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Smooth Springtime Sailing in the Caribbean
Spring regattas mean lots of excitement for sailors and spectators alike
By Heather Whipps
The Caribbean is one of the world’s foremost sailing destinations. Its advantages are about as numerous as its many ports of call, which span the island chain stretching from the Virgin Islands in the north to the Grenadines in the south. Most notable is the continuously glorious weather, the proximity of each island to the next and the enormous variety between them, giving sailors an opportunity to explore an international swath of destinations in one day, even.
The popularity of navigating the Caribbean’s nautical highways has given rise to a number of world-famous boating festivals and regattas that take place throughout the year, but which culminate around spring and early summer as a sendoff to the next season. While the ships are the real stars here, there’s plenty on offer during the events for even the most amateur sailors among us, including fireworks displays, demonstrations and all-around revelry. At the very least, sailing regattas provide the chance to BBQ on your villa’s terrace while spying on the harbor, traffic-jammed like never before with those bobbing white specks. Non-professionals can also get in on the action by chartering a crewed boat for a day out at sea, usually involving picnic lunches, some fishing maybe and fruity cocktails at sunset. Give your villa concierge details the specs and they’ll make it happen. Ah, it’s a pirate’s life for me.
Some of the most popular sailing regattas coming up in 2006:
BVI Spring Regatta – March 27 to April 2
The British Virgin Islands was a pirate’s paradise, with all its sheltered coves and deserted islets. Today, those clandestine waterways aren’t so secret and will be taken over in force by sailors of all international stripes during this spring’s regatta, which will include a Nations’ Cup and slightly less competitive dinghy regatta.
Villas available in the BVI during the Spring Regatta:
 BVI Village, Tortola
3 bedroom villa in Belmont Estate. $600 per night (1 bedroom/2 guests); $643 per night (2 bedrooms/4 guests); $671 per night (3 bedrooms/6 guests).
Request more info
 Murray House, Tortola
3 bedroom hillside villa in Long Bay. $900 per night (up to 6 guests).
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 Double Sunrise, Virgin Gorda
3BR villa on Leverick Bay with expansive ocean views. $314 per night (1BR/2 guests); $386 per night (2BR/4 guests); $457 / night (3BR/6 guests).
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See more villas on Virgin Gorda
See more villas on Tortola
Antigua Sailing Week – April 30 to May 6
Probably the premiere sailing event in the entire Caribbean, Antigua’s famous Sailing Week regularly attracts Olympic and world champions to its extravagant events. The action unfurls from Nelson’s Dockyard and includes a ‘round the island race and a bareboat championship.
Villas available in Antigua during Sailing Week:
 Montserrat View
4 bedroom beachfront villa in Jolly Harbor. $1,429 per night (up to 8 guests).
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 Bougainvillea House
5 bedroom villa overlooking Antigua’s west coast. $2,150 per night (4 bedrooms/8 guests); $2,580 per night (5 bedrooms/10 guests).
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 Sehil Villa
3 bedroom beachfront villa on Brown’s Bay. $699 per night (up to 6 guests).
Request more info
See more villas in Antigua
Red Sky at Night, Sailor’s Delight?
This old proverb’s been around forever – there’s even a version of it in the Bible - but is there actually scientific truth in the saying? All signs point to yes. Weather experts claim that a red-tinged sky in the evening usually precedes a clear next day because it means that stable, warm air is moving in from the west. |
For more information on these or other villas in the Caribbean, please contact us:
Call 1-877-953-7400 or E-mail
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