"In just two years the Marriott Frenchman's Reef International Match Race has established itself as one of the premier events in St. Thomas, in the Caribbean, and on the international match racing circuit," said Nick Pourzal, Managing Director of Marriott Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Beach Resorts.  "We are pleased to be a part of this success since the beginning and will continue to work closely with the organizers to meet the challenge and show the world all that the Virgin Islands offers.  We are gratified by the overwhelmingly positive response from the world-class competitors to all aspects of the regatta."

Pourzal also announced that the resort will be the accommodations headquarters for the regatta, providing housing for the competitors, umpires, race officials, and international journalists.  "We believe it is important to be as fully involved with the event as possible," said Pourzal.  "By providing world-famous Marriott services combined with renowned Virgin Islands hospitality, we will make the off-the-water experience as memorable as possible for everyone associated with the match race, and the entire community."  

Located on a picturesque bluff overlooking both Charlotte Amalie Harbor and the waterfront of the colorful capital city, Marriott Frenchman's Reef and the Morning Star Beach Resorts  completed a $58 million redesign and renovation last year.  The hotel, offering 504 guest rooms including 88 suites and unparalleled amenities and facilities, has been acclaimed as the most exciting resort complex in the Caribbean.

Although there are several hundred match races held each year throughout the world, less than 20 are designated as Grade One events by the International Sailing Federation in England, the governing body of the sport.  Grade One is the highest accreditation a match race can receive and is based on such criteria as the caliber of the competitors and the amount of prize money.  Organizers of the 1999 Marriott Frenchman's Reef International Match Race are proud of their Grade One status and anticipate a number of the top-20 ranked match racing skippers to attend the regatta.  Prize money will be announced in the near future.

A highlight of the event during it's first two years was the Youth Regatta in which each of the professional match race skippers sailed with a youth team from neighboring Caribbean islands such as St. John, Puerto Rico and Tortola.  In 1997 the trophy went to the team from Puerto Rico and last year an all-girls' team from the St. Thomas Yacht Club was the victor.  Plans are underway to feature the Youth Regatta this year as well.

In addition to the financial support of Marriott Frenchman's Resort and the other generous sponsors, the key to the success of the event has been the exhaustive efforts of scores of volunteers from the Virgin Islands America's Cup Foundation and the St. Thomas Yacht Club.

International media coverage is again anticipated as television and print journalists from around the world will be on site.

Additional details concerning the appointment of the regatta director, sponsorship announcements, competitor acceptances, social events, and other plans will follow in the coming months.