The Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous opened for registration and a warm Caribbean welcome party at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Virgin Gorda. Fourteen sailing yachts and fourteen motor yachts are registered to participate in the regatta, which is collaboratively organized by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Boat International Media. Open to sailing yachts and motor yachts over 80 feet in length, the second edition of the event has attracted some of the most powerful and iconic sailing yachts on the water for three days of racing organised by the YCCS Race Committee. Races take place March 15 – 17 in a pursuit-style race with the slowest boat based on its rating starting first.
At the skipper’s meeting, Tony Harris of Boat International welcomed the gathered owners, skippers, crew and guests to the “beautiful new YCCS Clubhouse” noting that this was the first event of its kind to be held here pointing out that last year “it was just a hill”.
With a good steady wind blowing 15 knots through the sheltered waters of the North Sound, several of the thirteen sailing yachts 96’ to 179’ went out on the first of the four-day event to take advantage of the organized practice day. Others took in the surrounding sights or soaked up the sun poolside at the elegantly furbished Clubhouse which officially launched in January this year. Whilst this is the second time for the regatta to be hosted at the YCCS marina it is the first edition to enjoy the Clubhouse facilities and amenities offered onsite.
The YCCS marina is bustling with activity on the docks and on the decks as owners, captains, crew and guests make final preparations for the excitement of the competition ahead. “Myself and whole crew are very excited to participate in this event and we wish everybody lots of fun over the next three days,” commented first-time participant, owner of Firefly, the 115’ Hoek Design built by Claasen Shipyards.
The 138’ Hanuman, designed by Dykstra & Partner and built by Royal Huisman, returns to defend her title against Peter Harrison’s Farr 115 Sojana. Others in class include event newcomer, YCCS member Andrea Recordati’s Wally 101 Indio, division winner in the 2011 Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in Porto Cervo, and Salvatore Trifirò’s 163’ Zefira, another YCCS member. Racing alongside the 146′ Dubois designed and Vitters built Lady B, are the 147’ fast cruiser YCCS member boat Salperton, 128’ Ganesha and 163’ Zefira – all built by Fitzroy Yachts – and the 120’ Bliss from Yachting Developments. New competing entries also include the Philippe Briand designed 125’ sloop P2, Huisman’s 114’ Billy Budd, and the 179’ Marie built by Vitters.
Alan Goldstein, Owner of Victory, taking in the atmosphere and buzz of the occasion said: “I am very impressed with how well the event is organised, the quality and attention to detail is top.”
The new location, with its distinctively elegant design and attention to detail, will be the setting for the exclusive owner’s dinner hosted by Loro Piana while YCCS Marina will be the location for after-racing social events. The motor yachts will cruise in company to Peter Island for a lunch hosted by the BVI Tourist Board and take in the finish line on day 2. The Tender Treasure Hunt around the North Sound on the final day will give owners and guests of the motor yachts a chance to explore the safe and pristine waters of the bay. Oil Nut Bay will host owners, guests and participants at lunches and a party at the Luxury Resort Community and Beach Club during the event dates.
For further information on the regatta please visit www.yccs.com or www.superyachtregattaandrendezvous.com.
