Races To Be Held Ahead of Traditional Easter Weekend

The St. Thomas Yacht Club will celebrate 30 years of sailing tradition during this year´s annual International Rolex Regatta. The three-day racing event is scheduled for March 28-30, ahead of the traditional Easter weekend that occurs in late April this year. To celebrate this landmark year, this year´s races will include an exciting mZˇlange of the old and new to attract competitive sailors from around the world.

"The United States Virgin Islands is a perfect venue for sailing, and the International Rolex Regatta is recognized by international sailors as among the best in sailing competitions," Commissioner of Tourism Pamela C. Richards said.

The International Rolex Regatta will bring back Peter Reggio to run the races as the principal race officer. Reggio of Essex, Conn., served in the same capacity in the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Series for America´s Cup in New Zealand. Arthur "Tuna" Wullschleger of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., will also return as chief judge of the regatta. Recognized as one of the top international judges in the sailing circuit, he has presided over the regatta for 21 years.

Among the new features of the regatta are a variety of incentives to encourage more yacht owners to register. Discounted hotel, dockage and shipping rates will be offered to participants. The following hotels are offering special packages and should be contacted directly to secure reservations: The Anchorage, Bellavista Bed & Breakfast, Blazing Villas, Bolongo Bay Beach Club & Villas, Elysian Beach Resort, Flamboyant Manor, Marriott Frenchman´s Reef, Point Pleasant Resort, Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina and Secret Harbour Beach Resort.

New regatta director Ruth Miller is planning a memorable racing event, including many social activities to fill the entire weekend. The St. Thomas Yacht Club will become the site of the Rolex Village, where live bands will perform for dancing and nightly awards. Cruzan Rum will host social activities including a "Voodoo Juice" welcome party on Thursday, March 27, and the awards ceremony on Saturday, March 29.

The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas will host an owner´s cocktail party on Friday, March 28. In keeping with tradition, a Rolex watch will be awarded to the winner in every racing class during the "Taste of St. Thomas" farewell party on Sunday, March 30, at the Rolex Village.

For more information, contact the St. Thomas Yacht Club at (340) 775-6320, or call the regatta director Ruth Miller at (340) 774-3883, or email her at Rolexregattadir@styc.net