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Get ready for the golden jubilee of the BVI Spring Regatta Festival! The sailing event will celebrate 50 years of sailing around the British Virgin Islands (BVI) this year with races scheduled from March 27 – April 02, 2023.

About BVI Spring Regatta Festival

With 64 teams from across the globe already registered  to date, this regatta is shaping up to be a spectacular event.

In a press release dated February 22, 2023, the BVI Spring Regatta Festival Committee stated “the team behind this beloved Regatta are making sure that this will be the “Be All and Best” celebration”.

The Nanny Cay Resort and Marina, which has successfully been the Host Sponsor of the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival for over 15 years, will once again host and organize the regatta.

The festival will commence at the Nanny Cay Marina, Road Town, Tortola, BVI.

The races are open to boats of the following classes:

  • CSA Spinnaker including Racer/Cruiser
  • Offshore Multihull and Sport Multihull
  • CSA Performance Cruiser, Jib and Main, Bareboat, Multihull, Cruising Multihull
  • One Design Classes

Boats having a valid rating certificate may enter by completing an official entry form and submitting the applicable entry fee. An official entry form may be obtained from the BVI Spring Regatta Festival Committee.

Schedule of Events

The week long events for the BVI Spring Regatta Festival kick off on March 27, 2023 as follows:

March 27, 2023 

Sailing Festival opening day festivities and skipper pack collection.

March 28 – 29, 2023

Sailing Festival

  • Tuesday 28th March, 2023

Round Tortola Race for the Nanny Cay Cup. All parties will start and finish every evening in the Regatta Village, hosted by Nanny Cay.

  • Wednesday 29th March, 2023

The Scrub Island Invitational. This event, sponsored by Scrub Island Resort, Marina and Spa is a western island morning race of approximately 15 NM to the beautiful Scrub Island Resort where race participants will be able to wind down as they will be treated to a beach party and Barbeque for the afternoon.

March 30, 2023

Lay Day – No races. Perfect time for some sightseeing.

March 31 – April 02, 2023

BVI Spring Regatta – Main Event – Competitive Races

April 01, 2023 (night)

70s themed party (regatta first began back in 1972) hosted by SHRM Group

April 02, 2023 (night)

Awards Ceremony followed by live entertainment and final party

Traveling to BVI

By Sea

As the BVI Spring Regatta Festival is a sailing event, you can of course arrive by sea. Arriving via the sea allows you access to the following ports of entry:

  • Road Town, Tortola | Hours; 8:30am to 8:00pm (daily)
  • West End, Tortola | Hours; 8:30am to 4:30pm (Monday to Thursday) 8:30am to 6:00pm (Fri., Sat., Sun.)
  • Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke | Hours; 8:30am to 4:30pm (daily)
  • St. Thomas Bay, Virgin Gorda | Hours; 8:30am to 4:30pm (daily)
  • Gun Creek, Virgin Gorda (reopening soon)

All entering vessels must clear in with BVI Customs and Immigration immediately upon arrival into the territory, and retain a valid passport and boat registration papers. If you plan to exit and then re-enter the British Virgin Islands during your sailing vacation, please be certain to follow the proper procedures for clearing your yacht and crew with both BVI Customs and Immigration.

By Air

There are no direct flights from the USA, Canada, Europe, or South America to the British Virgin Islands’ main airport – Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS), Tortola. For the non-sailors who will be visiting BVI to spectate and enjoy the BVI Spring Regatta Festival you can travel via connecting airports such as  Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, or St. Maarten). Be sure to look for your cheapest flight option, with a layover in San Juan, Puerto Rico right here on CheapOair.

For more information on Visas and Customs Requirements to enter the British Virgin Islands be sure to visit the Official BVI Tourism Board website.

Where to Stay

Explore BVI

I’m sure you’ve noticed there is a lay day, that is, there will be a break in sailing days on Thursday 30th March, 2023. This is the perfect opportunity to explore all the British Virgin Islands have to offer such as:

  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Diving and Snorkeling
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • Island Tours

Check out some of our latest merchandize below that you can rock while enjoying the BVI Spring Regatta Festival and exploring the British Virgin Islands.

Community Involvement

The BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival is not just about sailing. It also takes pride in involving the local BVI community at every opportunity. Every year, the Regatta presents The Guy Eldridge Spirit of Enthusiasm Award to an individual or individuals who shine in the spirit of the sport and show outstanding commitment to the event. The Regatta Saturday night party is dedicated to the local community and it’s a joy to bringing international visitors into the local fold.

Conservation

The BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival also prioritizes Conservation. It has made it a priority to protect the vegetation and the waters surrounding the over 50 islands and cays that comprise BVI. In 2009, the Regatta was awarded Gold level certification by the Sailors of the Sea, a leading conservation organization. The regatta has ensured they have maintained this certification ever since. In 2014, the BVI Spring Regatta was also recognised by Sailors of the Sea as the first carbon neutral regatta in the world.

Other Sailing Events being held in the Caribbean in March 2023

BVI is not the only Caribbean destination with sailing events this month. the Caribbean Sailing Association details of the following races leading up to the gala celebrations in BVI later this month:

  • March 02, 2023 – St Maarten Heineken Regatta at St. Maarten Yacht Club
  • March 06, 2023 – Superyacht Challenge Antigua at Antigua Yacht Club
  • March 16, 2023 – St Barths Bucket Regatta
  • March 23, 2023 – STIR Round St. John’s Race at St. Thomas Yacht Club
  • March 24, 2023 – St. Thomas International Regatta at St. Thomas Yacht Club

For listing of other scheduled regattas for BVI be sure to check out the BVI Tourism Board.

As you get ready to sail or fly to BVI for the BVI Spring Regatta Festival be sure to check out our latest podcast episode on St. Kitts and Nevis with our guest Bing Charles. Happy sailing!