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Citibank Youth Regatta
An exciting event-within-an-event, hosted by the Virgin Islands Marine Industries Association (VIMI), the Citibank Youth Regatta on December 12 showcases the next generation of champions and America's Cup hopefuls -- drawn from the Caribbean region's finest junior sailors, and hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands {St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix), the British Virgin Islands (Tortola), and neighboring Puerto Rico.
In all respects, Citibank Youth Regatta participants will experience the same level of competition as the professional skippers and crews representing America's Cup syndicates in the adult event: (1) J/120 race boats; (2) jury of international judges and umpires; (3) Youth Regatta-specific Sailing Instructions; (4) Press Conference and Awards Ceremony: and (5) National/International TV coverage.
During the past decade, junior sailing and yacht race sporting events have enjoyed spectacular growth in the Caribbean region. The Citibank Youth Regatta incorporates the best of both worlds by featuring a four-boat fleet race format for preliminary round-robins and a one-on-one match race format for the petite finals and finals.
The eight (8) invited teams will be divided into two groups "A" and "B" by the organizing authority. Each group will sail one 4-boat fleet race and the first two finishers in each group will sail against each other in a subsequent race. The order of finish in that subsequent race, designated as the finals, will determine the places one (1) through four (4). Those who did not finish in the first two positions in their first race will sail in a subsequent race, designated the petite final, and the order of the finish in that subsequent race will determine places five (5) through eight (8). Trophies will be provided to all eight (8) teams courtesy of the Virgin Islands Marine Industries Association.
The invitation only regatta is designated Category C, permission having been given by the National Authority, the Virgin Islands Sailing Association. and by the International Sailing Federation.
Celebrity Fun Race
A final 'Celebrity Fun Race' will feature the top four junior sailor teams, accompanied by professional skippers and local community personalities. Youth Regatta racing will be conducted on chartered J/120 vessels with a minimum junior sailor crew of eight (8) accompanied by (1) one instructor and (1) team coordinator.
The 'Celebrity Fun Race' offers participants the exciting opportunity to demonstrate their sailing skills before an audience of friends and family, with professional skippers, most with America's Cup affiliations, acting as coaches. The inclusion of local personalities increases the level of community involvement.
Team Caribbean Marine Program Showcase
Additional vessels provided by the Team Caribbean America's Cup Challenge's Virgin Islands Marine Program (VIMP), such as Sonars or Prams, may be used for separate contests or demonstrations conducted under the supervision of Pauline Dawes, V.I. Marine Program Vice President. | 
