Solid Trades for Superyacht Fleet

(January 30, 2016) – With a mean wind speed of 17 knots and brilliant sunshine, normal service resumed in the superb sailing grounds off the South Coast of Antigua for the second day of racing at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. Two shorter races, in solid Trade Winds, were run with boat handling providing the key to winning performances.

In the Corsair Class 112-ft Baltic, Nilaya won both of today’s races to take pole position in the regatta from the 147ft Baltic, Visione. Swan 90, Freya remains in third place having posted a fourth and a second today. In the Buccaneer Class, the 128-ft Dubois Tenaz retains the lead having scored a second and a win today. 82-ft Oyster, Zig Zag won the first race today and a second in the last race retains second place for the class, just a point behind Tenaz. 102-ft ketch, Maramar scored two podium finishes today and retains third in class. All results are provisional.

Seven-time Volvo Ocean Race veteran, Bouwe Bekking, is calling tactics on 112ft Baltic Nilaya. “Our starts were sharp today and the manoeuvres were well executed, Visione is extremely well sailed and that pushed us as well. The team on Nilaya has been together for a number of years, so I think that allows us to sail a superyacht like a smaller boat and that does make a difference. This regatta is very much in the style of gentleman’s racing, which produces a great atmosphere. Personally I like to race to win but I believe that the owner’s of the yachts really enjoy this style and that is great.”

Oyster 82, Zig Zag is competing at the regatta for the first time. Skipper Phil Howard Smith has been delighted with the performance so far. “What is really pleasing is that we are sailing the boat well and that is being rewarded in the rating system being used. We are getting off the line with good speed and the upwind team and the downwind team are driving and trimming the boat extremely well.”

Tonight over 200 owners, crew and guests of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua will attend The Caribbean Night in the historic surroundings of Nelson’s Dockyard. Flavours from all over the Caribbean will be wafting from the grills and cultural entertainers, including African Dancers, will be performing to get the party going. One of Antigua’s finest, DJ Nez will be spinning the tunes until the early hours. Racing concludes tomorrow, Sunday 31st January.

Event website – Scoreboard

Report by Louay Habib, Media Cosultant Superyacht Challenge Antigua