Round the Rocks and St. Thomas International Regatta - Preview

St. Thomas International Regatta © STIR / Dean Barnes

Caribbean regattas, especially the tune-up third Round the Rocks Race (RTR) set for March 22 and 45th St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR), March 23 to 25, are known for hot competition offshore and cold drinks ashore at nightly parties.

Therefore, organizers are pleased to announce that Rock City Brewing Company is the official sponsor of the RTR, while Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits is the official sponsor of STIR with its Skyy Vodka, Avion Tequila and Mt. Gay Rum brands.

"Local businesses such as our good friends at Rock City Brewing and Southern Glazer's have stepped up to support our regattas despite these incredibly difficult times post-hurricanes," says regatta director, Bill Canfield. "Rock City's sponsorship made it possible for us to host the Round the Rocks race and they are providing their fine hand-crafted beer products for Happy Hour on Thursday night, March 22. Southern Glazer's will be providing free Happy Hour drinks each night after racing for STIR. It fantastic to have such great support from the community."

Rock City Brewing Company, a four-barrel, craft brewery in the U.S. Virgin Islands, will feature its Hull Bay Beach Lager and Dumpster Cock VIPA, as well as kegs of other styles of beer to sample. The Hull Bay Beach Lager, named for the laidback beach on St. Thomas' northside, is refreshing and best enjoyed with a slice of lime. The Dumpster Cock VIPA is a classic West Coast Style IPA (India Pale Ale), has a sweet tropical fruit flavor.

"We are proud to sponsor the Round the Rocks Race. It is a chance for sailors to kick off STIR and for us to showcase our products to local and visiting sailors," says Joseph Brugos, co-owner and brewer at Rock City Brewing Company.

Sponsorship by Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, a premier global beverage distributor for wines and spirits with offices in St. Thomas, will feature three of its brands.

"Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, Skyy Vodka, Mt. Gay Rum, and Avion Tequila are excited to be sponsoring STIR for the 4th year consecutively. We wish good luck and great sailing to everyone," says Jennifer Royal, portfolio manager.

Round the Rocks Race

Set for March 22, the 3rd Round the Rocks Race features a circumnavigation of the 19-square mile neighboring island of St. John. Nearly a dozen boats are registered to compete in this one-day event, complete with its own prizes, that makes a perfect tune-up for STIR.

Register here