Five teams representing the U.S. Virgin Islands hospitality and tourism industry competed in the 7th Annual Hotel & Tourism Association Regatta on Saturday, May 9, hosted by the St. Thomas Sailing Center at the St. Thomas Yacht Club.
Racing aboard the Center’s one-design IC24s, teams completed a series of competitive races that highlighted teamwork, communication, and sailing’s role in the territory’s marine tourism product. Coral World’s all-women team earned first place with 5 points, followed by one of Margaritaville’s teams in second with 13 points, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism team in third with 16 points.
Coral World’s all-women team of Erin Moran, Eryca Hassing, and Sam Shively, racing aboard Desperado, earned the regatta win after a half day of close competition.
“Winning is, of course, what we liked best,” says Moran. “There was so much interest among the employees that we were able to enter two teams. We’re all passionate about the water, so we all jumped at the opportunity. Today, it was fun to come together as a team, to work together even though we all had different levels of sailing experience, and ultimately have fun.”
The Margaritaville team of Mahlon Monsanto, Alique Briggs, Augustine Schneider, and K’Quadeem Christopher, racing aboard Voila, improved on their second year in the event with a runner-up finish.
“We were trying to get first place,” says Monsanto. “Even though we finished second, we had a lot of good teamwork.”
Representing the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism for the second consecutive year, Alani Hennaman-Todman, Ian Turnbull, Wilbert Smith, and Tanya Duran raced aboard One Love and successfully defended their third-place finish.
“We love sailing!” says Henneman-Todman. “The marine industry is an important part of our tourism product. It’s always good to enjoy spending time with other members of our industry. Overall, it was a beautiful day, true Emeralds of the Sea like no other.”
Coral World’s second team, racing aboard Stinger, finished fourth with 19 points, while Margaritaville’s second entry on Roundabout placed fifth with 22 points.
STYC members Amanda Attandi, Chuck Pessler, Rian Bareuther, Sam Martin, and Andy Johnson served as on-board team coaches
