St. Croix hosts the Sunfish world championship this November, and it arrives with a Pan American Games qualifying berth attached — which changes the temperature of the whole regatta.
Two championships run back to back off Protestant Cay. The ISCA Youth, Masters and Women’s World Championship sails first, November 4–8, with racing November 6–8. The 55th ISCA Open World Championship follows, November 8–14, with racing November 10–13. Entry to both is by invitation through national class representatives.
The Sunfish is the boat that taught a good part of the Caribbean to race — a lateen-rigged singlehander, simple enough to launch off a beach and close enough one-design that a world fleet finishes within seconds of itself. The International Sunfish Class Association (ISCA) governs it, and its worlds draw sailors from the Caribbean, North, Central and South America, and Europe. Fifteen USVI sailors are entered, ranging in age from 15 to 71.
The regatta is a partnership between the Virgin Islands Sailing Association, the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee and St. Croix Yacht Club, which is the organizing authority. The Hotel on the Cay in Christiansted is the host venue, and opening ceremonies are at the bandstand at the Christiansted fort.
Beyond the racing, sailors and their families get St. Croix in November — Christiansted’s waterfront, the beaches, and the sort of Crucian welcome that tends to bring fleets back.
Racing schedule, entered nations, community events, volunteer roles and sponsorship opportunities are still to be announced.
