VX One Caribbean Cup to be held during BVI Spring Regatta 2016

In a joint statement, the St. Thomas International Regatta and BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival announced their partnership with VX One to host the first VX One Caribbean Cup in 2016. Already plans are underway for 2016 just as the events wrap a successful 2015.

The all-new VX One Caribbean Cup will give racers the opportunity to compete in a VX One one-design class in two of the Caribbean's most foremost regattas - St. Thomas International Regatta (March 25-27, 2016) and BVI Spring Regatta (April 1-3, 2016).

Currently, 12 boats from the VX One North American class association have committed to participate in this inaugural event and the class expects continued interest. Each regatta event in the VX One Caribbean Cup will be scored separately and winners will be awarded. After all racing concludes a perpetual trophy will be presented at the BVI Spring Regatta awards ceremony to the overall winner of both events.

The new VX One will be an exciting addition for each of the regattas, and organizers are delighted by the entry of a fresh, new class. Judy Petz, Director of BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival, said "We are honoured by the overwhelming reception from VX One owners who are prepared to bring their boats. The Caribbean Cup program is a true testament to what can be accomplished with an experienced team and passion for sailing. The BVI Spring Regatta has been developing a professionally run one-design area, with top race officials and courses that will suit these boats really well. We are excited to welcome the pioneers of the class, which we are sure many more will follow."

Bill Canfield, STIR's Regatta Director, remarked, "St. Thomas International Regatta is thrilled to have the VX One fleet joining our 2016 event. We believe that new classes in the Caribbean are the future of our racing program, so congratulations to VX One for taking the plunge!"

The international racing scene is all too familiar with these regattas, both of which have been highlights on the Caribbean Sailing Association calendar for more than 40 years. They attract racers and spectators from around the world, who return annually for the unparalleled competition, shore side parties and world-renowned Caribbean hospitality.

Tim Pitts, Vice President of VX One Class Association, remarked, "The 2016 VX One Caribbean Cup will be our class' first international event, and we are thrilled to be associated with these two prestigious regattas. The VX One design is a revolutionary concept, and there is no better way to showcase her capabilities than to host our first international series in the Caribbean. It's home to the world's best sailing grounds!"

A native of the USVI, Pitts knows the waters well and participated in both STIR and BVISR seven times before the age of 18. According to Pitts, "The Caribbean offers the ideal sailing conditions for the VX One. The boat is a rocket ship that sails well in 5 knots or 25 knots, and can be raced competitively with a crew of 2 to 3. It was built to deliver inexpensive, high performance sailing and move efficiently around the world. In the past, it has been cost prohibitive to readily move an entire fleet, but the VX One design overcomes these logistical challenges."

Interested in racing or learning more? Join the conversation on the event's Official Facebook Page VX One Caribbean Cup - www.facebook.com/VXOneCaribbeanCup - for the latest news, photos, and videos or to connect with other VX One racers. More details regarding registration, logistical arrangements and the overall program will be announced soon.