The Lowell Wheatley Anegada Pursuit Race is a popular offshore sailing event on the Royal BVI Yacht Club calendar, taking competitors from Road Harbour to the channel entrance at Anegada. Open to both monohulls and multihulls, the race welcomes members and non-members alike for a spirited day of Caribbean offshore sailing.
The pursuit-race format features staggered starts based on handicap ratings, creating close finishes and tactical racing throughout the course. Boats begin departing from 10 a.m., with crews navigating the open waters north of Tortola toward the low-lying coral island of Anegada.
Following the race, sailors gather for a prize-giving celebration and party at Anegada Reef Hotel, founded in 1976 by the event’s namesake, Lowell Wheatley. Combining competitive sailing with classic BVI hospitality, the event remains a favorite among local and visiting sailors.
