March 24, 2002 – "We're All in the Same Boat" is the theme of the Rolex Regatta Weekend. The Hospitality Focus Group is planning lots of associated activities of interest to visitors and residents during the long weekend of March 26-31.
Rolex Regatta Weekend Expands With Associated Activities for Everyone
With the theme "We're All in The Same Boat," the Hospitality Focus Group has set out to expand the Regatta Weekend this year to include more island residents and visitors.
The "weekend" will now begin on Thursday, March 28th with a special U.S.V.I. Governor's Race. An awards ceremony that evening will include a special Governor's Trophy award, presented by the V.I. Tourism Department, at a full moon welcome "beach bash" to be held at The Yacht Club. This will be open to the public, and music will be supplied by the "P'Your Passion"
"We're All In The Same Boat" buttons
Carrying on the Hospitality Focus Group's expanded Regatta Weekend theme – specially designed colorful buttons will be offered for sale, bearing the motto for 2002. The buttons will be sold for $5 each and their wearers will receive special discounts at island bars, restaurants and shops during the weekend. They are also expected to become collectibles, with new designs each year.
Students Salute The Virgin Islands Marine Industry – Above, Below and On the Water!
The Hospitality Focus Group is reaching out to the territory's primary and secondary schools during the Regatta Weekend this year – March 26 to 31, 2002. Contests are in progress in art, science and English departments – for paintings, drawings, science projects, essays – all with marine themes. Winning entries will be prominently displayed Saturday, March 30th, at Tillett Gardens, where winning students will be recognized.
Saturday Afternoon at Tillett Gardens Features A Variety of Goings-on
There'll be steel pan entertainment from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, as part of Regatta Weekend festivities,
Then from 2 to 4 p.m., several representatives of the marine industry will speak on the industry's history and its important impact on the territory.
Presentations include Bobby Danet, discussing the history, with his keeled hull traditional racing sloop on display; Rik Van Rensselaer, President of the V.I. Marine Industry Association, on the revitalization of the industry; and UVI's Dr. Rick Nemeth, speaking on the future of our ecosystem and its effect on the mrine industry.
Everyone is invited, and parents are urged to bring their children to learn more about this part of the Virgin Islands experience. There will be entertainment, and lunch is available at The Pub in the Tillett complex. As an added attraction, see some of the island students' ideas about this fascinating business, as they display their art, essays and science projects for exciting prizes.
St. Thomas/St. John Hotel and Tourism Association Scholarship Fund Benefits From the Regatta Weekend
The Ninth Life Gallery is displaying a variety of marine-themed works of art during the Regatta Weekend – and has pledged 30 percent of the proceeds of works sold during this time to the St. Thomas/St. John Hotel and Tourism Association Scholarship Fund.
Be A Pirate For A Night In Red Hook
Prove to yourself that "We're All In The Same Boat" as the Hospitality Focus Group urges you to get into the swim at a "Pirate's Night" block party in Red Hook from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 30th. Shops remain open; bars and restaurants will feature special "Pirate" themes; music will be non-stop while you Party Like A Pirate. Costumes are encouraged. And don't forget to wear your "We're All In The Same Boat" button for special discounts.
View The Rolex Regatta Race from a Coral World Vantage Point
If you happen to be bringing the family for Coral World's traditional Easter Sunday festivities – face painting, Easter baskets for all, having a picture taken with a tropical bird – you will have the opportunity to see world class sailors compete in the Rolex Regatta as the boats race past Coral World from possibly the best land vantage point.