Skippers wins weight in Cruzan Rum at St. Croix International Regatta.

That rum and a sea bath will cure all your ailments, from a broken heart to a broken leg, is a long held belief on St. Croix. Cruzans swear it works, and the more rum, the more effective the treatment. At the 2009 St. Croix International Regatta, 20-22 February 2009, organizers have added a second award of the skipper's weight in Cruzan Gold Rum at prize giving. In the past, only the winner of the CSA racing spinnaker class has won his weight in rum. In 2008, the Racer-Cruiser fleet, led by Guy Eldridge's Luxury Girl was truly impressive, as were the IC-24s, led by Fraito Lugo. These skippers deserve recognition - and rum. At the 2009 event, there will be two overall rum prizes awarded: one to the best boat in the CSA racing spinnaker classes, and one to the most competitive boat in the other classes. For 2009, the proposed other classes are: Racer Cruiser, Jib & Main, IC24, Rhodes 19, Beachcats and large multihulls.

Held annually on the weekend following the US President's Day holiday in February, the St. Croix International Regatta is a two day event, occurring simultaneously with the St. Croix Optimist Regatta, a youth event for 8 to 15 year olds. An average 40 boats compete, with 60% coming from the other Caribbean islands and the US. There 2009 event will offer lots of racing and no shortage of Cruzan Rum in a beach front venue, hosted by the "friendliest" yacht club in the Caribbean.

For more information, visit www.stcroixregatta.com, or contact St. Croix Yacht Club by phone (340)773-9531 or e-mail, stcroixyc@gmail.com.

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