ST THOMAS — Since its inception, St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC) has been dedicated to being a club for exceptional sailing throughout one of the best places in the world. In 1964, a group of weekend sailors came together to organize a yacht club at the Cowpet Bay site. After two months of intense work, the Yacht Club of St. Thomas was incorporated in November of that year, with fifteen charter members and fifteen regular members, a little under a dozen boats, and a great deal of sailing interest.
Sailing success came early for the Club, winning several off-island competitions and representing the Club and the Virgin Islands at the 1967 Pan American Games in Canada. The first Olympic medal to be won for the Virgin Islands in sailing was in 1988 with the Silver Medal from Seoul, Korea. The Club hosts various regattas and races throughout the year. The first of these, the Caribbean Midwinter Regatta, was held in February 1968, where Club members provided housing for off-island competitors and the Clubhouse served as the headquarters for food and fun. One of STYC’s largest regattas is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024. St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR) will take place over Easter Weekend, from March 29th through the 31st. First held in October 1974, STIR is known for its serious racing reputation that attracts both the latest yacht designs and hottest one-design classes, plus the greatest skippers and crews from across the globe, including the Caribbean’s hottest stars in sailing. Thanks to an exceptional program of serious worldclass yacht racing, STIR has earned the status of “the Crown Jewel of Caribbean Yacht Racing.”
Today, STYC continues to provide a unique facility for the benefit of all its members. Members have full access to the Club’s facilities and priority registration with lower sign-up fees for their various programs, including the popular Summer Sailing Camp, Adult Sailing Courses, and Tennis Lessons. Members also have access to The Galley @STYC, the in-house restaurant open for lunch and dinner. This is where old and new friends can gather and talk, grab some good eats, and raise a glass or two. STYC introduced a unique concept of sailing instruction, boat access, and racing through the St. Thomas Sailing Center (STSC). As the sailing arm of STYC, they offer sailing opportunities to both residents and visitors who want to learn how to sail, race, or cruise under the guidance of a professional coach.
To learn more about St. Thomas Yacht Club, membership, and the many services offered, visit their website at www.stthomasyachtclub.org.
Written by Anquanette Gaspard
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