Rolex Regatta 2011
On the last weekend of March each year the St. Thomas Yacht Club hosts the International Rolex Regatta on the beautiful waters of the US Virgin Islands. Now in its 39th year, this sporting event was the first that Rolex Watch Company, Geneva ever sponsored. They have continued to support the event over the years and it is now considered the overall best sailing event in the Caribbean and has an international following of competitors and boat owners alike.
The Races
The sailing events cover three days of both. On both Friday and Sunday there are great vantage points for those not participating to get a great view of what happens on the water from easily reached shore side vistas. On Friday the entire fleet races into the Charlotte Amalie Harbor. The colorful spinnakers push the boats to a downwind finish in the middle of the harbor. The yachts quickly regroup and are called back to the starting line for an exciting race back to the east end of St. Thomas. The action takes place over a three-hour period from 11am till about after 1:30pm. Either right down town on the waterfront or at the Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Hotel are excellent spots to view the action. On Sunday the races move to the north side of St. Thomas and the viewing is great from locations that look out on the crystal blue waters of Pillsbury Sound which sits between St. Thomas and St. John.
Parties
If racing is not your thing but going to a good party is, please help us celebrate this action packed regatta by attending the parties at both St. Thomas Yacht Club and Yacht Haven Grande Marina. Wherever you end up, the Heineken and Mt Gay Rum are flowing and the music is about the best you can find in the Caribbean. On Thursday and Friday, the action is at St. Thomas Yacht Club anytime after 4:00 where you can catch some mellow island music and enjoy watching the boats coming in from the racecourse. The grill is always fired up so grab a burger or fish sandwich while you visit with the sailors and hear about the excitement on the race course first hand. On both evenings the headline band kicks in at 7:00pm and continues till 11:00 with dancing under the tent. On Saturday the action moves to Yacht Heaven Grand Marina in Havensight. A stage with special lighting is erected and bars are set up for this party night. Its open to the whole island so don't be shy. Join in the fun. Music and drinks are served till midnight.
The Awards
On Sunday afternoon the racing ends but there are still awards to be given and Rolex watches to be presented. Pigs are being roasted and the festivities begin at 7 pm with a 30-minute video presentation of the racing and a prize ceremony for the winning boats. Before 8 pm, the music is again blasting and the tired sailors struggle to the dance floor for a final fling and the last Mt Gay and coke.
