Steady Winds for the BVI’s West End Yacht Club
by Paul Carrell
The West End Yacht Club, affectionately known as the “Loyal” West End Yacht Club, has been an integral part of the sailing scene here in the BVI since 1978. Headquartered at Omar’s Fusion restaurant on the Sand Spit on Tortola’s West End, it is a club with a long history of fun events, a colorful membership and a slate of unique races.
Morgan Sanger, who owned the West End Slipway on Frenchman’s Cay, initiated the original cast of characters. Mike MacLean, Disaster Dave, Miss Nancy, Tork, Mad Dog, Candy Man, Carter on Lydia, Katie and Scott on Midnight Rambler, Bill and Carol Coffman, owners of Rob Roy, James Bucannan, Jolly Lou (Louis Schwartz), who owned the Jolly Roger, our clubhouse at the time, and myself were here in West End in the old days.
The wind was steady, the rum was strong and most of the stories at the bar were true. “I can beat your boat” “prove it” and a race was formed. It didn’t take much to convince anyone to pick up anchor and hoist the main. A variety of Swans, as well as the classic vessels Rob Roy, Orianda, Athena, Iolaire, Galatea, Irene, Liberty and Galadrial were some of the regular boats on the race course.
We could never find a heavy enough anchor or enough rope to set the marks properly, so it was often a scavenger hunt to locate them as they drifted out past Little Thatch. In the end we just used islands. They didn’t move.
Presently, the West End Yacht Club’s new commodore Steve Varrow is encouraging many of the old salts and newbies to re-energize the yacht club by entering Youth Instructor (one of the few remaining Tortola sloops) in Foxy’s 50th Wooden Boat Regatta scheduled for March 24 and 25, 2025. Built in the BVI, Youth Instructor is among the historic sailing vessels that once dominated the waters of the Virgin Islands.
Due Youth Instructor’s age and current condition, the boat needs work, so a “Go Fund Me” page has been created to generate some funds to keep the old girl in racing trim.
Volunteers are needed and donations would be gratefully accepted and appreciated. To help go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-west-end-yacht-club-help-get-a-tortola-sloop-restored?attribution_id=sl:15ba6cda-44d7-4278-ab89-1a1ee5fa63b7&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp13_c&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=facebook
There are several other races and events that are planned for the future. The most recent upcoming event would be the aforementioned Wooden Boat Regatta. Foxy and Tessa are integral parts of BVI history, as they have opened their doors to thousands of sailors over the years. Everybody knows Foxy.
Valentine’s day brings the Sweethearts of the Caribbean regatta which features many classic yachts and schooners from the USVI and BVI. There is a single-handed race, a schooner race and as the wooden boats either rotted away or sunk, a “wannabe” classic “plastic” fleet was included so everyone was welcome. It was a well-attended regatta in the past and hopefully will be a popular venue this February.
The Dark and Stormy, Foxy’s Cat Fight, Fire Cracker regatta, Gustav Wilmerding regattas round out the calendar and can be seen on the West End Yacht Club’s website at https://www.westendyachtclubbvi.com/
Today things have changed. There are not many classic boats around anymore but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any boats to compete. Steve the commodore of the WEYC is keen to man the helm and bring the “Loyal’s” back on course. Irma, Covid and time have made it a challenge to keep the lights on but thanks to OMARS, the WEYC has a new home and rumor has it that there will be waterfront access to the clubhouse in the near future.
The WEYC always needs volunteers to help run and organize events and offers an affordable membership fee with good discounts at Omars where sailors and dirt dwellers can mingle and perhaps get a chance to get out on the water together.
Check out the website and the Go Fund Me Page for Youth Instructor and become member of a long-time island tradition.
Foxy’s Wooden Boat Race – A Memorable Event!
And don’t forget to join in the fun of the iconic Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta on May 24th and 25th. It is the event’s 50th anniversary and should be a memorable event bringing together sailors, spectators, and maritime heritage enthusiasts from across the Virgin Islands and beyond.
The regatta has become a beloved tradition in the BVI sailing calendar. This year’s event promises two days of spirited racing, live entertainment, and community celebration set against the vibrant backdrop of Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. It promises to be a truly unforgettable weekend.”
Key Highlights Include:
- Open registration for all sailing vessels – not just wooden boats
- Racing on Saturday & Sunday, with a 10:30 AM start each day
- The return of the Coconut Boat Race on Saturday at 3 PM – open to children and adults
- Buffet dinner at Foxy’s Tamarind Bar on Saturday night from 6 PM
- Prize giving ceremony on Sunday at 3 PM
Spectator Options:
For those who want to witness the racing from the water, the Aristocat Watch Party offers a unique on-the-water experience with drinks, views of the regatta fleet, and a relaxed social atmosphere.
Watch party bookings available at:
https://www.aristocatdaysails.com/charters/foxys-wooden-boat-regatta
Boat registration is still open and available online at:
https://www.westendyachtclubbvi.com/foxyswoodenboat
View the full event schedule:
https://www.westendyachtclubbvi.com/post/foxy-s-wooden-boat-regatta-schedule
Media Contact:
Stephen Varrow
Commodore, West End Yacht Club
Phone: +1 786 246 0809
