Jet off to the British Virgin Islands for the Superyacht Regatta

This March Virgin Gorda, one of the four main islands that make up the British Virgin Islands, will welcome some of the most magnificent superyachts in the world for the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta.
 

The archipelago of over 50 islands is home to just 30,000 residents, yet is a prime destination for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. While many of these dock on the islands from cruise ships, a spectacular fleet of some of the most impressive sail and motor yachts will come together for the seventh year to be seen on the international stage.

 

 
Organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) and Boat International Media, the regatta offers first-class racing in the crystal-clear waters of the British Virgin Islands with a whole host of exclusive social events hosted in and around Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Marina and Clubhouse in Virgin Gorda. For easiest access to the islands book a light aircraft to arrive at Virgin Gorda Airport.
 
Yacht racing - Image courtesy of Boat International
 

Running from March 10th to March 13th, the opening Friday allows time for registration, practice, and captains’ briefing as well as the opportunity to socialise, with the Oil Nut Bay Owners’ Beach Barbecue Lunch in the day and welcome drinks and barbecue at YCCS.

Racing starts the following day on the Saturday and runs for 3 days, though when not involved in that the Oil Nut Bay Beach Club (which includes a new spa) provides a perfect place to relax and indulge – not to mention planned evening events at the YCCS Club House and the Sunday night end of regatta beach party at the Bitter End Yacht Club. After prize giving and drinks during the late afternoon on Monday why not stay and enjoy more of the islands?
 
Crystal clear waters - perfect for snorkeling
 

Virgin Gorda is home to the unique geological formations known as The Baths, forming a National Park with the surrounding bays. Here swim or snorkel and take in the tidal pools, tunnels and caves ripe for exploration – though go later in the day to miss the crowds who tend to descend in the morning.

There are dozens of idyllic beaches to spend a lazy day on, but if you prefer to find your own secluded spot a good bet is Smuggler’s Cove on Virgin Gorda’s neighbour Tortola, whose reefs keep the boats away and the area calm and quiet. Book a light jet to Roadtown Airport and arrive on Tortola.
 
The island of Tortola
 
For a social vibe head to Jost Van Dyke, the third of the four main islands, where restaurants, beach bars, live music and barbecues provide more typical (though still not too hectic) Caribbean holiday fun, including the well-known Soggy Dollar Bar and its signature Painkiller dark rum cocktail, perfected in the 70s and still a hit with all the visitors.
 
A room at the Bitter End - Image courtesy of Bitter End Yacht Club
 

For places to stay, Bitter End offers great accommodation with three clusters of duplex cottages – Reef, Horizon and Garden – plus the Owner’s Compound with a great room and wraparound porch when you feel like entertaining.
 

For all superyacht fans the British Virgin Islands are an unbeatable destination this March, with plenty to enjoy for those just wanting a luxurious Caribbean getaway, amid a perfect natural setting. Fly to Virgin Gorda Airport or Roadtown Airport and experience the British Virgin Islands in no time!