Tortola, British Virgin Islands, December 15, 1998 – The two new W-Class sloops, Wild Horses and White Wings, will be seen racing at next year’s BVI Spring Regatta in April. Brainchild of Boston businessman, classic yacht and racing enthusiast, Donald Tofias, these sleek 77 foot yachts will be available for charter throughout the Caribbean in the winter months.

Based at the Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands from mid-December onwards, these one design racers will be available for day sail charters and luxury match racing at $3,000 per yacht per day.

Designed by the late Joel White, these classically-styled yachts are reminiscent of Nathaniel Herreshoff’s NY50s of the early 1900s with sloping sheers and generous overhangs. However, despite their classic looks they pack a modern punch. Below the lb lead and bronze fin keels giving a draft of 11 feet and spade rudders. The 95 foot carbon masts carry high aspect ratio bermudan mains and fractional cutter rigs – a total of 2,239 square feet of sail. The hulls were constructed using cold-molded Douglas Fir and western red cedar sheathed in glass.

Further information on these exciting yachts can be found at their web site: www.w-class.com. For charter or purchase contact Padanaram Yacht Company on 781 890 5511 or e-mail them at info@w-class.com.

The BVI Spring Regatta will be held April 9, 10, 11, 1999 and is sponsored by The Moorings, Shell Antilles & Guianas, Cable & Wireless, Heineken, Mount Gay, Road Town Wholesale, Bitter End Yacht Club, Barclays Bank, Prospect Reef Resort, Tortola Yacht Services and Island Marine Supply. For entry forms and further information contact the BVI Yacht Club on tel: (284) 494 3286, fax: (284) 494 6117 or visit the web site at www.bvispringregatta.org.