Spectacular Close to the 50th St. Thomas International Regatta Amid Ideal Sailing Conditions

The 50th St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR) wrapped up with a vibrant display of spinnakers against the backdrop of St. Thomas’ shores, marking a grand finale to the fiercely competitive sailing event. Sailors were treated to ideal wind conditions, ranging from 10 to 17 knots, veering into the consistent easterlies—a welcome shift from the earlier unpredictability.

The competition’s final day saw the IC24 Class engaging in spirited round-the-buoy races in Great Bay, while the broader fleet tackled a demanding 14-nautical mile circuit. This course took them around the rocky outskirts of Pillsbury Sound and past the scenic contours of St. John.

Victories were claimed across six classes, with “Flying Jenny” leading the charge in the CSA 1 Class, featuring the thrilling one-design fleet of Cape 31s. The race was a nail-biter to the end, with the overall champion only decided in the final moments.

Rob Greenhalgh, tactician for the “Flying Jenny,” reflected on their victory, stating, “The race was ours to win at the regatta’s onset, and securing our position at the pin end was crucial. A mid-course wind shift ramped up the challenge, yet we managed to finish a full minute ahead of our closest rivals.”

In the CSA 2 Class, “Apollo,” helmed by Donald Nicholson, captured the title, marking their third participation with a much-celebrated win. Nicholson attributed their success to a combination of factors, including a well-prepared boat, an exceptional crew, and the enchanting allure of the STIR regatta. He eagerly anticipates their return.

Keki Figueroa of Puerto Rico led his Melges 24 “Exodus” to triumph in the CSA 3 Class, echoing his victory in the Hobie class two decades earlier. Figueroa credited their win to the team’s longstanding cohesion and vigilant wind observation.

Local contender Lawrence Aqui, with his team on “Wild T’ing,” took top honors in the CSA Non-Spinnaker Class, underscoring the critical role of teamwork and intimate local knowledge for navigating the islands’ challenging waters.

The One-Design IC24 Class, featuring a competitive fleet of 15 boats, was once again dominated by St. Thomas’ own Cy Thompson on “Bill T.” Thompson praised his crew’s synergy and adaptability under unique conditions.

Additionally, the regatta showcased the prowess of Hobie Waves sailors, with Chris Curreri on “OT the App” leading the fleet. Young talents Will Zimmerman and Finn Hodgins also made their mark, signaling a promising future for sailing in the region.

This year’s STIR not only celebrated its 50th anniversary but also highlighted the enduring spirit and camaraderie of the sailing community, setting a high bar for future regattas.