International Rolex Regatta: Caribbean Fleet ready for battle

At the St. Thomas Yacht Club yesterday, positive energy blended splendidly with the excitement surrounding preparations for the 35th running of the International Rolex Regatta. The three-day event starts tomorrow, offering handicap and one-design racing for 90 boats and hundreds of sailors, who are giving two thumbs up to some new twists. First, the regatta has taken a lead in offering IRC racing, since the popularity of that rating rule has grown rapidly in Europe and North America and is now catching on in the Caribbean.