The real story of the 43rd St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR) was wind. Lots of it. Gusts blustered over 30 knots all three days with 6 to 8 foot seas. Yet combine these conditions with 80-degree weather, bright sun and bathwater warm turquoise seas and it’s a recipe that racers on the 67 entered boats relished. It was a test of the Class Rules in the VX One Class. Class Rules for regattas call for no starts when the median wind speed exceeds 22 knots. Class vice-president and St. Croix native Tim Pitts called for an increase in that limit to 27 knots. As a result, the Class raced all three days. “We’re maturing as a Class, and although anything over 25 knots is challenging, the skill level is there to handle it,” said Pitts, who now lives in Newport, RI, and is responsible bringing the VX One fleet to the Virgin Islands. “On the other hand, it’s kind of ironic to invite your friends down and beat them in my own backyard. Still, although I’ve been on several STIR winning boats, this is the first time it was my boat that won.” For full information about the Round the Rounds and St. Thomas International Regatta, including results, photos, social schedule and more, please visit www.stthomasinternationalregatta.com.
