Road Town, Tortola, October 27, 2009 – The British Virgin Islands was one of the top travel and sailing destinations featured at the 2009 Annapolis Sail Boat Show from October 8 – 12.

“This marked the 18th year in which the British Virgin Islands participated in the annual Annapolis Sailboat Show”, commented Hadassah Ward, Acting Director of the BVI Tourist Board. 

“Consequently, our focus is to make sure that visitors have the opportunity to fully experience all of the Islands’ assets inclusive of fine cuisine and superb music to the pristine and perfect sailing conditions that our destination’s beautiful blue waters and constant trade winds provide,” Ward surmised.

Perla George, General Manager for the Board’s North American offices said the show was an excellent opportunity for the Territory.  “The Annapolis boat show is the largest boat show in the world for pleasure sailors.  Annually it is important for the BVI to have a strong presence at this show so we can capture sailing enthusiasts and let them see why the Territory is considered the sailing capital of the world.”

George further stated that since the show is the oldest boat show in North America, the reputation of the show presents the opportunity for the Board to target a wide range of North Americans seeking sailing vacations.  “Just by being here and giving potential visitors a sample of what the Territory has to offer, we have generated a lot of interest in the BVI as a destination from different types of travelers.  In the coming months we are looking forward to welcoming those persons to our shores.”
Spectators at the event got a taste of the Virgin Islands (UK) cuisine and talent. Local chefs and the Territory’s famous Quito and the Edge band were showcased for travelers seeking a unique opportunity to experience the best of the Caribbean.

During the five-day boat show, four of the Territory’s top chefs prepared their signature dish at Annapolis area restaurants.  The culinary delegation included; Kenneth Molyneaux, Executive Chef at Treasure Isle Hotel and Calamaya Restaurants, Imran Ashton, Head Chef at Charlie’s Restaurant, Chef Neil Cline, Director of Operations at the Department of Culinary Arts at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and Chef Henry Prince, HLSCC’s Acting Director of Operations at the Department of Culinary Arts.

This year’s boat show attendees had the pleasure of hearing the soulful reggae melodies and hard-hitting dance sounds of one of the Territory’s best bands, Quito and The Edge. Quito Rymer and his band performed daily for thousands of fans from the Marriott’s Rooftop Deck.

In addition to sampling the cuisine and musical talent of the Territory, guests at participating restaurants had the opportunity to enter to win two round trip tickets to the BVI, compliments of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board.  Guests also had the chance to win a four-night vacation at Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda.

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