The British Virgin Islands is set to host the fourth Wagner Sailing Rally, an event that will honour the legacy of Polish national hero, the late Wladek Wagner who made the BVI his home after settling in Bellamy Cay and Trellis Bay between the 1940s and 1950s.
The Department of Culture revealed that the event will run from Thursday, January 25 to Sunday, January 28 and will also honour Obel Penn in this year’s edition.
Some 250 to 300 Polish sailors from the Polish Yachting Association of North America are expected to travel to the territory to participate in the 3-day event.
Director of Culture, Dr. Katherine Smith, emphasized the rally’s significance in acknowledging the strong bond between Wagner and Penn, along with other residents from the East End/Long Look community whose collective efforts significantly contributed to the development of Beef Island and Trellis Bay.
“I am looking forward, in particular, to the cultural exchanges of music and dance representative of the Virgin Islands and Polish culture,” she expressed.
The opening ceremony for the event is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, at the Trellis Bay Market Bar and Grill on Beef Island, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
“It will feature the raising of the Virgin Islands, British and Polish flags in a demonstration of unity and mutually beneficial continued partnership, the unveiling of the Wladek Wagner’s Remembrance Plaque, and the Rally Welcome Concert that will include various cultural exchange performances,” the Department of Culture stated.
Coordinators Ephraim and Shamora Penn expressed their excitement in welcoming participants to the Wagner Sailing Rally in Trellis Bay.
Friday’s schedule is filled with water-based and recreational sporting activities starting at 11:00 a.m. and concludes with the highly anticipated Full Moon Party at Trellis Bay.
On Saturday, there is a yacht parade where vessels will sail to Jost van Dyke, followed by the End of Rally Concert at the popular Foxy’s.