St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands — The St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR), widely regarded as the “Crown Jewel of Caribbean Yacht Racing,” has announced new dates for its 2026 edition: April 3–5, coinciding with Easter Weekend. The move returns the event to a long-held tradition, making it easier for sailors and their families to celebrate both competition and holiday together in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“For over two decades, this weekend has been a time when friends and family can come together through sailing,” said Pat Bailey, co-director of STIR 2025 and 2026. “We’re bringing STIR back to that tradition in 2026 with racing, relaxation, and the unmatched Caribbean spirit that makes this event special.”
Hosted by the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC), STIR will again welcome entries from CSA Bareboat, IC24, VX One, Hobie Waves, and other one-design classes with boats 19 feet or longer. The Notice of Race is expected in early fall, when registration officially opens.
Race or Charter – Your Call
Sailors can plan now to either bring their own boats or charter race-ready yachts. Caribbean Regatta Logistics, led by local expert Ben Beer, offers comprehensive boat transport assistance for teams arriving from North America and Europe. In addition, international charter options are available through Sail Racing Academy and LV Yachting, while the St. Thomas Sailing Center will offer limited IC24s and Hobie Waves for in-house charter.
For those planning extended seasons, Sevenstar Yacht Transport and DYT Yacht Transport provide direct shipping from St. Thomas to Europe and the U.S., making it easy to transition between winter Caribbean and summer racing circuits.
Easy Travel and Ample Lodging
With direct flights from major U.S. gateways—including New York, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, and Chicago—STIR continues to be among the most accessible Caribbean regattas. Airlines such as American, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, and United offer regular service to St. Thomas, with regional connections available through Air Sunshine, Cape Air, Fly the Whale, and SKYhigh Dominicana.
Good news also comes for sailors from the Midwest: Sun Country Airlines will increase seasonal service from Minneapolis–St. Paul to St. Thomas from December 13, 2025, to April 12, 2026, covering the regatta weekend.
Accommodations range from resorts and villas to over 3,000 Airbnb listings across St. Thomas and neighboring St. John.
A Storied Regatta with a Global Reputation
First sailed in 1974, the St. Thomas International Regatta has earned a reputation for serious racing and world-class race management. The event draws top sailors and competitive fleets from around the Caribbean and the globe, with its signature blend of spirited competition and laid-back island charm.For more details, visit stthomasinternationalregatta.com or follow STIR on Facebook, Instagram (#STIRVI), and Twitter (@stirvi).
