The Top Cruising Rallies and Events in the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a sailor’s paradise, offering a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, warm turquoise waters, and a vibrant sailing community. With a plethora of cruising rallies and events throughout the year, there’s always something happening in the BVI to keep sailors entertained and engaged. In this article, we’ll explore the top cruising rallies and events in the British Virgin Islands, providing you with all the information you need to plan your next sailing adventure.

BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival

Held annually in late March or early April, the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is one of the most popular sailing events in the Caribbean. This week-long event combines competitive racing with a fun-filled social calendar, making it the perfect event for both experienced racers and casual sailors alike.

Racing Classes and Courses

The BVI Spring Regatta features a variety of racing classes, including CSA (Caribbean Sailing Association) Monohull, Multihull, Bareboat, and Jib & Main. This ensures that sailors of all skill levels and boat types can participate in the event. The regatta offers a mix of windward-leeward and island courses, providing a challenging and exciting racing experience.

Sailing Festival

In addition to the competitive racing, the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival also features a three-day Sailing Festival. This more relaxed event includes a variety of fun races, such as the Round Tortola Race and the Scrub Island Invitational. The Sailing Festival is the perfect opportunity for sailors to enjoy the beautiful BVI waters and scenery while participating in friendly competition.

Social Events

The BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is known for its lively social calendar, with nightly parties and entertainment at the Regatta Village in Nanny Cay. Sailors can enjoy live music, delicious food, and a variety of local vendors, making this event a true celebration of BVI culture and sailing.

BVI Dinghy Championships

The BVI Dinghy Championships is an annual event that takes place in May, attracting sailors from across the Caribbean to compete in a variety of dinghy classes. This event is hosted by the Royal BVI Yacht Club and is open to sailors of all ages and skill levels.

Racing Classes

The BVI Dinghy Championships features several racing classes, including Optimist, Laser, and 420. This ensures that sailors of all ages and skill levels can participate in the event, from young beginners to experienced racers.

Racing Format

The BVI Dinghy Championships consists of a series of short-course races held over two days. This format provides an exciting and fast-paced racing experience, with sailors competing in multiple races each day.

Social Events

In addition to the competitive racing, the BVI Dinghy Championships also features a variety of social events, including an opening ceremony, daily prize-giving, and a closing party. This provides sailors with the opportunity to socialize and celebrate their achievements with fellow competitors and the local sailing community.

Leverick Bay Poker Run

The Leverick Bay Poker Run is a unique and exciting event that takes place annually in May. This powerboat event combines the thrill of high-speed boating with the fun of a poker game, as participants race around the BVI collecting playing cards at various checkpoints.

Event Format

The Leverick Bay Poker Run is a full-day event, with participants racing between five checkpoints throughout the BVI. At each checkpoint, participants collect a sealed envelope containing a playing card. At the end of the day, participants gather at Leverick Bay Resort to open their envelopes and reveal their poker hand. The participant with the best poker hand wins the event, with a variety of prizes awarded to the top finishers.

Social Events

The Leverick Bay Poker Run is known for its lively social scene, with participants and spectators gathering at Leverick Bay Resort for a day of fun and entertainment. The event features live music, a beach BBQ, and a variety of games and activities, making it a popular event for both boaters and non-boaters alike.

BVI Charter Yacht Society Boat Show

The BVI Charter Yacht Society Boat Show is an annual event that takes place in November, showcasing the best of the BVI charter yacht industry. This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in chartering a yacht in the BVI, as it provides the opportunity to tour a variety of yachts and meet with their crews.

Yacht Viewing

The BVI Charter Yacht Society Boat Show features a wide range of yachts available for charter, including monohulls, catamarans, and luxury motor yachts. Attendees can tour the yachts, meet with the crews, and learn about the unique features and amenities of each vessel.

Seminars and Workshops

In addition to the yacht viewing, the BVI Charter Yacht Society Boat Show also offers a variety of seminars and workshops for attendees. These informative sessions cover a range of topics related to chartering a yacht in the BVI, such as itinerary planning, provisioning, and water sports.

Social Events

The BVI Charter Yacht Society Boat Show features a variety of social events, including an opening cocktail party, a culinary competition, and a closing awards ceremony. These events provide attendees with the opportunity to network with industry professionals and enjoy the vibrant BVI sailing community.

Conclusion

The British Virgin Islands is a sailing destination like no other, offering a variety of exciting cruising rallies and events throughout the year. Whether you’re a competitive racer, a casual sailor, or simply a lover of the sea, there’s something for everyone in the BVI. So hoist your sails, set your course, and join us in the beautiful waters of the British Virgin Islands for an unforgettable sailing adventure.