Final 360° Race Around Virgin Gorda
The 2026 Maxi Regatta concluded in style, finishing with a special 24nm 360° sprint around Virgin Gorda.
The final race began off Necker Island, sending the fleet around the top of the Island into the Atlantic before a run back into the flat waters of the North Sound, finishing once again just off Moskito Island.
It was all to play for in the Maxi Combined Class, and the finale delivered the closest finish in the history of the Maxi Regatta so far. Just nine seconds separated Galateia and Black Jack 100, with Galateia taking line honours and securing their first race win.
Overall, V claimed victory in the Maxi fleet, achieving their primary goal of topping the class. Meanwhile, 2026 newcomer Bella Mente delivered a standout performance - winning three of five races - to secure both the Maxi Grand Prix title and the Combined Maxi Fleet overall by a single point.
In the Performance Class, Freya dominated the fleet, sealing victory with a day to spare after an impressive series of race wins.
Terry Hutchinson, Tactician, Bella Mente, “That was a mentally challenging day. We nailed the start and then kept the hammer down. It was tough, but we stayed focused and did what we had to do to win the regatta by a point.
You look around the North Sound and you feel blessed and how lucky we are, to sail in these venues. This is an incredible place to go racing. It won’t be long until the Invitation list will get capped because everybody is going to want to come to this Regatta."
Ken Read, Tactician, V, “Winning the Maxi class was always the goal. Overall is kind of gravy, but when you're sailing against rocket ships like the 72s, it's tough. We set our goal, and we accomplished it – and the whole team is really proud.”
Kimo Worthington, Tactician, Freya, “To come out with four wins is really special. Winning these events is a big deal. It was light today, but this is the most beautiful place to sail in the world - it just doesn’t get any better than this.”
The North Sound Maxi Regatta returns 10–14 March 2027, promising another unforgettable week of racing, against one of the most specatular backdrops in the world.
