International
50 YEARS OF WAVES
BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival Set For March 27 – April 2
70-Strong Fleet for 2023 Special Edition
In 1972, over 20 boats sailed in the first British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta. Spectators and sailing enthusiasts, witnessed the yacht Nutmeg skippered by British sailor Alex Forbes crossed the finish line first in the one-design fleet race – the Squid Class.
Fast forward to fifty years later, this year between March 27 – April 2, 70 boats from across the world will compete in the British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival 50th Anniversary Special.
“The BVI Spring Regatta is in our core circuit and has always been a fun time for us with great competition and fun times,” shared skipper Fuzzy Stoddard on the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival web page.
He is the owner of the J/130 Bad Decisions, which has been around the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and surrounding areas since 1980.
“Racing the boat around all the little islands, the courses are different, challenging and so much fun – that is what sets BVISR apart from other regattas for us. This is our first regatta as a team, and we are looking to have a great time.”
Returning this year is Peter Corr, owner and skipper of Blitz, a Summit/King 40’ designed by Mark Mills.
“It is a great team that’s been together for a long time and we race very hard. Last year we won St Thomas, Voiles de St Barts, and Antigua Sailing Week including the Lord Nelson Trophy for best race boat across all classes,” Corr shared with the Regatta media team.
Sailors from Tortola, Puerto Rico, Antigua, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, the United States, United Kingdom and Australia are excited to return to the open sea in the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival 50th Anniversary Special.
Click the below link for photos of the 2022 BVI Spring Regatta.
Dame Pereira, who hails from North Sound, Virgin Gorda, has had a distinguished legal career that began when she was called to the Bar of the Virgin Islands in 1981. Rising through the ranks of the judiciary, she became a High Court Judge in 2003 and was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2009. On October 24, 2012, she made history as the first female Chief Justice of the ECSC, a position she held with distinction until her retirement earlier this year in St. Kitts and Nevis. Her legal career has spanned over three decades, marked by numerous groundbreaking achievements and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley of the Virgin Islands lauded Dame Pereira’s appointment in a social media post, describing it as “well-deserved” and noting her inspirational impact on the Virgin Islands community. “Your achievements inspire us all!” Premier Wheatley declared, emphasizing the pride that her accomplishments have brought to the region.
The Privy Council appointments, officially announced on August 28, also include notable figures such as Baroness Eluned Morgan MS, the First Minister of Wales, and John Swinney MS, the First Minister of Scotland.
The Privy Council remains one of the oldest government institutions in the UK, advising the sovereign on matters of state and governance.
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo won gold in the men’s 200 meters final on Thursday, August 8, finishing with a time of 19.46 seconds, the fourth-fastest in Olympic history.
Tebogo’s victory overshadowed the struggles of American star Noah Lyles, who crossed the line in third after revealing he was battling COVID-19. Following the race, Lyles was assisted off the track in a wheelchair.
Lyles’ finish for the second consecutive Olympics left fans and competitors in shock. Despite his health struggles, Lyles managed to finish in 19.70 seconds, falling to his back in pain as he grappled with the effects of the virus that had impacted him throughout his Olympic journey.
As Lyles dealt with his medical issues, Kenny Bednarek secured silver with a time of 19.62 seconds.
Lyles’ condition became evident a night earlier when he finished second in a semifinal and headed to the medical tent without speaking to the press. Despite reassurances from his coach that he was fine, it was clear something was wrong as the final unfolded.
As the runners approached the homestretch, Lyles fell behind, unable to summon his finishing kick. What was once a reliable surge in the final stretch transformed into a push for the line, culminating in a collapse onto the purple track, marking a conclusion to his Olympic journey.
Photo: John David Mercer Photo USA Today
At just 18 years old, Adaejah Hodge has made a mark at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Competing in the 200m semifinals at the iconic Stade de France, Hodge clocked in at 22.70 seconds, securing 8th place in her heat and 17th overall in the semifinals. She becomes the first athlete from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to advance to an Olympic semifinal in the 200m event.
“Before the race, I was talking to myself to get amped up, and it seemed to work because I actually lowered my time,” Hodge shared with the BVI Olympic Association, reflecting on her pre-race routine. “Just finding exercises like those to prepare me for the race is what I was doing. Throughout the race, I just trusted my training, trusted what I’ve been doing leading up to this point. I think I executed my race well. I’m only 18, so I’m looking forward to the next event, which is the U20s in Peru, and dominate there.”
Earlier in the day, she qualified through the Repechage event.
Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Hodge acknowledged the challenges of competing on such a grand stage. “It’s very hard to go out into the crowd — everyone screaming — so getting comfortable in the situation with all those fans and allowing myself to be Adaejah Hodge is something I will need to do,” she noted.
As the youngest competitor in her event at Paris 2024, she has set a high bar for future competitions.
The U20 Championships in Peru await, where Hodge is determined to build on her Olympic experience.
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