Members of the West End Yacht Club with the coveted Manhattan Yacht Club Trophy. Photo: Facebook

For the first time in 7 years, the West End Yacht Club returned to winning ways in the Manhattan Yacht Club Trophy on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Photo: Facebook

The highly anticipated friendly race, Manhattan Yacht Challenge, came about in 2002 when the Manhattan Yacht Club dedicated a trophy to the [British] Virgin Islands sailing community. Photo: RBVIYC/Facebook

The goodwill sailing challenge included the Royal BVI Yacht Club and the defending champions Manhattan Yacht Club.

West End Yacht Club had a catamaran and a monohull, as did Royal BVI Yacht Club, while Manhattan Yacht had 6 bareboats.

The day on the bight was bracing, according to a press release from RBVIYC, with a stiff breeze of 20 knots blowing down the channel, coupled with frustrating lulls to challenge racers.

“Your WEYC racers sailing together with our friends from Manhattan took honours with first place finishes in catamarans and monohulls!

“Club members from all 3 clubs celebrated that evening at the RBVIYC Clubhouse in Road Town, and the West End Yacht Club took possession of the Manhattan Yacht Club Trophy for 2025!” the press release stated.

West End Yacht Club last held the trophy in 2018.

History of MYC Challenge

The highly anticipated friendly race, Manhattan Yacht Challenge, came about in 2002 when the Manhattan Yacht Club dedicated a trophy to the [British] Virgin Islands sailing community.

For several years it became a team challenge between the Royals and the Loyals, until 2016 when the MYC joined the fray to challenge for its own trophy.

“At the heart of this challenge is friendship and goodwill between our clubs and it is always a fun packed event!” the RBVIYC commented on its website.