Welcome Sailors
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the 39th annual International Rolex Regatta. On behalf of the St. Thomas Yacht Club and the title sponsor Rolex, we are honored to offer sailors from around the world three days of unparalleled competition and shore side excitement.
The last full weekend of March is now etched into every racer’s calendar as the time when the “Crown Jewel” of Caribbean racing takes place--where sailors can experience our reliable breezes, warm azure waters and world-renowned Island hospitality. If you’ve joined us in the past, you know that the competition and the camaraderie are unsurpassed. If you are contemplating making the trek for the first time, please know that we will do our utmost to make it a special regatta just for you.
We pride ourselves on running a regatta that is easy to participate in, but a challenge to win. From registration to scoring, from complimentary breakfast to post-race island style BBQ with rum, the regatta is run by our Yacht Club. From your mooring in Christmas Cove, it’s mere minutes to and from the race course each day, allowing you to take full advantage of all the Club and Islands have to offer.
Our courses are a high caliber mix of round the island distance races designed to test your skills and showcase our stunning shoreline. Reliable tradewinds ensure the excellent conditions you’ve come to expect year after year. We are delighted to welcome back Principal Race Officers David Brennan & Dick Neville, along with Chief Judge Brad Dellenbaugh and his team of top-tier international judges. As always, the dedicated and hard working volunteers from St. Thomas Yacht Club will provide the “people power” for the events on land and at sea.
This year’s day one morning course offers a downwind start and stretches to Charlotte Amalie Harbor, giving the racers an opportunity to see St. Thomas’ beautiful and historic capital. The afternoon race starts in town and finishes back at the Club. Day two’s 'round-the-rocks' racing will take you along the south shore of St. John. The final day’s racing takes place on scenic Pillsbury Sound, in and around our beautiful Cays. The Rolex Awards Ceremony, which takes place on the beach Sunday evening, will again be of epic memory-making proportions, highlighted by the presentation of an abundance of prizes and video by t2p.tv.
The International Rolex Regatta, not the largest, but undeniably the finest Caribbean Regatta.
- Bill Canfield, Shep Barrows & John Sweeney
Regatta Directors
Friends of the St. Thomas International Rolex Regatta
On behalf of the Flag Officers, Governors, and members of the St. Thomas Yacht Club, it is my distinct honor to welcome you to the 39th International Rolex Regatta. Since 1974, we have proudly hosted this prestigious sailing event. Over three days, the finest yachtsmen and yachtswomen from around the Caribbean, United States, and Europe join in world-class racing in the spectacular environment and on the warm, clear waters surrounding our Club. The culmination of this lively competition is presentation of coveted Rolex timepieces to winners of select classes.
The 2011 Regatta was a resounding success on which the dedicated Rolex Committee will surely build. Competitors can rely on another regatta with hotly contested one-design and grand prix racing, along with spirited sailing in cruising classes. The picturesque distance races from the East End of St. Thomas to Charlotte Amalie harbor and back have established themselves as an Island tradition. The beautiful and yet tactically demanding Pillsbury Sound Race in and among the cays of St. Thomas and St. John, is a highlight of the Regatta. This ‘Sunday drive’ has decided final standings in most classes each of the last five years.
On the beaches of beautiful Cowpet Bay, the volunteers and staff of the St. Thomas Yacht Club will again demonstrate the personal touch and generous hospitality for which our Club is famous. You will find the very best in entertainment when our Club transforms itself into a bustling place for sailors and their families and locals to re-establish old friendships and forge new rivalries. And most of all to have a great time!
I look forward to seeing you at the 2012 International Rolex Regatta. Please enjoy our Yacht Club, our hospitality, and our Island home.
- Boyd Sprehn
2012 Commodore, St. Thomas Yacht Club
Message From The Governor
On behalf of the people and Government of the United States Virgin Islands, I am honored to invite the world’s sailing community to St. Thomas for the 39th annual International Rolex Regatta. We are proud that this well-known and international event continues to attract the best sailors to our Territory and the Caribbean’s legendary sailing waters.
If you have participated in previous Virgin Islands Race Weeks, you are well aware of the wonderful hospitality of the St. Thomas Yacht Club in particular, and the community of St. Thomas in general. If you are considering attendance for the first time, let me assure you that you will not be disappointed with either the racing competition, the social activities, or the island atmosphere. Our entire community looks forward to the International Rolex Regatta and its related events. As soon as you step foot on St. Thomas, you will feel the excitement generated by the gathering of the world’s best sailors and vessels for a week of unsurpassed racing and fun.
While on St. Thomas, I urge you to explore the island, visit our historical district, sample our top restaurants and luxury shops, and get to know our people. If time permits, please visit St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island. You will learn that the Territory offers a variety of experiences to visitors and that each of our islands is a unique destination waiting to be discovered.
Please mark your calendars now for March of 2012 and the International Rolex Regatta. You will never regret your decision to participate in the premiere racing event in the Caribbean! I look forward to meeting you!
- John P. De Jongh, Jr.
Governor of the United States Virgin Islands
Want to Volunteer?
As always, the dedicated and hard working volunteers from St. Thomas Yacht Club provide the "people power" for the event, both on land and at sea. Please help make this year's regatta another rousing success.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Race Committee
- Parking Committee
- Committee Desk
- Merchandise/Retail Sales
- Dock Master
- Race Equipment
- Food/Breakfast set up
- Grip/set-up and breakdown
- Public Relations
All we ask is that you are willing to work long hours for no pay. If you like helping people and enjoy the satisfaction of working with other Club members in a worthwhile endeavor.
You can help by volunteering your time, your home or apartment, your boat(s), your talent or anything else you think would help make the regatta a success, please contact Bill or John at irregatta@gmail.com. We'll be in touch with you without delay. And if the above is not incentive enough, if you volunteer, you will be invited to the "Post Regatta Thank You" where you'll receive a great gift.
(Full Sponsor List)
6224 Estate Nazareth St. Thomas, USVI 00802 | Phone +1 340-775-6320
Web Site by Virgin Islands Now