Published 29 January, 2021
Basseterre
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Source: BVI NEWS
Organisers of the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival (BVISR) have announced that the 49th staging of the world-renowned event is scheduled to return this year.
It is scheduled to run from March 29 to April 4, 2021.
The event is attended yearly by hundreds of sailors from around the world, and is one of the largest of its kind in the Caribbean. It is also a vital tourism staple of the BVI which is dubbed “The Sailing Capital”.
Entry details are listed on the BVI Gateway site as visitors will be subjected to the territory’s COVID-19 protocols.
This year, the regatta will kick off with a Sailing Festival, giving visitors arriving by flight time to quarantine, followed by the traditional spring regatta three-day racing series.
Under current protocols, visitors arriving by flight to the British Virgin Islands will be tested upon arrival and must quarantine for four days prior to being re-tested.
Proposed movement for those in quarantine
According to the event’s official website, race organisers are proposing an alternate racing schedule for the Sailing Festival to allow those in quarantine on their boats to enjoy day racing to various islands.
Organisers are also hopeful that with careful planning, they may also be able to include the traditional Round Tortola Race for the Nanny Cay Cup, or a full race around the islands, if the weather allows.
“The Sailing Festival, a warmup to the BVI Spring Regatta, gives crews an opportunity to learn their boat, the BVI waters, and their crew,” Bob Phillips, Race Chairman, commented.
“Making the best of unusual circumstances, we are reviewing different possibilities and it may be that sailors will see more of the islands, safely complete their quarantine, and be ready for the three-days of Spring Regatta racing,” Phillips added.
“As with all the events being held in the Caribbean, online registration, electronic Official Notice Board, online International Jury and social-distanced shoreside activities will be a primary focus,” Judy Petz, Regatta Director, stated.
“We will ensure safe ways to make sure the spirit of camaraderie, cold beers and rum will be available,” Petz finished.
The Regatta is expected to hike the tourist arrival numbers of the territory, which have plummeted due to the onset of COVID-19.
