Commodore Michael Fortenbaugh and Manhattan Yacht Club (MYC) claimed the win and the Statue of Liberty Trophy at the Manhattan Yacht Club Challenge on Saturday, February 4, 2023. Photo: RBVIYC/Facebook

The highly anticipated friendly race, Manhattan Yacht Challenge, came about in 2002 when the Manhattan Yacht Club dedicated a trophy to the [British] Virgin Islands sailing community. Photo: RBVIYC/Facebook

The race began at The Bight off Norman Island and ended at Road Harbour off Tortola.

According to the RBVIYC, it was “another fabulous race” among the Royals, the Loyals and MYC; however, in the end, Commodore Michael Fortenbaugh and MYC claimed the win and the Statue of Liberty Trophy.

Spirit of friendship!

“Nine sailors from the RBVIYC, nine from the WEYC and about 900 from the Manhattan YC (maybe not that many but there was a lot!) got together for a friendly race from the Bight to Road Harbour.

There were plenty of stories about what happened on the racecourse but to be honest none of that really matters. The spirit of friendship, love for sailing and generally having a good time were the clear winners once again!” the RBVIYC stated in a press release on February 8, 2023.

History of MYC Challenge

The highly anticipated friendly race, Manhattan Yacht Challenge, came about in 2002 when the Manhattan Yacht Club dedicated a trophy to the [British] Virgin Islands sailing community.

For several years it became a team challenge between the Royals and the Loyals, until 2016 when the MYC joined the fray to challenge for its own trophy.

“At the heart of this challenge is friendship and goodwill between our clubs and it is always a fun packed event!” the RBVIYC commented on its website.