Listen & read
Roundabout, Black Pearl, and Peacemaker claim top spots in the 10th Round the Rocks Race around St. John. Six boats set sail in idyllic conditions, featuring east-northeast winds of 10 to 15 knots and mostly sunny skies. The event serves as a precursor to the 52nd St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR), scheduled for April 3-5, 2026.
St. Thomas’ Mike Chapell helms Roundabout to victory, with crew members Andy Johnson, Hailey Hathaway, and Matthew Kazmier. “We had a lot of fun screaming on a beam reach through a squall,” Chapell says. Ireland’s Black Pearl, helmed by Roger Smith, finishes second after navigating the unfamiliar waters. “It was a gorgeous sail,” Smith notes, highlighting the warmth compared to Ireland.
Richard Neville, principal race officer, emphasizes the significance of the Round the Rocks Race, likening it to renowned regattas like Cowes Week. David Hensley’s Trinity IV places fifth, with crew member Vanessa Bradley stating, “There’s no such thing as bad racing.”
STIR kicks off Friday with nearly 40 boats ready to compete in various classes, including IC24s, Hobie Waves, and Sunfish. Sailors from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Europe are set to make their mark on the waters.
Comments (0)