Transatlantic Superyacht Regatta and Maxi Yacht Cup–Hetairos in first

by Jill Campbell on 1 Dec 2011 Transatlantic Superyacht Regatta and Transatlantic Maxi Yacht Cup 2011, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) and the International Maxi Association (IMA), is currently underway.

The 2011-launched, 66 metre Baltic Yachts ketch Hetairos was the first superyacht to complete the regatta at 00.03 a.m. GMT on 30th November. After eight days, 10 hours, 58 minutes and 30 seconds of navigation, the yacht crossed the finish line located off Saba Rock observed by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's Race Committee and went on to moor at the Club's marina in Virgin Gorda's North Sound. Hetairos, launched in July of this year and featuring design and engineering by Dykstra and Partners and Reichel Pugh Yacht Design, covered the 3069 mile trip from Santa Cruz in Tenerife at an average speed of 15.12 knots. A further six superyachts and maxi yachts will be arriving in Virgin Gorda over the coming days.

Second-placed Sojana (GBR), owned by Peter Harrison, was approximately 400 miles from the finish at 09.55 GMT today. She was travelling at approximately nine knots and was followed by Andrea Recordati's Wally 101 Indio (ITA).

Mark Fliegner, captain aboard Indio, last night described the challenging conditions his crew had encountered: 'The wind has started dying down about an hour ago, 'only' 23 to 28 knots now. We are carrying the storm jib forward with three reefs in the main. A bit underpowered through the night in the light patches (23-30knts), but perfect when squalls came in (30-38 usually, one at 46knts), with lots of rain. We are still managing acceptable average speed, with some amazing top speed out of nowhere of up to 24 knots.'

Tobias Koenig's Swan 82 Grey Goose of Rorc (GBR) was in fourth place. Although following different courses, there was little in it between the Wally 107 Kenora (ITA) and the smallest yacht in the fleet, the Croatian Karuba V, which both had approximately 900 miles still to cover. Salvatore Trifiro's 49.7 metre Zefira (ITA) made the decision to switch to engine power for the final stretch and is no longer competing in the race.

Hetairos' corrected time in IRC is just over 17 days and nine hours so the rest of the fleet will be giving it their all over the last few days to be in with a chance of taking overall victory in the event as well as prizes for the top scoring IMA and YCCS boats. The prize giving for the event will take place at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's newly opened Clubhouse overlooking the Club's purpose built superyacht marina on the island of Virgin YCCS YCCS Marina International Maxi Association website