By Ted Reshetiloff
Buzz Race Team, based in the British Virgin Islands, has quickly emerged as a formidable force in the highly competitive Diam 24 racing circuit, particularly in events held in the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten. Led by Ted Reshetiloff, Leo Whitting, and Olivier Pilon, the team has consistently secured podium finishes in major regattas. As they set their sights on greater success, they are also actively seeking sponsorships to fuel their journey.
The 2023/2024 World Diam Tour Caribbean season marked Buzz Race Team’s debut in the one-design Diam 24 class. Their breakthrough moment came at the 44th Sint Maarten Heineken Regatta in early 2024. Racing against nine identical trimarans, they secured finishes of 2nd, 3rd, and 2nd over four days, earning them 2nd place overall.
The momentum continued in April at the third edition of the Friars Bay Race. The two-day event presented by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) challenged competitors with a course stretching from Simpson Bay to Galis Bay and Friars Bay. Buzz Race Team dominated the first day of racing, sitting at the top of the leaderboard. They would finish second overall.
Later that year, the team competed in the SMYC’s Grant Thornton Keelboat Season Championship on November 27. The race day was not without drama, as a dismasting incident among competitors added an unexpected twist. Despite the challenges, Buzz Race Team remained focused and emerged victorious in the Diam 24 class.
In 2025, they returned to the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta for its 45th edition, embracing a new challenge — the introduction of beach-stadium racing in Grand Case. Once again facing 10 other Diam 24 teams, they adapted quickly to the innovative format, although a premature start penalty proved costly in one race, affecting the overall standing.
At the heart of Buzz Race Team is a trio of experienced sailors whose combined knowledge and skill have been instrumental in their success. Ted Reshetiloff, originally from Annapolis, Maryland, now resides in Tortola, where he manages B+G Marine Services at Nanny Cay. His extensive background in yacht sales with BVI Yacht Sales, refit management, and finance background provides a solid foundation for the team. His past victories include a first-place finish in the IC24 class at the 2016 BVI Dinghy Championships.
Leo Whitting, a marine engineer, brings a wealth of expertise from his work with Salvage Sails in the BVI, including years of experience in marine systems repair, maintenance, and optimization for high-performance racing. His background in maxi yacht racing further enhances his competitive edge.
Olivier Pilon is best known for his success in the F18 catamaran class with Team Pilon Racing. His extensive knowledge of boat handling, sail trim, and tactical decision-making has been a key factor in the team’s performance in the Diam 24 circuit.
As Buzz Race Team looks to the future, its members understand well that competitive racing at this level requires significant financial support, from equipment maintenance to travel expenses and entry fees. With aspirations to expand a presence on the international stage, the team is actively seeking partnerships with brands and businesses looking to align themselves with a group that embodies skill, teamwork, and perseverance.
Follow Buzz Race Team on social media.
The author is a broker with BVI Yacht Sales Ltd. in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Reach him at Ted@BuzzRaceTeam.org.
