International Rolex Regatta 2002 to get underway March 28th

St. Croix._ Hundreds of boats of all shapes and sizes are being readied for competition in what will be the largest ever International Rolex Regatta in the U.S. Virgin Islands March 28 through 31.

The 29th annual yacht race is a Caribbean Easter tradition held in the waters surrounding the United States Virgin Islands. It will mark the first time this event has been extended from three to four days of competition.

The competition features races for 11 boat classes. To encourage races featuring only one design of boat, they will also offer a start to any class that brings a minimum of ten boats to the starting line. The race is the largest yearly boating event in the USVI and one of the largest in the Caribbean.

The entry fee for the regatta is US$250 for Beach Cat hulls and US$325 for all other boat. Awards include: a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Chronometer for the winner of each class; the Governor´s Trophy for the best performance by a visiting boat; the Commodore´s Trophy for the best display of dignity and style in the face of impending doom and disaster; and the Johnson Reef Trophy for the competitor suffering the most ignominious calamity. For more information on the International Rolex Regatta 2002, go to www.rolexcupregatta.com.