The world-renowned event was scheduled to run from March 29 to April 4, 2021. But organisers said they decided to put off the regatta for yet another year after discussions with the Ministry of Health.

They said another year-long postponement was in the best interest of the safety of all participants, volunteers, and the wider BVI community.

“As much as we would have loved to welcome everyone back to the BVI, the most important factors are health and safety for all … “Our international participants understand the situation and are already planning for the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival in March 2022,” Regatta Director, Judy Petz said.

“We hope that as COVID-19 vaccination programs progress and international travel restrictions are lifted, that it will become safer for people to travel and participate in events like ours,” she added.

“We look forward to making next year a terrific event, one that all of our participants, sponsors and the community can look forward to,” Petz further stated.

A press statement from the BVI Spring Regatta on Thursday said the postponement is a “financial blow” to the event’s organisers.

This postponement also hurts the local economy which organisers say enjoy a $4 million benefit from the event each year.

“This loss to the local economy these past two years due to the pandemic has been devastating, particularly to the yachting sector,” the press statement said.

In the meantime, the next staging of the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival is scheduled for March 28 – April 3, 2022.