The magnificent regatta fleet of twenty super sailing yachts as well as seven luxurious motor yachts are berthed in YCCS Marina this evening, in preparation for the first day of the competing at this year’s Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous.
Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous 2012. Photo Jeff Brown/SYM
The third edition of the event organised by Boat International Media and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has attracted a record number of sailing yachts in 2013, set to enjoy three days of racing in the idyllic conditions offered by the British Virgin Islands. Stretching more than 30 miles along the Sir Francis Drake Channel, the BVIs are comprised of more than 60 beautiful islands set amid the sheltered, turquoise waters of the central Caribbean Sea, offering some of the most picturesque sailing in the world.
A diverse fleet of modern yachts and elegant, classic designs will race under the International Super Yacht Rule, overseen by Principal Race Officer Peter Craig and the YCCS Race Committee. The 30.5m Wally sailing yacht Indio returns to defend her title alongside Jim Clark’s 42m J-Class yacht Hanuman which took second place in 2012. Other returning competitors include the Briand-designed Perini Navi 38.1m charter yacht P2, helmed by Gerry Andlinger, as well as 45m charter yacht Salperton and the super sleek 49.7m superyacht Zefira, both built by Fitzroy Yachts.
New entries for this year include the 62m Hoek mega yacht Athos built by Holland Jachtbouw, Perini Navi’s 54m charter yacht Parsifal III, Camper and Nicholsons 40m J-Class charter yacht Endeavour and Southern Wind yachts 30.2m yacht Blues and 30.26m Cape Arrow, the latter chartered for the occasion by title sponsor Loro Piana.
Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous. Jeff Brown/Superyacht Media
An impressive display of motor yachts including Feadship‘s 63m charter yacht Lady Britt, veteran participant 46.9m luxury motor yacht Ingot by Burger Boat Company, Westport‘s 39.6m superyacht Resolute and late addition 34.1m Chief, will turn out to follow the fleet and enjoy the spectacle of the regatta. As well as front row spectator seats from the comfort of their yachts, motor yacht owners will enjoy their own social programme alongside the sailing during the day which includes a private lunch at a luxury villa on Peter Island, sponsored by BVI Tourism.
Participating sailing yachts have taken advantage of the opportunity to fit in a day’s practice before racing commences tomorrow, and owners came together for a relaxed, welcome lunch at the beautiful Oil Nut Bay. The event officially kicks off this evening with a Welcome Cocktail and BBQ on the lawn of the YCCS Clubhouse.
Racing is scheduled to begin at 1100 (AST) tomorrow, with the current forecast suggesting a perfect day for racing with winds averaging 12 knots.
