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Bitter End Yacht ClubFall Sailing Festival 2002The all-inclusive Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda's world-renowned water sports resort situated on its northeastern extremity as the last island outpost before the open waters of the Atlantic, invites sailors and novices alike to enjoy boatloads of excitement during this year's Fall Sailing Festival a series of five dynamic events during the months of November, December and January. Kicking off the festival is the resort's 16th annual Dry Creek Vineyard Pro Am Regatta, November 2-9, 2002. America's Cup and around the world racers, Olympic gold medalists, world champions and great people all come together for this exciting event. Guests can sail with and against them, watch them in action and find out what makes them so successful. A unique "triple-racing" and junior/master team format is used, along with a week's worth of lively social events and informative seminars. Racers can also join in the 2nd Annual Scuttlebutt Sailing Club Championships (inshore and offshore). For the non-sailors, there will be plenty of time for additional activities such as snorkeling, SCUBA, windsurfing, beach-combing and relaxing. The Pro Am Regatta is the only event of its type in the world and takes place exclusively at the Bitter End Yacht Club. The resort's 11th Annual Dry Creek Vineyard Women's Sailing Week, November 9-16, 2002, combines exceptional hands-on instruction with superb shore-side activities for a one-of-a-kind experience. Sailing instruction from the world's top female sailors, five-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the year Betsy Alison and big-boat racer Martha MacKechnie, covers all aspects of skippering, sail trimming, sail changing, crewing and teamwork, as well as overboard recovery techniques. Pam Wall, best know for her 'round the world cruising adventures, enlightens enthusiasts with advice on where and how to cruise offshore Wall's slide presentations are not to be missed. Bitter End Yacht Club's serious fun continues from November 23-30, 2002 during Thanksgiving Sail Caribbean Week. A memorable family vacation for everyone, special programs are provided by Sail Caribbean, a well-known sailing program for children and young adults that offers expert instruction on the finer points of big boat and dinghy sailing, windsurfing and the safe handling of motorboats. The classes and sailing sessions are geared for the whole family. In the Turkey Day Regatta, families can compete together in the Rhodes 19 class, or individually in the Laser class. Afterwards, Bitter End hosts a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast. For a different adventure each day, sailors can take advantage of Longshore's Caribbean Sailing Weeks, taking place November 30-December 7, 2002; December 7-14, 2002; December 14-21, 2002 and January 4-11, 2003. John Kantor has been a part of the Bitter End family for the last 25 years he designed the original sailing school program, and his updated manuals are still used. He and his Longshore Sailing School's tropical "away team" have years of BVI cruising experience and local knowledge. For entry-level sailors, they organize a unique activity-filled week of pristine beaches, tropical sunshine, turquoise waters, fabulous meals, balmy star-lit nights, steel bands and all the amenities of Bitter End guests can do as much or as little as they like. From December 7-14, 2002, windsurfing aficionados and beginners alike can experience ABK Windsurfing Clinic Week, designed to incorporate education, fitness, relaxation and fun. Catering to all ages and levels of windsurfing experience, an ABK windsurfing adventure offers fun-filled days in an encouraging learning environment, as well as the tools for many hours of "stand-up" sailing enjoyment. Andy Brandt and Sarah James of ABK Windsurfing are the hosts and lead instructors of this year's event at the Bitter End. The clinic keeps a leisurely schedule that is spread over five days, and prides itself on providing the best windsurfing instruction in a friendly, non-intimidating atmosphere. Valid for travel from November 1-December 22, 2002, Bitter End offers all-inclusive packages throughout their Fall Sailing Festival that feature accommodations, three meals a day at any of Bitter End's two restaurants or special outdoor venues, unlimited use of the Club Fleet featuring over 100 watercraft, sailing excursions, an introductory sailing course, numerous water sports activities, vita course, walking/hiking trails, freshwater pool, Sunday Regatta & Party, Guest's Cocktail Party and airport transfers. Rates start at just $400 per night, based on double occupancy and are subject to availability and exclusive of tax and service charge. When sharing a room with parents, children under 5 years old stay free through December 22, 2002; children between 6 and 12 years old are an additional $50 per night each, and children between 13 and 17 years old are an additional $100 per night each. Maximum room capacity is four. To make reservations for the Fall Sailing Festival, please call 800-872-2392, direct at 305-468-0168 or e-mail at binfo@beyc.com Accessible only by water and noted for its beauty, remote location and protected shores, the Bitter End Yacht Club graces nearly a mile of beach and water front property on the northeastern tip of Virgin Gorda where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Not only has the Bitter End grown into the world's finest water sports resort today, it is also a casual, friendly, family-run resort featuring a rich and colorful history. Initially a family retreat, this traditional Caribbean village has evolved into a destination resort featuring 89 shore-side accommodations, four live-aboard Freedom 30 yachts, two restaurants, a pub, a full-service marina and a world-renowned water sports center and sailing school. Throughout the years, Bitter End has been consistently recognized by leading travel publications as a top Caribbean destination, such as Travel & Leisure's "World's Best Top 25 Caribbean Resorts" and "World's Best Values," Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold List" and Bride's "Top 100 Sexiest Resorts." For more information or to make reservations, call toll-free at 800-872-2392, direct at 305-468-0168 or e-mail at binfo@beyc.com . Cruise the Web site at www.beyc.com. Edited by Dave Shultz |
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