St. Thomas, USVI. Yacht Haven Grande, named the Superyacht Marina of the Year in 2016, will provide sponsorship support to the 2017 St. Thomas International Regatta, organizers are delighted to announce. The St. Thomas International Regatta, set for March 24 to 26, will host its annual much-anticipated ‘Party Like a Sailor’ celebration on March 25 at Yacht Haven Grande, an ideal base for Grand Prix race programs.
Photo: Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas, from the water. Credit: Courtesy YHG.
“Yacht Haven Grade endeavours to promote all marine recreation and conservation activities in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” explains general manager, Mike Revier. “The St. Thomas Yacht Club is among the many local organizations who continually exhibit dedication to both the natural and community resources of St. Thomas, and so we support them however possible. Additionally, we believe sailing regattas are under-discovered spectator sports and we want to help expose the local and international community to these exiting marine events.”
Yacht Haven Grande is one of a network of 13 marinas operating in seven countries that are managed by the Fort Lauderdale, Florida-headquartered IGY Marinas. The marina complex is unique in the region for its ability to support vessels with drafts more than 16-feet (5 meters) and beams in excess of 65-feet (20 meters), while also providing ample space for rigging and other logistical activities, all within minutes of a major shipping terminal. Additionally, Yacht Haven Grande partners with several high caliber vendors and service providers and offers fantastic social opportunities only steps from the docks.
“All social and dinning events at Yacht Haven Grande are special because we have the most beautiful and luxurious public access property in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The St. Thomas International Regatta party is especially exciting because of the energy buzzing through the crowd as the regatta culminates in this beautiful setting after days of hard racing and competition,” says Revier.
There are several superb social opportunities only steps from the Yacht Haven Grande docks. Marina guests have exclusive access to all the property’s hospitality facilities, including a private gym, pool and sports courts. There is also free Wi-Fi and lounge areas for vessel crew, as well as multiple dinning and shopping options on property. Furthermore, Yacht Haven Grande’s staff of marine professionals can understand and facilitate any special requests typical of grand prix yachts, drawling upon local and on-site resources as needed.
Photo: St. Thomas International Regatta ‘Party Like a Sailor’ party at Yacht Haven Grande. Credit: Dean Barnes
We are delighted to once again welcome Yacht Haven Grande aboard as a sponsor of the St. Thomas International Regatta. This much-appreciated backing provides us with a trio of excellent opportunities. First, the chance to show our visiting sailors more of our beautiful island. Secondly, a central spot to easily host our local residents to share in the fun, and thirdly, an opportunity for sailors to see the marina’s facilities to support Grand Prix race programs.”
The St. Thomas International Regatta, now in its forty-fourth year, is a world-class event renowned for its fantastic round the buoys and round the islands racing, first-class race committee and friendly can-do attitude towards its competitors. Over 80 entries, including a sleek fleet of offshore catamarans, plus one-design C&C 30’s and home-grown IC24s are expected in 2017. Additionally, the second annual Round the Rocks Race, a circumnavigation of the neighboring island of St. John will take place March 23.
Register online at www.stthomasinternationalregatta.com. Both events promise challenging courses, professional race management and island-style hospitality. Register in CSA (Racing or Cruising); IRC; ORC; Multihull; Beach Cat or One Design classes with a minimum length of 20 feet.
The NOR is available at www.stthomasinternationalregatta.com. For more information, contact Regatta Director Chuck Pessler at (340) 642-3204 or Email: cpessler@hotmail.com. Check STIR out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/stirvi), Twitter @ and Instagram #STIRVI
