Bareboat Racing

"Bareboat" and "Racing" don't seem like terms that go together, but the Spring Regatta is a tradition in the British Virgin Islands, and the most recent edition, which ran March 30-April 1, had a strong turnout in the two Bareboat classes.

These classes are for bareboats from local charter companies, racing without spinnakers, and the only real concession to “performance” is that they all remove or furl the Bimini tops to minimize the windage.  Other than that, these are everyday charter boats.

Which isn’t to say that the racing is weak by any means.  Winning Bareboat 2 was Burt Keenan and Neil Harvey: Keenan is a long-time competitor and Southern Ocean Racing Circuit winner aboard his Acadia, Harvey an equally talented racer employed by Harken.  Pushing them hard was Bill Petersen, a sailmaker and former America’s Cup sailor. 

If you’re considering a bareboat race charter for next year, taking a look at what won this year isn’t a bad idea.  Clearly the highest placing yachts were the two Dufours from MarineMax Vacations, with Keenan’s 433 and Petersen’s 413 easily taking first and second in Bareboat 2.

In Bareboat 1, the first five places went to a Beneteau Oceanis 50 (Moorings), Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i (Sunsail), Beneteau Oceanis 50f (Moorings), Beneteau Oceanis 473 (BVI Yacht Charters) and another Beneteau Oceanis 473 (Rob Swain Sailing School).

Finishing behind the Dufours in Bareboat 2 were a Beneteau Oceanis 361 (Rob Swain School), a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 (Sunsail) and a Beneteau Oceanis 40 (Moorings). 

Now’s the time to start thinking about the BVI Spring Regatta for next year.  Contact the charter companies to see what packages they are offering. 

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

Moorings Opens In Corfu

Corfu, courtesy Greek National TourismThe Moorings announced before the 2012 Miami Boatshow that they are opening a new base in Corfu, just off the northwest coast of Greece, which opens the northern and southern Ionian islands for bareboat charters.

Called the “Jewel of the Ionian”, Corfu has consistently good weather and a choice of open sea sailing or short island hops and even some interesting ports along the mainland. 

Initially, the fleet will consist of Beneteau-built monohulls, including the Moorings 41.3 (3 cabin/2-head), 43.3 (3 cabin/3-head) and 50.5 (5 cabin/5 head).  Also available will be the Moorings 3900 catamaran, a private model of the Leopard 38, with an owner’s cabin in one hull with head and a pair of staterooms sharing a head in the other hull.

The Corfu base will be open during the primary sailing season from April through November, and charterers can expect 10-20 knot northwesterlies in the afternoons, air temperatures between 76F and 82F, and water temps of 78F.  The base is just ten minutes from the Corfu international airport.

Charterers can explore Ithaca, home of Odysseus, as well as the islands of Kefalonia, Lefkas and many more.  Expect great snorkeling and scuba diving, seafood tavernas, and quiet coves.

Info at The Moorings or 800-535-7289.