37th International Rolex Regatta
Now is the time of year when sailors from the U.S. and Europe plan their trips to the Caribbean to participate in one or more of the popular island regattas held here every spring. Not all Caribbean regattas are created equal, however. Savvy sailors know that the International Rolex Regatta, hosted by St. Thomas Yacht Club and scheduled for Friday, March 26 through Sunday, March 28, 2010, has an offering that goes beyond just beach parties and calypso bands. 
The International Rolex Regatta guarantees exceptional racing by virtue of its dependable trade winds and, even more important, a professional race management team.
The International Rolex Regatta is the only major Caribbean regatta that is run by a yacht club, so competing sailors can be certain that the organizers know a thing or two about what the "whole package" should be. Absolute proof that this is the case will always be in the eventual entry line-up, and this year anticipated headliners are Jim Mitchell (SUI), returning with his Reichel Pugh 52 Vincitore to defend his 2009 title, and Tom Hill (Puerto Rico), returning to reclaim the past glory of multiple Titan victories with his latest steed, Titan 15, a Reichel Pugh 75.
Among the highlights of the regatta are the spectacular race courses that thread their way through and around the cuts, cays and islands off the east end of St. Thomas and St. John. Competitors also enjoy the now famous "town races," which take the fleet from St. Thomas Yacht Club right into the heart of the dramatic and bustling harbor of Charlotte Amalie. On shore, crews are well looked after with a variety of social gatherings, including a reggae music concert and food festival, along with traditional beach parties at the club.
The event has been hosted by St. Thomas Yacht Club for 37 years and is the oldest regatta in Rolex's portfolio of international sailing events. Rolex is known for sponsoring famous offshore and grandprix events such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Rolex Fastnet Race, Giraglia Rolex Cup, Rolex Middle Sea Race, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship.
A.H. Riise Stores, Official Retailer of Rolex watches in the U.S. Virgin Islands, takes an active role in sponsorship of the event. The St. Thomas shop is one of the largest in the Caribbean and is located on the historic waterfront of downtown Charlotte Amalie. Island Global Yaching, USVI Department of Tourism, Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Resort, Mount Gay Rum and Heineken are all supporters of this event.
The public is welcome to attend any of the scheduled events.
Best viewing will take place on Friday March 26th from Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Resort. That day the boats will race from the Yacht Club to Charlotte Amalie Harbor in the morning and return to the Yacht Club in the afternoon. On Sunday March 28th the races can be best viewed from Sapphire Beach in the morning.
T-shirts, sailing gear, caps and other items will be for sale at the St Thomas Yacht Club every day.
For more information, visit www.rolexcupregatta.com or call the St Thomas Yacht Club at (340) 775-6320.
