Chris Brockbank and Alec Andersen, who launched their Rio 2016 Campaign last week, have received a timely boost from the WEYC and RBVIYC. Photo: Supplied

Andersen and Brockbank are aiming to become the Territory's first sailors to compete in the Olympic Games since 1996. Photo: Supplied

Colin Rathbun, skippering Black Pearl, won the Guy Eldridge Memorial Trophy last weekend. Photo: Supplied

The boost to the Virgin Islands Olympic hopefuls came just hours after Colin Rathbun had lifted the Guy Eldridge Memorial Race winners Trophy, skippering Black Pearl across the line. Henry Leonig came in second aboard RIP and Kieth LiGeci helmed Girasoli into third.

The Manhattan Trophy Challenge saw the Royals retain the trophy.

Brockbank and Andersen had launched their Rio 2016 Olympic Campaign the previous week at the Fish n' Lime. The event attracted a large crowd of well wishers and wine drinkers who were treated to a demonstration of the duo’s skills as they rigged up the 49er and took to the water in Sopers Hole.

After a brief sail in front of the enthusiastic crowd, many of whom had probably never seen this type of boat on the water before, they then took to the stage to tell of their sailing backgrounds and share their ambitions to represent the Virgin Islands in 2016 in Rio, Brazil.

The pair’s long time coach Chris Watters, via video message from Canada, reminisced about some of the milestones they have achieved so far and some of the epic moments he witnessed while coaching and competing with them here in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

Judging by the turnout and the number of double parked cars, the night's fundraising event was a huge success and marks just the beginning of the dynamic duo’s bid to represent the Territory in South America.

They have also opened a facebook page, Andersen/Brockbank Sailing, where fans can follow their exploits. “Its official, we're on Facebook! After an incredible evening last Wednesday we can officially say we have begun our campaign to represent the BVI in the Sailing Olympics for the first time since 1996! Like and share our page so we can gain even more support as we get started!”