ST. CROIX — The V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources is urging boaters to exercise caution in the waters surrounding Green Cay and Buck Island as St. Croix hosts the 2026 International Sunfish Class Association World Championships, an international sailing competition that will overlap Sunday with the island's 30th annual Coral Reef Swim Race.
In a Thursday release, DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol warned that increased activity involving sailboats, recreational vessels and swimmers is expected throughout the area during the regatta, which runs through November 14.
The department identified Sunday, November 8, as a particularly important day for marine safety because the Buck to Bucc Swim and world championship sailing races are scheduled to take place that day.
DPNR urged boaters to maintain safe speeds, remain alert for swimmers and competing sailboats, and follow directions issued by event organizers and marine safety personnel.
The advisory comes as St. Croix welcomes international competitors for the 2026 Sunfish World Championships, organized by the St. Croix Yacht Club, with Hotel on the Cay at Protestant Cay in Christiansted serving as the event venue.
International sailors competing in two world championship events
The championship program spans November 4 through November 14 and features separate competitions for youth, masters, women and open-class sailors.
The Youth, Masters and Women's World Championship takes place November 4–8, with racing scheduled for Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 8.
The 55th ISCA Open World Championship follows November 8–14, with its competitive racing scheduled for November 10–13.
According to the St. Croix Yacht Club's event information, organizers anticipated 73 sailors representing 18 countries when preparations were underway in October.
An advance announcement from the International Sunfish Class Association also identified 15 sailors representing the U.S. Virgin Islands, ranging in age from 15 to 71.
The championship represents an important opportunity for the territory's sailing community, with local athletes competing against experienced international sailors in waters familiar to many of them.
The event also carries international qualification significance. The women's and open competitions serve as country-qualifying events for sailing at the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
Sunfish racing involves small, single-handed sailboats competing in tightly contested fleets, placing a premium on boat handling, wind conditions and tactical positioning.
The event is expected to provide spectators with an opportunity to watch international competition from the Christiansted waterfront as participating vessels travel between the launching area at Protestant Cay and the racecourse.
Sunday's Coral Reef Swim adds activity around Buck Island
The marine safety concerns are heightened by the simultaneous staging of the 30th annual St. Croix Coral Reef Swim Race, hosted by The Buccaneer resort on Sunday.
The event, commonly known as the Buck to Bucc Swim, attracts recreational and competitive open-water swimmers from St. Croix and abroad.
The annual competition features three distances: one mile, 2.4 miles and five miles.
According to the organizers' published race schedule, participants in the five-mile event are scheduled to begin at Buck Island at 7:30 a.m. and swim toward Mermaid Beach at The Buccaneer.
The shorter races are scheduled to begin at Pull Point and Shoys Beach, with participants from all three events finishing at Mermaid Beach.
The swim's organizers have scheduled race activities throughout Sunday morning, including early transportation of participants to starting locations and the movement of safety and support vessels.
The Buccaneer says the race, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, traditionally attracts more than 200 swimmers and brings together participants of different ages and experience levels.
The combination of open-water swimming and championship sailing has prompted DPNR to emphasize the importance of vigilance among boat operators.
Although the department's announcement did not identify specific marine closures, it urged vessels traveling near Green Cay and Buck Island to maintain a proper lookout and comply with all safety instructions issued by event officials.
World championships showcase St. Croix's sailing community
Beyond the immediate safety precautions, the international championships represent a significant sporting occasion for St. Croix.
The competition brings together athletes, sailing officials and supporters from multiple countries and places the island's marine environment and sailing facilities on an international stage.
The St. Croix Yacht Club is serving as the organizing authority, working with the wider Virgin Islands sailing community to coordinate the events.
The championships also offer local residents an opportunity to observe high-level competition while visiting sailors and their supporters experience Christiansted and the island's tourism attractions.
However, DPNR is emphasizing that the increase in recreational and competitive marine activity requires cooperation from everyone using the surrounding waters.
The department's advisory remains relevant throughout the championship period, with particular attention to Sunday, when the Buck to Bucc Swim and the final racing day of the Youth, Masters and Women's World Championship coincide.
Boaters are urged to reduce speeds where necessary, remain alert for swimmers and small sailing craft, and follow the directions of marine safety personnel.
The sailing championships conclude November 14.
