Competitors start a race near Tortola’s West End. (Photo: Todd VanSickle)

Sailors in the 30th Moorings Interline Regatta landed safely in the Virgin Islands for a week-long regatta and party throughout the territory last week.

The racing fleet consisted of more than 30 boats in three different classes. The fleet also had just as many support boats, which followed the action each day and joined up with the sailors later that night.

The regatta is targeted at the airline industry, with sailing crews made up of pilots, stewardess and other airline professionals. More  than 20 airline companies were represented at the event.

Racing started on Friday with the start line just outside of Road Harbour. The sailors raced around Dead Chest then around Salt Island to finish between Peter and Norman islands on the south side.

The final race of the day was to Sopers Hole with a rounding of Great Thatch. As boats crossed the finish line scantly clad supporters in dinghies cheered for the sailors.

That night, a costume party was held at the Jolly Roger, with hundreds of regatta participants dressed as pirates. Dinghies two deep lined the dock space along the restaurant as the party went into the morning hours.  

The next day, the race started between Little and Great Thatch islands. The sailors then headed to Sandy Cay and along the north shore of Tortola. After rounding Great Camanoe, the race finished near Marina Cay. The conditions were perfect with 6 to 10 knots of wind, with gusts up to 16 knots between Guana and Great Camanoe islands. Most teams finished in about four hours.

Pusser’s at Marina Cay welcomed the sailors with live entertainment and music performed by the band, Too Smooth. The regatta participants donned “shipwrecked” costumes and danced in the sand.

The following day was a lay day and participants didn’t not race.  Most stopped at The Baths as they motored to Leverick Bay for games and festivities.

The regatta had two more events including a round Virgin Gorda race, and on the last day a race back to The Moorings from North Sound.

The race committee managed to host five races during the week-long event.

“The most important thing, is that the sailors are having  fun,” Race Director Bob Phillips said.

 

For full results visit: result.vg