The recently concluded 2014 Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous took to the azure waters of the enchanting Caribbean yacht charter location – Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands for four days of exciting racing. A collection of twenty sailing superyachts and a flotilla of motor yachts gathered at the world-class YCCS Marina, hosted by Boat International Media and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Virgin Gorda.
Yachts left YCCS Marina following a 'Round Virgin Gorda' Course on Day 1 and 2. Jeff Brown / Superyacht Media
The region, renowned for outstanding sailing conditions, did not disappoint. Crews were met with a warm Caribbean wind that filled their sails as they moved powerfully around each course set by the skilled YCCS race committee. Double Olympic Gold Medalist, Shirley Robertson OBE, made her intentions clear from the outset taking line honors on all three days of racing on charter yacht Moonbird. However, staggered starts, handicaps, three class categories and corrected times meant that results could not be calibrated until the last yacht in each fleet had completed the course.
A close fleet fueled adrenaline on the race course. Jeff Brown / Superyacht Media
Three days of closely fought action ensued leaving the top spot in each class open until the final race. Class C in particular showed a tight battle as the yachts Moonbird and luxury yacht Sarafin sat tied on four points apiece. The final cumulative standings gave the Class A win to superyacht Nilaya after a near unbeatable performance. Her impressive 1-1-2 scoreline earned her the overall prize – the Boat International Media Trophy – which was presented by Pier Luigi Loro Piana and Boat International Media CEO Tony Harris. A similarly dominant performance from Freya gave her overall victory in Class B whilst Moonbird’s solid race on the final day secured her Class win over Sarafin.
The 'Spirit of the Regatta' Award for superyacht Seahawk. Carlo Borlenghi / Studio Borlenghi
As is customary at Loro Piana Regattas, superyacht owners along with their guests and crew enjoyed a bountiful social programme in celebration of the action on the water each day. Virgin Gorda with its stunning coastline, quiet coves and luxury resorts provided a striking backdrop upon which to do so. Attendees made the most of the exclusive yacht club facilities at a relaxed Welcome Cocktail on the YCCS lawn. Guests reconvened at the YCCS Clubhouse for an exquisite dinner hosted by Loro Piana to round-up day one and shared a commemorative prize giving on the lawn to commend the illustrious victors on the race course as well as mega yacht Seahawk, the team crowned ‘Spirit of the Regatta’.
The 40 Strong Crew of mega yacht Hetairos Were Powerful On and Off the Race Course. Carlo Borlenghi / Studio Borlenghi
Owners and their guests made the most of Oil Nut Bay’s exquisite beach club facilities throughout the event and at the ‘Emerald Elegance’ beach party. Whilst Embraer Executive Jets along with Pamela and David V. Johnson hosted an intimate cocktail reception for superyacht owners at one of the resort’s private villas. Captains and crew were not disappointed either and celebrated their regatta successes in laid-back Caribbean style at a beach party sponsored by BVI Tourism and Marina Casa de Campo. Each crew competed off the racecourse in a lively tug-of-war which left the crew of the mighty superyacht Hetairos triumphant.
Owners and Crew Come Together to Celebrate the 2014 Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous. Carlo Borlenghi / Studio Borlenghi
Boat International Media and Yacht Club Costa Smerelda, Virgin Gorda would like to thank our sponsors for helping to make the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous a great success. Special thanks go to Title Sponsor; Loro Piana, Gold Sponsors; Embraer Executive Jets and Oil Nut Bay, Silver Sponsors; BVI Tourism and Westport and Bronze Sponsors; Marina Casa de Campo, Quadrivio and Willis.
The organisers are delighted to announce dates for the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous for the next three years 10-14 March 2015, 8-12 March 2016, 7-11 March 2017.
