The 16th Annual Dark & Stormy Rolls through the Waters of the B.V.I. this Weekend
While everything seems to really center around the turquoise crystal clear waters in the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.), there is no shortage of competitive boating traditions. The B.V.I.’s double as a true sailor’s paradise as well as the ultimate vacation destination for travelers looking for the luxury of staying on their very own private island.
One of B.V.I.’s most anticipated races – the Dark and Stormy Regatta is rolling through the waters this weekend celebrating their sixteenth year. Like many of the B.V.I. racing regattas, this one passes right by Scrub Island, so resort guests may catch the fleet of sailboats and yachts flying by without having to leave the island.
The three-day event takes vessels of all shapes and sizes in a multi-class, low-insitisity handicap event from Trellis Bay to Anegada and finishes with a race back to Tortola on Monday.
This regatta tradition dates back to 1997 and was first started by Sailors Ketch and Neptune’s Treasure Hotel and Restaurant in honor of the Soares family, who own Neptune’s Treasure, and also reside as the oldest commercial fishing family in the B.V.I.’s. The race itself is organized by the Loyal West End Yacht Club, who offer a relaxed and fun sailing experience yet still allow a sense of fair competition to everyone involved.
Registration begins today (Friday) with a party at De Loose Mongoose, but the real festivities don’t start until Saturday.
Saturday begins with Skipper’s Breakfast at De Loose Mongoose, with a race to Anegada. The race starts at Marina Cay and finishes at Anegada Reef Hotel with BBQ, live music and dancing (sand between your toes also included).
Sunday the Inter-Island Horseshoe Championship will commence with a kite building/flying contest as well as a day full of sand sculptures, a dinghy race, sightseeing, flamingos, beach tours and ends with a delicious Caribbean dinner and live music.
Monday, the pursuit back to Tortola ends with an awards party and dinner at Nanny Cay – Peg Leg’s.
Like this regatta tradition, the B.V.I.’s is also home to many family-owned and some of the oldest aquatic companies on the planet.
Adding to the uniqueness of Scrub Island’s private island resort is the world-famous Offshore Sailing School, a family-owned premier sailing school operated by Steve and Doris Colgate for over 50 years.
Enjoy a fun-filled, action-packed weekend with fantastic food, plenty of parties, live music and more, because everyone is a winner while visiting the B.V.I.’s, especially Scrub Island!
For more information about the Dark & Stormy Regatta visit: http://www.bvitourism.com/event/dark-stormy-regatta
