Plates. Cleaning supplies. An anchor.
“Everything we are allowed to take off, we take off,” said crewmember Ollie Heer, explaining that they want the boat to be as light as possible to ensure that it moves at its maximum speed.
“They even stole my toothbrush,” added fellow crewmember Theresa Repton, laughing.
“Isn’t that kind of mean?”
Every ounce removed may end up helping, however, as this year’s competition is expected to be stiff.
According to Regatta Director Judy Petz, 110 boats hailing from 16 nations have registered for this year’s regatta, which is 30 more entries than last year.
Sailing Festival racing kicked off on Tuesday with the Nanny Cay Cup, and continued Wednesday with the Scrub Island Invitational.
The VP Bank Tortola Sloop Spring Challenge will be held Thursday as part of a Maritime Heritage Day, and racing for the main event, the BVI Spring Regatta, starts Friday and lasts through Sunday.
See the March 31, 2016 edition for full coverage.
{fcomment}