Superyacht Challenge Antigua Returns for 8th Edition

By popular demand, the eighth edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua (SYCA) will feature an extended program of five races held over four days, January 31 – February 4, 2018. The magnificent fleet takes 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.”

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.

Event Details

About Superyacht Challenge Antigua
The challenge is held in Antigua in late January or early February when yachts in excess of 80 feet are invited to participate in an exciting, friendly event. The SYCA Committee headed by Paul Deeth and Stan Pearson host three days of racing.

From a Start/Finish line off the entrance to English Harbour, the course marks for the three 12 – 30 mile (approx) Pursuit Races are set daily according to the prevailing conditions off the south coast of Antigua.

The regatta will continue with a limited entry of 12-15 yachts depending on the type of vessels. This decision was made to ensure that the magnificent amenities available at Nelson’s Dockyard would comfortably host the event.

Furthermore the event will have no title sponsorship, to ensure that the Superyacht Challenge Antigua will be held for the pure enjoyment of the participants without any conflict of interest with a third party.

Source: Louay Habib, Media Manager Superyacht Challenge Antigua