Stephens Waring Design is thrilled to report that its flagship, the 91-foot sailing yacht Bequia, has triumphed at this year’s Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, running in the beautiful Italian yacht charter location – Porto Cervo in Sardinia. This amazing event kicks off the regatta season in the Mediterranean, and a fleet of 21 vessels, including the lovely Bequia yacht, gathered at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda to test their racing mettle.
91ft superyacht Bequia designed by Stephens Waring
While owner Jes Staley had Stephens Waring design Bequia yacht to take his family cruising in comfort and safety, he does enjoy a good race once or twice a year. “I have learned a lot about sailing through racing. You get to really test the boat and the sails and learn how to maneuver it and make it go fast,” says Jes. But he always keeps his eye on the goal-to be sure everyone has a great time.
Among the fleet of sleek, bold Med-style boats from the tables of the likes of Tripp, Dubois, and Phillippe Starck, superyacht Bequia was a standout with her classic Spirit of Tradition lines and golden varnished teak. But she quickly disproved the notion that classic is slow, as she racked up firsts in Day One and Day Two, outpacing rivals in Class C like the Hoek-designed Truly Classic 78 yacht Drumfire and the Dubois-designed 37-meter superyacht Genevieve.
Sailing yacht Bequia
On Day Three she found herself on the wrong side of a windshift, along with the rest of her class except Genevieve, and settled for third, behind Genevieve and the Oyster 885 luxury yacht Karibu. Conditions were delightful and challenging, ranging from lighter breezes to puffs and gusts in the mid-twenties. Racing was cancelled on Day 4 due to lack of wind.
“It was a great regatta, with super boats to race against,” said Jes after collecting his trophy. “Porto Cervo is a beautiful place, and it’s also a great win for all the guys in Maine who helped build the yacht.”
Luxury yacht Bequia
Luxury yacht Bequia was built by Brooklin Boat Yard of Brooklin, Maine, and launched in 2009.
Jes and wife Debbie enjoyed the sailing and the coastline in Sardinia so much they plan a return visit later this summer with their family to enjoy some lower-key cruising. Also on the agenda is a cruise among the Greek islands before returning to the west side of the Pond in the fall. This passage will give Jes an opportunity to realize a long-held dream-making an Atlantic crossing under sail.
