2019 Superyacht Challenge Antigua - Preview
by Louay Habib 26 Nov 2018 22:39 AEDT
30 January - 3 February 2019
The 112ft German Frers sloop Spiip - 2018 Superyacht Challenge Antigua © Claire Matches /
www.clairematches.com
The ninth edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua will take place from Jan 30 – Feb 3, 2019 featuring a programme of four 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 including a glorious prize giving held at the Admiral's Inn.
Designed to be solely for the pleasure of superyacht owners, their guests and crew, the Superyacht Challenge Antigua organises competitive racing and laid back parties. Every evening a social event is held within the magnificent confines of the UNESCO World Heritage site; Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua. The Superyacht Challenge Antigua is the first superyacht regatta for the 2019 season and will feature a stunning array of yachts.
The much-travelled 148ft (45m) Dubois ketch Catalina, formerly known as Timoneer, is the heart and soul of the regatta. The only trophy awarded at the Superyacht Challenge is the Gosnell Trophy, which is the bell of Timoneer donated by the previous owners of the yacht. The Gosnell Trophy is awarded after a vote by the competitors and the race committee, as having competed in the Spirit of the Regatta, both afloat and ashore. The holder of the Gosnell Trophy is the powerful 112ft (34m) German Frers designed sloop, Spiip, which will be back to defend their win in the 2018 Corsairs Class.
The 2017 Buccaneers Class winner returns to the regatta, the 112ft (34m) Sparkman and Stephens sloop Kawil showed her prowess in the 2018 Newport Bermuda Race, winning her class. Oyster 82 (25m) Zig Zag has competed in the last three editions of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, and has been class runner-up on two occasions. Zig Zag will be returning for the 2019 edition with ambitions on that elusive class win.
The 140ft (42m) German Frers ketch Rebecca is one of the world's most beautiful superyachts. Rebecca first raced in the Superyacht Challenge Antigua in 2012 taking first place, and this will be her fifth appearance. The 112ft (34m) sloop Nilaya, designed by Reichel Pugh, will be taking part in her third Superyacht Challenge Antigua, including a class win in 2016. Nilaya has been one of the most successful high-performance sailing boats launched in the modern era, having won both the Rolex Maxi Yacht Cup, and the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta on three occasions.
For full results, daily reports and pictures from the eighth edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua: superyachtchallengeantigua.com.