More than 20 “superyachts” cruised in to North Sound last week for an event organisers promise could bring big economic benefits to the Virgin Islands for years to come.
The yachts – many of which are more than 100 feet long – were in VI waters as part of the first annual Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous, which finished Sunday.
As part of the regatta, 10 sailboats — each at least 24 metres long and equipped which a professional racing crew — competed for prize money over three days of racing. For the rendezvous, owners of 12 motor-yachts and their guests gathered at the newly built North Sound Yacht Club and facilities at Oil Nut Bay for a series of sailing and social events.
David Johnson, chairman of Victor International, which hosted the vessels, said that the expectations of the hundreds of people who attended the event were exceeded.
“They’re very surprised with the warmth and the friendliness of the service and the teams that are putting it on, the events and entertainment venues, the meals, everything,” he said on Sunday. “And I think the BVI people have done an unbelievable job from our side, putting on the first gourmet dinner at Oil Nut Bay last night, catering the party at the yacht club that had no kitchen.”
See the March 24, 2011 edition for full coverage.