Coutts v Cayard at the Bitter End

The BVI's yacht club unique Pro-Am event to take place again at the end of this month

Meet them. Sail with them. Learn from them. America's Cup and around the world racers, Olympic gold medallists - they all come together for nine days on the water at the Pro Am Regatta, the only event of its type in the world, and only at the Bitter End Yacht Club from 29 October-6 November.

This year, spectators can witness the high-octane exhibition match up pitting three time America’s Cup winner Russell Coutts against long time rival and Round the World Race winner Paul Cayard. Coutts and Cayard will be duelling aboard a pair of brand new high-tech race boats. And, should you be so bold, you can crew for them!

Bitter End uses a unique 'triple- racing' and junior/master team format to maximise on the water time with the pros. Shoreside events include a lively social schedule and informative seminars. Join in the 4th Annual Scuttlebutt Sailing Club Championships (inshore and offshore). And, there will be plenty of time for non-sailing activities like snorkeling, scuba, windsurfing, beachcombing, and relaxing, so bring along friends and family.

Skippers Scheduled to attend:

Junior Skippers
Ed Baird -3-time Pro Am winner
Robbie Haines - Olympic Gold Medalist, Solings
Russel Coutts - Three time America’s Cup winner, skipper of Alinghi
Andy Burdick - Top Midwest Inland Lake Sailor
Paul Cayard - Round the World Regatta Winner, Star World Champion
Peter Holmberg - Match Race World Champion and America’s Cup Helmsman

Master Skippers
Lowell North - Founder of North Sails and Olympic Gold Medalist
Rod Johnstone - 2000 Winner
Butch Ulmer - 1999 Winner
Keith Musto - The U.K.’s best known dinghy sailor
Tom Leweck - 2002 Winner, the famed “Curmudgeon” of Scuttlebutt
Roy Disney - Caribbean Regatta winner 2003
Peter and JJ Isler are the Honorary Regatta Chairs

Schedule

Friday
• Arrivals & “Get Acquainted”
• Cocktail Harbor Cruise (evening)

Saturday
• Defiance Day Race (to the Baths, and return)
• Mt Gay Rum D-Day Awards Party (evening)

Sunday
• Scuttlebutt Preliminaries in Lasers, Hobie Waves &
Hunter 216s, followed by awards, plus evening Rules Seminar
• Mt Gay Awards Party at the Pub

Monday
• Pro Am Racing (Masters morning, Juniors afternoon)
• Guest's Cocktail Party (evening), come dressed as your favorite ghoul; treats aplenty

Tuesday
• Exhibition Match Race/Team Race Exhibition
• West Indian Beach Barbeque and Limbo Jump-Up
• Dry Creek Vineyard Dinner

Wednesday
• Lay Day (excursions, GPS Hunt, kiteboarding exhibition, etc.)
• State of the Sport Presentation and Talk at the Pub
• Dinner at the English Carvery

Thursday
• Pro Am Racing (Juniors morning, Masters afternoon)

Friday
• Pro Am Racing and Musto Scuttlebutt Finals
• Musto Scuttlebutt Awards Party

Ssaturday
• Pro Am Racing (Full Day) &
• Cocktail Party at Pool
• Final Awards Dinner

It is not entirely clear how one gets to sail with Russell Coutts, but it may involve buying a holiday package from the Bitter End - click here for details.