailing Festival," this period serves as a fun and friendly warm-up and extends the stay of visiting yachtsmen. Boats race up to the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda, testing the wind conditions and their nautical skills. Afterwards, their imbibing skills are put to the test as the evening parties and prize-awarding commence. The next day there are dinghy races and a Nations Cup challenge that has seen Italian, French, German, U.S. and BVI crews racing in patriotic pride. Those not suffering too much over the previous night's partying race back down the Sir Francis Drake Channel and gear up for the start of the official Regatta races.

One can be a landlubber and still enjoy the day or evening events solidly on terra firma. The Regatta Village really rocks, drawing huge crowds for the nightly musical entertainment. The Village has been recently expanded and now overflows into the reclaimed beachfront at Nanny Cay, which boasts a central stage under the stars and close to the sea. T-shirt vendors and gift boutiques dot the area, while the air is permeated with the aromatic and succulent smells wafting from diverse food booths encircling the village grounds. In 2007, the evening's entertainment varied from local reggae favourite Quito Rhymer's soulful sounds to the amazing rock 'n' roll rifts of California-based guitarist Max Cabella.

Although all the action for the BVI Spring Regatta comes and goes in a flurry of weeklong races and related activities, planners spend a good portion of the year promoting the BVI through this annual event. As it grows, so does the recognition of the BVI as a top-notch sailing destination with a host of alternate "Nature's Little Secrets" to share.

For more information, visit www.bvispringregatta.org, contact the event headquarters at 494-3286 or e-mail info@bvispringregatta.org.

The Moorings
Toll Free: 800-521-1198
Tel: 248-494-2332
Website: www.moorings.com
The Moorings is the world's premier yacht charter company, offering unmatched quality, service and attention to detail, for over 37 years. We have the most desirable locations around the world. You'll appreciate the comfort and easy handling of our custom-designed yachts, mostly less than 3 years old. Contact us to experience The Best Sailing Vacations in the World!

What would make your BVI vacation complete? Whether its boating, biking, hiking, team sports, horseback, surfing, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kayaking, kite boarding, sailing, fishing — get the 411 on who to contact right here.

Learn more about each island of the BVI and its beautiful pristine beaches, here.

Bottom images supplied by BVI Spring Regatta.