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The Superyacht Spirit                                
The Caribbean superyacht season kicked off in fine style with the 2018 Superyacht Challenge Antigua. Now its 8th year, the Superyacht Challenge Antigua is free from commercial endorsements, and has one clear objective; to provide all the facilities to stage an ideal event for an exclusive selection of yachts, where fair racing and good companionship are valued above all else.

The regatta once again attracted a magnificent fleet, including five previous winners. Dazzling yachts ranging in size from 82ft (25m) to 172ft (52m) took part in four days of racing along the stunning south coast of Antigua. Five races were scored using the new 2018 ORCsy Superyacht rule. The 90ft Hoek designed sloop Acadia was second in 2017 and made no mistake this year winning the Buccaneers Class with straight bullets.The 112ft German Frers designed sloop Spiip, successfully defended their Corsairs class win from 2017. Over five highly competitive races, Spiip won the class in the last race, and was voted by competitors and the race committee, as having competed in the Spirit of the Regatta, both afloat and ashore, winning The Gosnell Trophy.

Spiip (www.clairematches.com)
“This has been a really enjoyable regatta, and that is why we keep coming back.” commented Spiip's navigator, Campbell Field. “To win our class was very rewarding especially against well prepared, and well sailed boats. To win the Gosnell Trophy has made this event all the more memorable. To be recognised by our competition, and the race organisers, is very special and much appreciated by Spiip's owner and all of the team.”

Elfje (www.clairematches.com)
The Corsairs Class featured examples of the world's most outstanding performance superyachts including the 172ft Hoek designed Elfje, which placed second on countback from the 140ft German Frers Rebecca. The 105ft Bill Dixon designed sloop, Danneskjold was the best starting yacht of the regatta, and will go on to compete in the gruelling RORC Caribbean 600 later in February. The Corsairs Class was incredibly competitive with the overall lead changing hands at the end of every race, many races were decided by just a few seconds.

Danneskjold (www.clairematches.com)

The Superyacht Challenge Antigua uses the ORCsy Rule to decide race winners. “Just look at how close the results are and you can see that this rule is working.” commented the regatta organiser Stan Pearson, who had been at the helm of Rebecca. “The Corsairs Class was decided on the last race, and right at the end the top three positions all changed. I only wish we had stuck to the old format of a three day regatta, because we would have won!” 

Acadia (Ted Martin)
The Buccaneers Class

Acadia put in an outstanding performance in the Corsairs Class winning all five races against well sailed opposition, including Oyster 82 Zig Zag, class runner up in 2016, and the unique Dominique Presles designed 102ft ketch Maramar, a winner in 2014. Zig Zag was second and owner John McMonigall and his team plan to be back with a new Oyster  885, which is in build at Oyster Yachts.

“This is a nice event; low key, great racing and fits in really well with our schedule. Our owner likes to race but also enjoys remote cruising, and by racing Arcadia it lets us test the limits, so we really know what the boat can handle, especially when we plan to visit the higher latitudes later this season.” commented Arcadia's skipper Heinrich Muller. 

Zig Zag & Marama (Ted Martin)
Paul Deeth, proprietor of Admiral's Inn, and founder of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, was at the helm of Marama for the regatta. 

“The regatta has stuck to the ethos of providing fair sailing and enjoyable social occasions. Designed solely for the pleasure of superyacht owners, their guests and crew, it is a simple recipe, and one that the organising committee has no intention of changing. Behind the scenes the committee and all the staff put in a tremendous amount of effort to ensure that the regatta is enjoyable, and I know I speak for all of the sailors involved; it is very much appreciated.”

Prize Giving at The Admiral's Inn (Ted Martin)

Spiip celebrate at The Admiral's Inn (Ted Martin)

Whilst the racing is conducted with the confines of safe and fair sailing, there are no inhibitions ashore. Every evening has a party with awards for the Famous Cook Off, the best fancy dress and the Loudest Caribbean shirt. This year a new fun-filled paddle board competition was a huge success, and raised over 3000 EC$ towards the creation of a properly managed marine park in English Harbour. Party prize winners are given awards at the Prize Giving held at the Admiral's Inn, and they receive as much applause and cheers as the class winners. However the biggest cheer of the ceremony was for Spiip, and not just for winning the Corsairs Class. The standing ovation was for their great contribution to the spirit of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua.

The Gosnell Trophy (Ted Martin)





Acadia & Elfje win last race


Race 5, the last encounter at the 2018 Superyacht Challenge Antigua, started in light breeze which built during the day. In the 23 mile race for the Corsairs, the 172ft Hoek designed ketch Elfje took the win, followed by Spiip, Rebecca and Danneskjold. Spiip's second place was good enough to win the class by a single point. Rebecca and Elfje were level on points, with Elfje taking second for the regatta on countback, and Rebecca third.

“At the start of the race, there was little wind and we thought it was going to be a very long day. However, the breeze built and we got into the pressure before Rebecca.” Commented Elfje's skipper Fergus Ross. “We started to reel Rebecca in and then pass her. We has a clock on Spiip up ahead, and we were gaining on them. By the finish we were delighted with the race win. Elfje started the regatta with a win and we finished with one, so that has really consolidated what has been a really good week.”

In the 18 mile race for the Buccaneers, Acadia completed their perfect scoreline for the regatta, taking the class win. Zig Zag went for a bold start, but fouled the pin end, resulting in a penalty with Marama joining Zig Zag in third.

www.clairematches.com
“The Zig Zag crew have worked hard all week with a smile, and we have thoroughly enjoyed the regatta.“ Commented Philip Howard Smith, skipper of Oyster 82 Zig Zag. “We came close to beating Acadia yesterday, so despite the fact that the class was decided, we put our all into the last race. Zig Zag's owner, John McMonigall, is 75 years old and drives Zig Zag. John absolutely loves to come to this regatta, and we will be back in 2020 with the new Oyster 885, which is in-build at Oyster Yachts.”

The Superyacht Challenge Antigua uses the ORCsy Rule to decide race winners. “Just look at how close the results are and you can see that this rule is working.” commented the regatta organiser Stan Pearson, who has been at the helm of Rebecca for the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. “The Corsairs Class was decided on the last race, and the top three positions all changed, right at the end. I only wish we had stuck to a three day regatta, because we would have won!” Laughed Stan Pearson.

“ORCsy uses the same core of the ORC Rule, the same VPP, but it has some special features for superyachts.” Explained Paolo Massarini, ORCsy Manager. “The superyacht VPP includes some particular characteristics such as windage from freeboard, furled sails, antenna domes, and superstructures. It also includes variables such as number of masts, type of rigs, and appendages. The Superyacht Challenge Antigua is very useful for ORCsy as it comes at the start of the season, and the regatta gives us data on a variety of boats.”

The Prize Giving for the 8th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua will be held tonight Sunday 5th February at The Admiral's Inn, Nelson's Dockyard. Winners will be presented with rum barrels suitably filled, and the Gosnell Trophy will be awarded to the yacht, who in the opinion of the competitors and the race committee, has competed in the Spirit of the Regatta, both afloat and ashore.






Spiip and Rebecca tied at the top

Spectacular conditions prevailed for the penultimate day of the 2018 Superyacht Challenge Antigua on the stunning waters south of Antigua. Two short races were completed in a building breeze and sea state. In the Corsairs Class Spiip took Race 3 to take the over all lead for the class. However Rebecca fought back to win Race 4. Both teams are now tied on points for the regatta with Elfje in third place. In the Buccaneers Class, Acadia posted two More victories to keep a perfect score for the regatta. Zig Zag remains in second with Marama third. The best start in Race 3 was executed by Danneskjold, the 105ft sloop was just 8 seconds shy of the line. In Race 4, Spiip and Acadia were both just 6 seconds behind the gun.

In the Corsairs Class, the 142ft ketch Rebecca and 112ft sloop Spiip, both from the drawing board of German Frers, are tied at the top for the final race. The 172ft Hoek designed ketch Elfje still has a mathematically chance of winning. 
“It was lovely today, a beautiful day's sailing.” Smiled Spiip's navigator, Campbell Field. “There was a lot of reaching today, which suited the ketches so we are very happy with our results and it's all to play for tomorrow. This crew loves to come together on Spiip, and if we can win the regatta tomorrow, the party will be all the better.”
“A fourth and first for Rebecca today, excuse the cliché but a game of two halves.” commented Rebecca's skipper, Darryl Starr. “In  Race 4, our tactician Smithy, did a nice move to get us into the shore at the bottom mark. It set us up in flatter water and we were spotting the lifts to keep above the sloops, a great end to an exciting day. Tomorrow we know we are not going to win unless we sail extremely well.”
In the Buccaneers Class, Acadia need only to finish the last race to win the class with Zig Zag second. Marama is lying in third position, a winner in 2014, the 102ft aluminium ketch was originally designed by Dominiqe Presle. Paul Deeth, proprietor of Admiral's Inn, and founder of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, is at the helm of Marama for the regatta.


“Over the past seven editions, the regatta has stuck to the ethos of providing fair sailing and enjoyable social occasions. Designed solely for the pleasure of superyacht owners, their guests and crew, it is a simple recipe, and one that the organising committee has no intention of changing. Behind the scenes the organising committee and all the staff put in a tremendous amount of effort to ensure that the regatta is enjoyable, and I know I speak for all of the sailors involved; it is very much appreciated.”

On Friday after racing, eight teams contested the zany Paddle Board Competition held just off the Superyacht dock. The paddle boards were donated by SUP Antigua and in excess of 3000 EC$ was raised in aid of the creation of a properly managed marine park in English Harbour, with the  collaboration of National Parks of Antigua. 
The best dressed teams were all from Spiip. Two all-women teams, Rebecca and Spiip 2, had a ladies duel won by Rebecca. However Spiip 3 was scored DNF after a bizarre incident with Rebecca, which involved Tarzan fighting with an alligator! Acadia, boasting a team including a two-time Volvo Ocean Race winner and a multiple sailing world champion, could only manage third. Danneskjold came out with all guns blazing but an epic performance, bigger then Ben Hur, saw Marama take the qualifiers. Marama won the right to take on the mighty Team Antigua, who had just rowed 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. 
Tiger Tyson and Oscar Stranack had the audacity of taking on the four-man team, two-handed - real David vs Goliath territory. To huge applause the Marama teenagers won! Many congratulations to Tiger and Oscar. Tiger Tyson will be representing Antigua & Barbuda at Kite Surfing for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Argentina.
Racing concludes tomorrow Saturday 3rd February with just one race scheduled to start at 1100 local time. 








Heavenly Conditions in Antigua


The second day of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua was blessed with 16 knots of north easterly trade winds, sublime air temperature, and a dazzling blue Caribbean sea. In the Corsairs Class Rebecca put in a great performance, winning by just over a minute after ORCsy time correction. Spiip took second, just 13 seconds ahead of Danneskjold after time correction. In the Buccaneers Class, Acadia scored their second win of the regatta with Zig Zag second and Marama third.

The Buccaneers were set a course of approximately 25 miles with the Corsairs enjoying a similar course plus an additional beat offshore. Both courses featured a long windward leeward component, testing boat handling and boat-on-boat tactics. A 30 degree wind shift near the end of the day was a defining moment for a top performance. In the Buccaneers Class, Acadia executed another super start, just 8 seconds shy of the gun, but it wasn't the best start of the day, that honour was shared by Spiip and Elfje in the Corsairs Class. Both yachts were just five seconds off a perfect start.

In the Corsairs Class, the 142ft Frers ketch Rebecca's won today's race lifting the team to top of the leaderboard, with Elfje second and Spiip third. Elfje is the largest yacht competing this year, the magnificent 172ft ketch was launched in 2014 from the drawing board of Hoek, and has eco-friendly features including a hybrid propulsion system. Elfje's skipper Fergus Ross spoke about the regatta after today's race. 



“The range of yachts in our class is great. Spiip is very quick and really optimised and Danneskjold was really quick today. Elfje and Rebecca are having a great time, it is great to finally race against them. Elfje's owner really enjoys racing and this one is at the top of the list, because it is relaxed, easy going with a great atmosphere. There are no serious expectations but we are all trying to push the boat as hard as we can, and we have had two great days of racing. We are all looking forward to a double bill tomorrow with two shorter races, a bit more breeze would be good for us.”



In the Buccaneers Class, Acadia scored their second win of the regatta, with Zig Zag second. Maramar is lying in third position.

The Famous Cook Off took place on Thursday night at the Superyacht beach in Nelson's Dockyard and is a special social event at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. The friendly competition between participating yachts, pits superyacht chefs to produce mouthwatering cuisine for the competing sailors. One dish is cooked on a traditional Antiguan coal pot for the coveted prize. This year's fancy dress theme was Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and superyacht crews love to dress-up!

Racing continues tomorrow Saturday 3rd February with two shorter races scheduled to start at 1100 local time.





A Glorious Start

01 February 2018, Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua - Superb conditions and close racing were the order of the day for Race One of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. In the Corsairs Class, Elfje took the first gun, and after ORCsy time correction won the class, just 16 seconds ahead of Rebecca, with Spiip third. In the Buccaneers Class, Acadia was the victor with Zig Zag taking second place, just 37 seconds ahead on corrected time from Maramar.

Principal Race Officer John Coveney commented on the 21 nautical mile race, lasting just over two and a half hours. “The course was designed to test the fleet evenly at every point of sail, and I have to say, with a moderate to strong breeze from the east, coupled with a slight sea state, it was just a glorious day to go racing.”

After a two mile beat, the fleet eased sheets heading offshore in anticipation of setting downwind sails onto a broad reach. A tactically and physically demanding downwind leg followed, with gybes-a-plenty. The penultimate leg was a beat, playing the stunning bays along the rugged Antiguan coastline, before a short and sharp power reach to the finish.

In the Buccaneers Class, the 90ft Hoek designed sloop Acadia executed a text book start, just one second shy of the line. Acadia was launched in late 2016, and has beautiful classic lines, twin cockpits and a deckhouse leading to a rich mahogany interior. Acadia's traditional appearance is complimented by a lightweight aluminium hull and fin keel. The carbon rig flies a full main,  cutter-rigged foresails and a top-down furling asymmetrical headsail.

“We have really got a great sailing team together and It felt really good to get a flying start, it was about as close as you want to get.” smiled Arcadia's skipper Heinrich Muller. “This is a nice event; low key, great racing and fits in really well with our schedule. Our owner likes to race but also enjoys remote cruising, and by racing Arcadia it lets us test the limits, so we really know what the boat can handle, especially when we plan to visit the higher latitudes later this season.”


In the Corsairs Class, two magnificent sloops enjoyed an epic battle with the 112ft German Frers designed sloop Spiip getting the better of the duel in the latter part of the race. The Bill Dixon designed 105ft Danneskjold was originally launched in 2009, and was the first Superyacht to use a telescopic keel. Danneskjold's hull is made from advanced composites contributing to an impressive displacement of just 70 tonnes, and a minimalist deck layout enables slick manoeuvres. America's Cup and multiple world champion Mike Toppa is part of an impressive crew. 

“Danneskjold has been extremely well prepared by Captain Simon Hill ,but this is a new team and we have had limited time to practice. Having said that the crew sailed the boat really well for a first day, executing manoeuvres well. Today Antigua served up some classic conditions; squally with a lot of shifts. We had a great battle with Spiip, and five minutes before the last mark we were neck-and-neck, just dead even. There was a 20 degree shift which favoured them and that was the ball game, but good for them, they sailed well and it was exciting to have two well sailed superyachts going at it.”


The traditional exclusive Welcome Cocktail Party at the Gunpowder House Boom Restaurant marked the start of celebrations for the 8th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. Owners, guests and crew enjoyed sundowners and canapés over looking Nelson's Dockyard, prior to the start of four days of racing in one of the world's best sailing locations.


Racing continues tomorrow Friday 2nd February with Race Two scheduled to start at 1100 local time. 




Superyacht Season Underway in Antigua



31 January 2018, Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua - The Caribbean superyacht season starts in earnest on Thursday 1st February with the 8th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. The Superyacht Challenge Antigua has once again attracted a magnificent fleet, including five previous winners. This will be the first regatta using the new 2018 ORC Superyacht Rule (ORCsy). Dazzling yachts ranging in size from 82ft (25m) to 172ft (52m) will take part in four days of racing along the stunning south coast of Antigua. Five races are scheduled, with a fun-filled social programme for all participants in the magical confines of Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua.

The 172ft Hoek designed Elfje, and the 140ft German Frers Rebecca, are set for a battle royal as the two largest ketch-rigged superyachts competing at the regatta. Rebecca was victorious in 2012, and Elfje returns after a stunning debut last year. The unique Dominique Presles designed 102ft ketch Maramar was a winner in 2014, and will be an equal adversary after time correction.

The impressive 112ft German Frers designed sloop Spiip is back to defend their class win last year, and is set for a close battle with the sensational 105ft Bill Dixon designed sloop Danneskjold. The 90ft Hoek designed sloop Acadia returns after making her debut last year, finishing second in class. Oyster 82 Zig Zag is back for their third regatta, hoping to go one better than runner up in 2016.

The Superyacht Challenge Antigua is free from commercial endorsements, and has one clear objective; to provide all the facilities to stage an ideal event for an exclusive selection of yachts, where fair racing and good companionship are valued above all else. The racing is competitive, with a high tariff placed on safety. Class winners are presented with rum barrels suitably filled, and The Gosnell Trophy is awarded to the yacht, who in the opinion of the competitors and the race committee, has competed in the Spirit of the Regatta, both afloat and ashore.
Racing starts Thursday February 1st, with a scheduled start for Race one at 11:00 AST (UTC-4).



172ft (52m) ketch Elfje (www.clairematches.com)
8th Superyacht Challenge Antigua
January 31st - 4th February 2018
By popular demand, the eighth edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua will feature an extended programme of five races held over four days. The magnificent fleet take part in spectacular racing, with daily pursuit races along the stunning south coast of Antigua. Warm trade winds and ocean swell produce ideal conditions. Sailors from all over the world gather for competitive racing and fun-filled social events.
Designed to be solely for the pleasure of superyacht owners, their guests and crew, the regatta is a wonderful celebration of sailing and parties with one clear objective; to provide all the facilities to stage an ideal event for an exclusive selection of yachts, where fair racing and good companionship are valued above all else.
The Superyacht Challenge Antigua features yachts with a minimum length of 80ft (24m) and attracts both modern and classic yachts. Four impressive superyachts made their debut last year, and were amongst the first to commit to this year's event.
Danneskjold the 105ft (32m) sloop from the drawing board of Dixon Yacht Design, is a spectacular sight under full sail. The 112ft (34m) Spiip, designed by German Frers, had an outstanding debut, winning the Corsairs Class in 2016. Classic designs abound in the regatta, and returning for 2018 are two beautiful Hoek designs; Arcadia the elegant 90ft (28m) sloop cutter, and the glorious 172ft (52m) ketch Elfje.
“A fantastic regatta, with a great atmosphere. This is the first big win for Spiip and the owner and crew are very happy. ” commented Spiip navigator Campbell Field, after last year's success. “Nilaya and Danneskjold are very similar in performance to Spiip and we had some great tussles with Adela and Elfje as well. The Superyacht Challenge Antigua is full on out on the water and laid back ashore, the perfect combination.”
The Famous Cook Off (Ted Martin).
There is no jacket required for the social events at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, and every gathering is held in the historic surroundings of Nelson's Dockyard. A Welcome Cocktail Party at the exclusive Boom Restaurant, is followed by the famous Cook Off, with a fancy dress theme of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Friday is fun day with a Paddle Board Competition and Beach Party. The penultimate party is the Cocktails and Caribbean Night with traditional dancers and entertainers.
The Prize Giving Ceremony is held at the Admiral's Inn, where rum barrels suitably filled are awarded, and the winner of the Gosnell Trophy is announced. The Gosnell Trophy is Timoneer's Bell, a perpetual trophy awarded to the yacht, who in the opinion of the competitors and the race committee, has competed in the Spirit of the Regatta.