Celebrated successfully on July 22, 2023, this edition of Xmas in July welcomed over 5,500 people and 400 vessels to Pond Bay Beach, Virgin Gorda to celebrate this traditional summer event. The number of attendees broke the event’s attendance record, making it the most successful edition in its history, with attendees from Puerto Rico, the [British] Virgin Islands and other countries. Photo: Mar Javierto

The donation came from the sale of the official reusable tumblers, which was one of the event’s environmental protection initiatives. Photo: Mar Javierto

Wally Castro Marine, the organisers of the Xmas in July 2023 event have donated $6,000 to Beyond the Reef, a nonprofit organisation in the [British] Virgin Islands that focuses on marine environmental education and preservation efforts. Photo: Mar Javierto

The donation came from the sale of the official reusable tumblers, which was one of the event’s environmental protection initiatives.

“This initiative reflects our desire to create awareness on the importance of protecting our beaches and to send the message that our event takes beach and ocean conservation very seriously,” said Wally Castro, owner of Wally Castro Marine and the event’s main organiser. “With this donation, we support a local organisation that reflects our environmental protection beliefs.”

Members of Beyond the Reef were present at the event, in charge of the sales of the Xmas in July official merchandise. They were joined by representatives from local nonprofit organizations Virgin Gorda Rotary Club and Valley Sound Lions Club, who prepared local dishes for the guests to raise funds for their organizations as well.

“We are very thankful for this donation, which will help us continue creating awareness on the importance of marine environment protection in the BVI,” said Kendyl Berna, founder of Beyond the Reef.

“Our oceans are a precious resource, but they are also very fragile. Those who enjoy the beach and sea must do so responsibly. We applaud the event organizers for all the environmental care initiatives they implemented this year and encourage them to continue implementing these efforts next year.”

Celebrated successfully on July 22, 2023, this edition of Xmas in July welcomed over 5,500 people and 400 vessels to Pond Bay Beach, Virgin Gorda to celebrate this traditional summer event. The number of attendees broke the event’s attendance record, making it the most successful edition in its history, with attendees from Puerto Rico, the [British] Virgin Islands and other countries.

The event was organised by Wally Castro Marine, Marcos Rivera and the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission.

Based in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Wally Casto Marine (WCM) is the leading boat dealer in Puerto Rico representing name brands such as Riviera Yachts, Boston Whaler, Bertram, Regulator, Belize, Nor-Tech and Azimut Yachts among others. WCM also offers a parts store, a service department, repairs, and maintenance for all boat brands