Favorite Yachting Bar Competition

Wight Vodka and Scuttlebutt Europe, the continental version of the Scuttlebutt daily blog about sailing, have launched the 2012 World's Favorite Yachting Bar competition but you need to hurry: voting ends Dec. 27.

Winners in previous years were the Peter Cafe Sport in the Azores, the Soggy Dollar in the BVIs (shown left), and IYAC in Newport, Rhode Island.  Ten entries are on the ballot, but the only two in serious bareboat charter areas are the Bitter End Yacht Club in the BVIs and Sint Maarten Yacht Club in Sint Maarten.  

To vote, go to:  www.scuttlebutteurope.com/sailors-bars.html

Racing In Paradise

Photo Courtesy Todd Van SickleIf you’re dealing with snow and slush right now, keep in mind that the annual BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, known for great racing and even greater partying, is drawing close, running from March 26 to April 1.  And there are still boats available to charter.

In its 41^st year, the BVI Spring Regatta has a class specifically for bareboat racers, so get your crew together.  Now one of the three top Caribbean sailing events, it has been averaging 125 yachts to the starting line.

The Moorings is the official charter partner for the BVI Spring Regatta, with a variety of modern yachts and packages from which to choose.  Included in the packages are race measurement, registration, full provisioning and a local racing skipper can also be arranged. 

Based at Nanny Cay Marina and the Bitter End Yacht Club, and with sponsors such as Mt. Gay Rum, there is literally a party every night with the Regatta Village food booths and bar open from 2pm to midnight, while the music schedule is typically Caribbean: 4pm until the party ends.

For entry info and the Notice of Race, www.bvispringregatta.org