Once at the resort, one was greeted by the fleet of yachts of all sizes, shapes and designs with their crew obviously all geared up for the 2013 regatta. Guests were sure to spend some time touring the yachts at the T-shape pier. Photo: VINO

Owner of Oil Nut Bay Resort Mr David Victor Johnson (left) in the company of Mr Percy Rhoden (2nd from left) and Mr Gerard Farara (4th from left) among others at the Cocktail Reception for the Caribbean Super Yacht Regatta and Rendevous. Photo: VINO

Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith arrives for the event at Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda on March 20, 2013. Photo: VINO

It was a night when the microphones were nowhere to be found as just the sounds of contemporary Caribbean music filled the air while hundreds of yacht crew members, regatta lovers and supporters and the local politicians converged under the big white tent to feast and socialize as they ushered in the 2013 Super Yacht Regatta. Photo: VINO

Among those at the opening were Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering, Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Mars and Ms Lynette L. Harrigan of the Virgin Islands Tourist Board, all of whom joined the crew members of more than twenty sailing yachts for the opening cocktail party held at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) Club House and Marina at Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda last night March 20, 2013.

Once at the resort, one was greeted by the fleet of yachts of all sizes, shapes and designs with their crew obviously all geared up for the 2013 regatta. Guests were sure to spend some time touring the yachts at the T-shape pier.

Ms Flax-Mars hailed the activity as a world class event that takes place in the Virgin Islands and which speaks volumes for the tourism sector and the economic development of the country. “The Super Yacht Regatta is a world class event that maintains Virgin Gorda and the British Virgin Islands presence on the main stage as a luxury destination with fantastic products and an array of activities. BVITB salutes the organisers for showcasing such an activity here,” she said.

Speaking with Virgin Islands News Online, crew members of the Deep Blue 11 George Town C.I super yacht, said sailing is their passion and for most, their way of life. They said coming to the VG Regatta is a much anticipated activity for them. “We just come to have some fun, we love sailing and the British Virgin Islands is a wonderful experience that keeps you hooked,” said crew member Kate.

For the Sarafin crew it was obvious that they were all set for the Super Yacht Regatta as they were all out on the deck last evening with pots of food and plates enjoying the warm gushing wind of the sea as they sat flat on the pier, legs crossed, as they happily shared meal. “We got it this year,” yelled one crew member. Another, with head laid back burst out in laugher, “Life, fun Super Yacht Regatta in the BVI.”

The next stage was to wine, dine and enjoy the sounds of real contemporary Caribbean music and mix and mingle with the crew members, their friends and family. Though it is touted that the line of yachts this year is less than that of 2013, the promoters of the Loro Piana Caribbean Super yacht regatta and rendezvous 2013, said 21 sailing super yachts and 7 motor yachts have already registered for the event on March 20 – 23, 2013 at Virgin Gorda.

According to the organizers, the event is organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) and Boat International Media (BIM) and sponsored by the Italian luxury brand for the second consecutive year. It will host racing and social events over four days. “In a new development for 2013 and following consultation with super yacht owners, participating boats will also be able to take part on the Loro Piana Super yacht Trophy, a race which departs Virgin Gorda on the 25^th March headed for nearby St. Barths and the St. Barths Bucket regatta,”stated the organisers in a release.

It is said that over the years Loro Piana has created a unique range dedicated to the world of the sea and sailing such as the defender line, sported by the New Zealand team in its America’s Cup victory. They have a long standing relationship with the organisers and the Loro Piana Super Yacht  Regatta which has been held annually at the YCCS in Porto Cervo, Sardinia since 2009.