33rd Annual International Rolex Regatta Set to Sail March 24 thru 26
Fun in the sun and a shot at a watch is what sailors can expect at the 33rd annual International Rolex Regatta, set to sail out of the St. Thomas Yacht Club from March 24 to 26.
"Last year, we really raised the bar by adding some intriguing new twists on the water and back onshore," says Tracy Roberts, who co-directs the regatta with fellow St. Thomas Yacht Club member Colin Probyn. "There was near-perfect harmony between exciting competition and extreme fun."
One of last year's new additions was a coastal course that took the fleet racing from Cowpet Bay to the Charlotte Amalie harbor. "This year," adds Probyn, "the race will be repeated, but augmented by some IC-24 windward-leeward racing in the harbor. This will show the racers St. Thomas's beautiful capital and afford the islanders and visitors alike a flavor of competitive sailing."
Hot competition is lining up to compete in this prestigious event. For example, the IC-24s are attracting the very best in inter-island talent including sailors from both the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
A little smaller but a lot faster are the Beach Cats, which always arrive in full force with plenty of Hobie and Nacra class stars competing, including Puerto Rico's multiple world champion and Olympian Enrique Figueroa.
At the other end of the scale is the 2005 winner Titan XII, an awe-inspiring 75-footer. Puerto Rico's Tom Hill will be at the helm, with America's Cup veteran Peter Isler, from San Diego, California, serving as tactician. Titan will compete in the Over-50 Foot Class for the biggest boats.
There are other classes for boats ranging from 30- to 50-feet that also include the hottest Caribbean sailors as well as visiting professional and semi-pro racers.
Denis Comment, a long-time supporter of the International Rolex Regatta and Director for Rolex Caribbean and Central America, will be this year's event Honorary Chairman. Returning as co-chairs of the International Jury are local Ruth Miller and international judge Arthur "Tuna" Wullschleger, who has served as Chief Judge at the regatta for 23 years. Principal Race Officer David Brennan, from Miami, Florida, will manage the on-water competition.
Each of the Northern Caribbean regattas has its special flavor and strong point, yet what makes the International Rolex Regatta unique is that you can win a 'The Watch' - just the perfect piece to show the world that the owner is one of the best sailors in the Caribbean.
For more information, contact Co-Directors Tracy Roberts at 340-777-2345; Tracy@springlinearchitects.com and Colin Probyn at 340-690-3000, cprobyn@theodoretunick.com. The regatta web page is www.rolexcupregatta.com where further information and online-entry forms can be found.
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