St. Thomas International Regatta, Three Sheets Regatta & Rally and Virgin Islands Boating Expo join forces for four days of racing, cruising, yacht shopping and shoreside festivities
ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Three of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ signature sailing and boating events will come together April 8–11, 2027, for the inaugural USVI Sailing Week. The four-day celebration brings together the St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR), Three Sheets Regatta & Rally, and Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE), creating a week of competitive racing, island-to-island rally sailing, yacht shopping, demonstrations and shoreside events across St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Nightly parties, prize-givings, live music and drinks will round out the festivities.
“A highlight will be stadium-style IC24 racing off the Charlotte Amalie waterfront, putting spectators close to the action,” said Bobby Brooks, STIR co-director with Greer Scholes and director of the St. Thomas Sailing Center. “Add VIBE at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande, daily awards, and parties every night, and it’s a great way to showcase sailing and boating in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
STIR: Tradition Meets What’s Next
USVI Sailing Week kicks off Thursday, April 8, with the Round the Rocks Race, a lap around neighboring St. John. The first warning signal is scheduled for 11 a.m., with the fleet sailing clockwise or counterclockwise depending on conditions. Prizes will follow at St. Thomas Yacht Club, and the boat recording the best elapsed time around the full St. John course will earn a perpetual trophy. Entry is $50 per boat.
The 53rd St. Thomas International Regatta follows April 9–11, featuring the steady trade winds, competitive fleets and island courses for which STIR has become known. Racing is open to CSA, ORC and IRC boats, multihulls, bareboats, Class40s, IC24s, ISCAs, Hobie Waves, Wing Foilers and accepted one-design classes.
Sailors can bring their own boats or charter locally. The St. Thomas Sailing Center offers IC24s and Hobie Waves, as well as wingfoil equipment. A new 12-day, two-regatta IC24 charter package will also allow sailors to compete in both the BVI Spring Regatta, April 2–4, and STIR. The package is priced at $6,800 per boat and accommodates teams of four to five sailors. Individual BVI Spring Regatta and STIR charter packages are also available.
Three Sheets: Three Islands & 100 Nautical Miles
For sailors looking to combine competition with island-hopping, the Three Sheets Regatta & Rally offers approximately 100 nautical miles of racing and cruising-style rallying between St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Participants can sail the entire event or select individual legs. The rally begins April 8 with Round the Rocks around St. John before heading to Christiansted, St. Croix; Charlotte Amalie and VIBE at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande; and finally St. Thomas Yacht Club for the prize-giving.
Parties and live music are planned at each nightly stop. Waypoints Yacht Charters is also offering visiting sailors a 10% discount on charter rates for participation in the rally.
VIBE: See It. Sea Trial It. Make It Yours
On shore, the Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE) will bring sail and power yachts for sale and charter to IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande. Hosted by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), VIBE gives visitors an opportunity to tour yachts, take demo sails and sea trials, browse marine products and services, and explore diving, fishing, sailing and other watersports.
Boat buyers can also learn more about the advantages of purchasing in the USVI, which has no sales tax and offers duty-free allowances. VIBE attendees will have opportunities to watch racing action and finishes from the water, while shuttle transportation between Yacht Haven Grande and St. Thomas Yacht Club will connect the expo and regatta activities.
Getting to the USVI
St. Thomas offers nonstop air service from numerous major U.S. gateways as well as regional Caribbean connections. Visitors can stay shoreside or afloat, with accommodations ranging from resorts, hotels and inns to villas, timeshares and charter yachts.
Event Information
St. Thomas International Regatta / Three Sheets Regatta & Rally
Bobby Brooks, Regatta Co-Director
Phone: (340) 690-3681
Email: director@stthomassailingcenter.com
Instagram: @STIRVI / @threesheetsregatta
Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE)
Phone: (340) 642-0654
Email: info@vibe.vi
Instagram: @vibe.usvi
Media Contact
Carol Bareuther
Tel/WhatsApp: (340) 998-3650
Email: bareuther@earthlink.net
