Please select your home edition
Edition
Henri-Lloyd Dynamic Range

Change of date for 2026 BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival

by BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival 6 Jun 17:07 UTC March 23-29, 2026
Scenic race courses in the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival © Alex Turnbull / Tidal Pulse Media

For 2026, the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival has moved the event forward a week from previously published dates to March 23-29. Additionally, Scrub Island will now kick off the Sailing Festival, and the Nanny Cay Cup Round Tortola Race has moved to Wednesday (March 25, 2026).

Chris Haycraft, BVI Spring Regatta chairman explained: "Historically our competitors have run into a number of logistical obstacles with the event taking place over the Easter period. This move should make it easier to attend in terms of flight, accommodation, and boat availability."

He added, "Swapping the two races of the Sailing Festival gives competitors a shorter race for the first day, allowing them to shakedown their crew and hone their teamwork before the 36NM romp around Tortola."?

With over 60 islands and cays, and sheltered sailing waters, the British Virgin Islands are known as the 'Sailing Capital of the World'.

In five days of racing, the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival embraces its unique topography, setting courses that create a bucket list regatta using a combination of islands and buoys. This format provides a scenic tour of the BVI, matched with perfect courses for all classes. The racing is managed by a world-class race management team with two course areas, ensuring that the right classes get the right courses and racing for the day.

The Regatta attracts a diverse fleet of international racing boats in addition to a strong bareboat fleet. Sailors can enjoy the two-day Sailing Festival, the three-day BVI Spring Regatta, or all five days of racing.?

While most sailors compete on their own boats, a sizeable number of the annual fleet compete on charter boats, and there are plenty of charter options available, from bareboat to performance race boats.

Sponsorship & Support

Nanny Cay Resort & Marina returns as host and presenting sponsor for the 24th year. The focal point of regatta social activities for the week is the Regatta Village at Nanny Cay which features the Big Top bar, satellite bars, food village, nightly DJs and live bands, tastings and demos, Moko Jumbies, art shows and more.

"The BVI Spring Regatta is one of the most popular regattas in the Caribbean," said Miles Sutherland Pilch, general manager of Nanny Cay. "At Nanny Cay we quite proudly feel that our staff, facilities and well-oiled regatta team play a big part in its continued growth and success. We're very pleased to continue our support of this event that showcases the BVI and its spectacular sailing conditions."

The Government of the Virgin Islands (GOVI) has increased its support of the event for 2026 and echoing Miles' sentiments, Cayley Smit, BVI Spring Regatta organiser said:

"Annually the BVI Spring Regatta brings sailors and spectators to the territory, and our year-round global marketing showcases the stunning scenery and boating life in the BVI. The ongoing development of art and culture displays and activities within the Regatta Village showcasing BVI culture, natural environment and maritime heritage is a new facet of the event that is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainability."

Long-time Regatta partner, The Moorings has also already committed its support for 2026. Ian Pedersen, senior marketing manager at The Moorings & Sunsail, said:

"The Moorings is proud to continue our sponsorship of the BVI Spring Regatta, one of the premier events on the Caribbean racing circuit, and one that is near and dear to our hearts. We look forward to working with the BVISR organising committee to host another incredible event, and once again welcome sailors from all over the world to experience this incomparable sailing ground."

For further information, please go to bvispringregatta.org

Related Articles

BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival overall
Solid teamwork & consistency pay off under challenging conditions Wrapping up day 3 of the 52nd BVI Spring Regatta, following several days of relentless high winds, competitors will importantly remember the final day of racing: a picture-perfect Caribbean racing day with temperatures in the mid 80's, warm trades. Posted on 7 Apr
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival day 2
Great racing and sighs of relief as conditions mellow Day 2 of racing in the BVI Spring Regatta saw few lead changes with teams at the top of their class holding firm. Posted on 6 Apr
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival day 4
It was time to enjoy a rum or two in the Nanny Cay Regatta Village The breeze was full-on for Mount Gay Rum Race Day at the BVI Spring Regatta, with all classes enjoying some spectacular racing. Posted on 5 Apr
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival day 3
Excitement on the docks as big breeze lines up for thrilling racing There's no shortage of talent or breeze in the BVI as almost eighty boats prepare to assume the challenge in the 52nd edition of the BVI Spring Regatta which starts Friday in the stunning Caribbean waters off Nanny Cay Resort and Marina. Posted on 4 Apr
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival day 2
A wild and windy day for the Scrub Island Invitational With gusts hitting 30+ knots in a particularly dark squall that hit the racecourse, washing off the salty water that had already drenched those sailors on the rail as big seas washed over the sides. Posted on 3 Apr
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival Day 1
Round Tortola Race for the Nanny Cay Cup goes to Airgasm and Warthog Today was a fast one for those racing in the Round Tortola Race for the Nanny Cay Cup event as breeze in the low 20s, hitting the high 20s during several big squalls that blasted through the course, kept sailors on their toes and weight on the rails. Posted on 2 Apr
Registration open for the BVI Sailing Festival
Event host Nanny Cay and the BVISR Regatta Team are welcoming crews from 15 countries Event host Nanny Cay and the BVISR Regatta Team are welcoming crews from 15 countries, as well as local sailors from the BVI and other Caribbean islands, who are all looking forward to racing and having fun in the spectacular British Virgin Islands. Posted on 31 Mar
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival Preview
Accomplished line-up of international competition ready for hot racing & cool parties! Boats from fourteen different countries - and racing enthusiasts from many more - are about to converge upon the stunning British Virgin Islands sailing grounds for the 52nd BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival. Posted on 27 Mar
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival preview
Warm Water. Hot Racing. Solid Sponsors. Memorable Parties! In less than four weeks, the 52nd edition of the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival (BVISR) will get under way, this year welcoming a ten-strong VX One fleet returning to the BVI Spring Regatta after a long hiatus. Posted on 6 Mar
52nd BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival Preview
Seven-day event of 'Warm Water and Hot Racing' Registration has opened for the 52nd BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival. The seven-day event of 'Warm Water and Hot Racing' takes place March 31-April 6, 2025 and is one of the top events in the Caribbean sailing calendar. Posted on 21 Sep 2024
Mackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOMSea Sure 2025Armstrong 728x90 - HA Foil Range - BOTTOM