RICHARD BRANSON "NECKER BELLE" ENTERS THE BVI SPRING REGATTA

I like Richard Branson. He has good taste and seems to really enjoy life. Check how he has redesigned "Necker Belle". He enjoys racing and I am happy to see that luxury catamaran can also take part to regattas. Good luck to Richard and "Necker Belle" crew.

Copyright Andrea Francolini/ Virgin Limited

Word by Charlotte Tidball for Virgin Limited Edition

BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival - Virgin Limited Edition is delighted to announce that Necker Belle, its 105 foot luxury catamaran, will be racing in the 2011 edition of the event which takes place in the British Virgin Islands between the 28th March and 3rd April 2011 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the BVI Spring Regatta.

Necker Belle will also be setting a new record as ‘the largest catamaran to ever enter’ the race as no other sail boat that has competed in the race in previous years has been over one hundred feet.

Richard Kellett, Necker Belle’s Captain, commented: 'The entire crew of Necker Belle are thrilled to be racing in the regatta for the first time. Not only will it be incredible fun for all involved, it is a great local event but is known worldwide and a fantastic way to promote the British Virgin Islands as what is undoubtedly the best sailing ground in the world.'

Necker Belle will also be participating in the 40th anniversary celebrations taking place that week which will include live music and fireworks. Sir Richard Branson will be sponsoring the live music band – Elvis White, on Friday 1st April.

Today the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is one of the Caribbean’s premier annual racing events and one of the largest in the world. Held annually, the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is now a seven-day event with two events back-to-back attracting an average of 150 yachts per year with eighty percent of the competitors from overseas.