Learn from a Master

Just got word that Alinghi helmsman Peter Holmberg will be hosting a week-long racing seminar/ charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands next May. If you'd like to learn from one of the best in the business, check out the press release below.

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Horizon Yacht Charters BVI Racing Masterclass Package

Horizon Yacht Charters (BVI) the Caribbean's leading owner-operated charter company, has announced a unique package for racing enthusiasts. Horizon and Racing in Paradise have teamed up with former World No 1 ranked Match Racer, America's Cup Alinghi team helmsman, Maxi World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist, Peter Holmberg, to offer a Racing Masterclass, May 10 – 17, 2009. Identical IC24's from Racing in Paradise will be used for the Masterclass sessions and Horizon yachts will be used as motherships as participants race and cruise to different overnight stops in the British Virgin Islands. IC24s are modified J24s with spacious, open cockpits. They are the fastest growing one-design fleet in the Caribbean.

The programme is aimed at racing enthusiasts who want to learn from the best. Peter's relaxed personal touch coupled with his island heritage make him a natural coach. He has been sailing professionally for the past eighteen years with a career spanning Olympic dinghy sailing representing the USVI to driving America's Cup yachts. His years of match-racing placed a premium on perfecting the finest details, from boat set-up and straight-line speed, to boat handling and rules. These combined skills give him the tools to make any team sail to its peak potential. Each evening video highlights will be aired and discussed in a lighthearted manner for all to enjoy and learn.

With the America's Cup ‘on hold' Peter has decided to base himself back at home in the Virgin Islands. He still jets off to international events as a ‘hired gun' and is considered to be the preeminent racing talent in the region. He believes the Virgin Islands are possibly the best sailing location in the world. Consistent tradewinds, clear warm waters, sunshine and beautiful islands combine to create perfect racing conditions.

So, picture this…your team of 4 or 5 persons will race on the one design IC24 for 4 days and cruise between race locations aboard a bareboat yacht from Horizon Yacht Charters for 7 nights (includes 3 days of cruising after the Masterclass). All the teams will attend a Racing Masterclass seminar, followed by 4 days of racing in various locations around the BVI with on and off the water briefings, advice and debriefings. "Every race day I will step aboard different boats to personally coach each team through the intricacies of racing strategy and skills. On race day 4 a regatta will produce a winning team, an award ceremony will follow with prizes and video highlights. Each team will leave with a DVD highlighting the week's action", comments Peter Holmberg

Seven night package rates for four people, depending on size of charter vessel, start from US$7995 to include both the cruising yacht and racing vessel. This could mean as little as US$1999 per person for the opportunity of a lifetime. To find out more about the package contact the reservations team info@horizonyachtcharters.com

Horizon Yacht Charters has an extensive fleet of yachts – catamarans and monohulls - throughout the Caribbean with bases in Antigua & St Martin, Grenada and in the British Virgin Islands. Horizon is the authorized Caribbean dealer for Bavaria yachts and a registered agent for Fountaine Pajot catamarans. For details on all the Horizon Yacht Charters bases in the Caribbean visit http://www.horizonyachtcharters.com or e-mail: info@horizonyachtcharters.com