A necklace of lush islands rising from the technicolor tides of the Caribbean Sea, the British Virgin Islands offers some of the most remarkable activities and events for 2007. Recognized as one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world and the undisputed Sailing Capital of the World, the BVI presents 60 islands for exploring its secrets. Coming alive in 2007, the BVI offers both guests and BVIslanders a multitude of cultural events, spectacular music festivals and exhilarating sporting events.
"2007 is sure to be a year to remember for residents and guests of the British Virgin Islands," said Janis Braithwaite-Edwards, acting Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board. "There are enough engaging events to keep everyone busy year-round and to showcase the wealth of activities our beautiful islands have to offer."
Following is a preview highlighting the BVI line-up of unforgettable 2007 events:
December
New Year’s Eve on Jost Van Dyke - Dec. 31
- Annual celebration including an abundance of food and lots of live entertainment. Celebration is known to attract thousands of revelers from celebrities to seasoned yachties
January
8th Annual Karl Merklein Art Show - January
- Showcasing the artist’s original art as well as canvas Giclee prints and other decorative items
February
29th Annual Sweethearts of the Caribbean and 25th Annual Classic Yacht Regatta - Feb. 9-11
- Hosted by the Jolly Roger Inn and Restaurant
March
Dark and Stormy Regatta - March 9-12
- Hosted by Neptune's Treasure and the Jolly Roger Inn and Restaurant
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival - March 26-April 1
- Seven days of sailing excitement including two big events wrapped into one
April
Spanish Town Fisherman’s Jamboree and 11th Annual Wahoo
Fishing Tournament - April 6-9
- 11th Annual fishing tournament including fishing, food and live music
Virgin Gorda Easter Festival - April 7-9
- Activities ranging from calypso music, fungi bands, vendors and food fairs, as well as numerous parades and nightly village entertainment
May
Wreck Week - May
- Second annual Wreck Week highlighting extraordinary diving in the BVI. Includes a treasure hunt, wreck diving certification course and a grand finale party on Cooper Island
33rd Annual Foxy's Wooden Boat Regatta - May 25-27
- Beloved BVI character, Foxy Callwood’s annual sailing regatta in support of the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society and sponsored by the West End Yacht Club
7th Annual BVI Music Festival - May 25-27
- Seventh annual BVI Music Festival including Reggae, Calypso, Funji, R&B, Rock and Roll, Dancehall and Jazz from international, regional and local artists
June
16th Annual Firecracker 500 Race & Chili Cook-off - June 29-30
- Funds support KATS (Kids and the Sea Program)
HiHo Windsurfing Competition - June 29 - July 8
- One of the most celebrated windsurfing competitions in the world with activities ranging from snorkeling and diving to the famous HiHo pirate party
July/August
Chief Minister’s Cup Youth Regatta - July 7-8
- Hosted by Nanny Cay Marina and the Royal BVI Yacht Club
BVI Emancipation Festival - July 23-Aug. 11
- Annual premier cultural showcase with activities and events including the freedom march, emancipation service, calypso monarch competition, boat races, rise and shine tramps and August Monday Parade
November
BVI Tourism Month - November
- Month long event celebrating tourism in the destination with several exciting activities scheduled
The British Virgin Islands remains an undeveloped haven for natural treasures. The BVI boasts no high-rise hotels, no casinos and no crowds, rather, the purity of the land -- from pristine beaches with powdery sand and crystal clear waters home to an aquarium of the world's most diverse sea life, to extensive coral reefs responsible for claiming renowned wrecks and vast Outbacks sheltering endangered species.
The BVI is rich with the storied islands of Norman, Deadman’s Chest and Anegada, while the islands of Peter, Necker, and Guana anchor luxury resorts and sun worshippers find a haven on Jost Van Dyke, Cooper Island and Virgin Gorda. Whether it is discovering the natural phenomena of The Baths or diving the Indians, Sandy Spit or fabled Wreck of the Rhone, the BVI is bountiful with Nature’s Little Secrets. For more information on the 2007 Calendar of Events, please call BVI Press Office toll free: 866.491.8155 or visit http://www.bvipressoffice.com
SOURCE: British Virgin Islands Tourist Board