BVI Spring Regatta 2026: suspense, exceptional boats and a beautiful finale

 

 

À Tortola, the final race day offered a setting worthy of the great classics: blue skies, summer heat, gusts up to 20 knots and a sometimes capricious wind, unstable enough to keep the tension until the end. A demanding yet perfect setting to highlight the most consistent, inspired, and nervous crews.

Chris Haycraft, regatta president and himself second in Sport Multihull, perfectly summarized the general spirit: despite sometimes less generous 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 praised by all, and that familiar sensation in the BVI: that of an event that always knows how to deliver 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. In 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 achieved with just one small 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 greatly rewarded. He particularly praised the beauty of the courses around the islands and the quality of the competition, with Layla constantly on his tail. A tight battle until the end, exactly what one expects from a great regatta.

 

Apollo maintains course in the CSA Spinnaker fleet

Another high-level duel: that of the CSA Spinnaker class, where the outcome remained completely open before the final day. Apollo, Don Nicholson’s J121, then 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 their consistency. Nicholson explained that they approached the day with a simple goal: sail two clean races, without errors, and limit mistakes. Mission accomplished. In a class where everything often hinges on 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 on Shore Thing/Team Riteway, a Sunsail 46, eventually took the lead with 8 points, thanks in particular to two wins on the final day. The Salish Sisters, coming from Vancouver, finished second with just two points behind, after a week of close duels and numerous changes of leader.

The Shore Thing crew highlighted the quality of the competition, the excellent atmosphere on the water, and the valuable input of local knowledge. A mix of mastery, adaptation, and shared pleasure that fairly sums up the spirit of this regatta.

In CSA Bareboat 2, the suspense lasted until the final moments. The Dufour 41 Mistral ultimately prevailed in a thrilling mano a mano against Charlie Garrard’s Dufour 41 Topaz. Once again, it was decided by a very slim margin: just one point in the final standings. Terry McGloughlin, aboard Mistral, described a day marked by incessant shifts, minimal gaps, and constant tactical struggle. The kind of scenario that exhausts crews but delights enthusiasts.

 

In the Sport Multihull fleet, the great story is signed by Barney Crook. On 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 has a particularly special flavor: the last one dates back to 1986. Crook not only won, but he dominated a strong and lively fleet, especially with the arrival of the Diam 24s, present for the first time. He happily discussed this stimulating rivalry with Haycraft, an opposition that pushes each one to excel. With a crew of local sailors, including his son Adam, he found the right rhythm, the right chemistry, and especially the speed. As a 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, claiming the class with authority. The crew benefited from 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 suited to the changing conditions. On the Cruising Multihull side, La Novia, George Coutu’s Leopard 50, also emerged victorious with mastery, despite tougher competition than expected from Avel Vaez, last year’s Performance Cruising winner. A victory achieved with seriousness, already prompting thoughts of a return for the crew, who have already reserved their spot for next year. Finally, in the One Design IC24, RIP, led by Harry Bowerman, claimed the top spot ahead of Bravissimo, confirming the density of the field.

More than a regatta, a great sailing celebration

Beyond the results, this 2026 edition highlighted what makes the BVI Spring Regatta unique: a mixture of high-level competition, conviviality, and local roots. The crews praised the organization, the quality of the welcome at the Nanny Cay Marina and Resort, and the impressive commitment of the volunteers and teams on the water.

The Guy Eldridge Spirit of Enthusiasm Award was presented this year to the mark boats volunteers, rewarded for their remarkable work throughout the week. A strong tribute to these unsung heroes who make the spectacle possible. For Miles Sutherland-Pilch, general manager of Nanny Cay, this regatta remains the highlight of the year, both to showcase the site and to celebrate the collective energy of the entire nautical community. Similarly, the event director, Cayley Smit, emphasized the organization’s gratitude to the 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 undecided rankings, new standout boats, and an atmosphere true to the BVI’s reputation. A regatta where much maneuvering, sweating, often doubting – but evidently enjoying every minute. One thing is certain: barely crossing the finish line, many were already looking towards next year. And at Nanny Cay, they are already eager to start again.