Tortola, the final racing day offered a setting worthy of the classics: blue sky, summer heat, gusts up to 20 knots of wind, and at times capricious winds, unstable enough to keep the tension until the end. A demanding sea, but perfect for bringing out the most consistent, inspired, and nervous crews.
Chris Haycraft, regatta president and himself second in Sport Multihull, perfectly summed up the overall spirit: despite sometimes less favorable wind than expected, the essential was there – lively races, delighted sailors, and a memorable regatta. Seven beautiful races over three days in most classes, a race committee applauded by all, and that familiar feeling in the BVI: that of an event that always delivers the spectacle.
Thunder and Lightning strikes hard
Among the highlights of this edition, the victory of TF 10 Thunder and Lightning by John Hele in Performance Multihull left a lasting impression. For their first participation in the BVI Spring Regatta, the crew delivered an impressive performance with three race wins out of six, and most importantly, a final victory secured with just one point ahead of the formidable Gunboat 72 Layla.
Behind them, the magnificent Nigel Irens 63 Sophia completed the podium. Hele, who sails between Bermuda, New York, and Newport, did not hide his enthusiasm: after a thwarted attempt last year, his return to the BVI was more than rewarding. He particularly praised the beauty of the courses around the islands and the quality of competition, with Layla constantly on his heels. A close battle to the end, exactly what one expects from a major regatta.
Apollo holds its ground in the CSA Spinnaker fleet
Another high-level duel: in the CSA Spinnaker class, the outcome remained completely open before the final day. Apollo, Don Nicholson’s J121, had only a half-length lead over Lady M, Joan Rodriguez’s Club Swan 42, while Kairos, Antolin Velasco’s J105, also remained in the mix.
In this high-pressure battle, Apollo managed to showcase its consistency. Nicholson explained that their goal for the day was simple: to sail two clean, error-free races and minimize mistakes. Mission accomplished. In a class where everything often comes down to details, between reading wind shifts and perfect rating management, Apollo held on and secured a particularly satisfying victory.
Bareboat battles until the final race
The tension was no less in the CSA Bareboat classes. In Bareboat 1, the local team from Tortola aboard Shore Thing/Team Riteway, a Sunsail 46, eventually came out on top with 8 points, thanks in part to two wins on the final day. The Salish Sisters, coming from Vancouver, finished second with only two points behind, after a week of tight duels and numerous leader changes.
The Shore Thing crew highlighted the quality of the competition, the excellent atmosphere on the water, and the valuable contribution of local knowledge. A mix of mastery, adaptability, and shared pleasure that encapsulates the spirit of this regatta.
In CSA Bareboat 2, the suspense lasted until the last tacks. The Dufour 41 Mistral finally triumphed in a thrilling mano a mano against Charlie Garrard’s Dufour 41 Topaz. Again, it all came down to very little: just one point in the final standings. Terry McGloughlin, aboard Mistral, described a day marked by constant shifts, minimal differences, and constant tactical battles. The kind of scenario that exhausts crews but delights enthusiasts.
In the Sport Multihull fleet, the beautiful story belonged to Barney Crook. Aboard his Corsair 31-1D Airgasm, he won the class with a comfortable margin over his long-time rival Chris Haycraft and his Corsair F31 Ting A Ling II. A victory that had a particularly special flavor: the last one dated back to 1986. Crook not only won, he dominated a strong and lively fleet, especially with the arrival of the Diam 24, present for the first time. He mentioned with pleasure this stimulating rivalry with Haycraft, a competition that pushes each other to excel. With a crew of local sailors, including his son Adam, he found the right rhythm, the right chemistry, and most importantly, the speed. The result: a clear victory, and the Best BVI Boat trophy.
Panacea X, Libertas, La Novia: other big names of 2026
Several other boats also excelled in their category this year. In CSA Performance Cruising, Panacea X, Ben Daniels’ Salona 45, had an almost perfect week with five wins and a second place, asserting authority in the class. The crew took advantage of a particularly experienced group, excellent course reading, and conditions favorable to the boat’s qualities.
In CSA Non-Spinnaker, Libertas, a Beneteau First 40, left no chance to its competitors by winning all six races. A total domination built on clean, fast navigation perfectly tailored to the changing conditions. On the Cruising Multihull side, La Novia, George Coutu’s Leopard 50, also won with mastery, despite a tougher than expected competition from Avel Vaez, last year’s Performance Cruising winner. A victory achieved with seriousness, already sparking thoughts of a return to the crew, which has already reserved their spot for next year. Lastly, in One Design IC24, RIP, led by Harry Bowerman, claimed the top spot ahead of Bravissimo, confirming the density of the fleet.
More than a regatta, a great sailing celebration
Beyond the results, this 2026 edition highlighted what makes the BVI Spring Regatta unique: a blend of high-level competition, conviviality, and local roots. The crews praised the organization, the quality of the reception at Nanny Cay Marina and Resort, and the impressive commitment of volunteers and teams on the water.
The Guy Eldridge Spirit of Enthusiasm Award was presented this year to mark boat volunteers, rewarded for their remarkable work throughout the week. A strong tribute to these behind-the-scenes men and women who make the show possible. For Miles Sutherland-Pilch, general manager of Nanny Cay, this regatta remains the highlight of the year, both to showcase the site and celebrate the collective energy of the entire nautical community. The event director, Cayley Smit, echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the organization’s gratitude towards competitors, volunteers, and partners, all essential to the success of this event.
Looking ahead to 2027
In the end, this 53rd BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival will be remembered as a particularly successful edition: minimal differences, long indecisive rankings, new notable boats, and an atmosphere faithful to the BVI’s reputation. A regatta where maneuvers were numerous, sweating was frequent, doubts often lingered, but every minute was clearly adored. One thing is for sure: barely crossing the finish line, many were already looking towards next year. And at Nanny Cay, they are already keen to start again.
