Record entry expected for Superyacht Challenge Antigua 2020
by Louay Habib 26 May 2019 00:38 NZST
11-15 March 2020
2019 Superyacht Challenge Antigua © Claire Matches /
www.clairematches.com
A record entry for the 10th birthday party of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua is expected with 15 superyachts expressing their interest, including five J Class yachts. In excess of 400 hundred sailors, from all over the world, will be racing on the stunning sailing grounds of the south coast of Antigua, and enjoying laid back parties in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nelson's Dockyard. The Superyacht Challenge Antigua has one clear objective; to provide all the facilities to stage an ideal event for an exclusive selection of Superyachts. The SYCA Committee headed by Paul Deeth and Stan Pearson host four days of spectacular racing using the ORCsy rating rule.
"We have had an unprecedented response from owners and boat captains who want to come and celebrate the tenth birthday of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua," commented SYCA founder, and committee member, Stan Pearson. "The ethos of the regatta is that fair racing and good companionship are valued above all else, and the racing and the atmosphere ashore is fantastic. Prizes for class winners and social events are barrels of rum, suitably filled. The Gosnell Trophy is awarded, after a vote by the competitors and the race committee, to the yacht that has competed in the Spirit of the Regatta, both afloat and ashore."
The 140ft (42m) German Frers ketch Rebecca, winner of the Gosling Trophy last year, will be competing for the sixth time. John McMonigall's Oyster 82 (25m) Zig Zag, will be racing for the sixth regatta. The 112ft (34m) Reichel Pugh sloop Nilaya, with Filip Balcaen at the helm, will be competing for the fourth time and defending their 2019 class win. Sir Peter Harrison's 115ft (35m) Farr designed ketch Sojana will be back for their third regatta, as will Don Macpherson's Swan 90 (28m) Freya. The J Class have expressed their interest to compete for the first time, expressions of interest have been received from Lionheart, Ranger, Svea, Topaz, and Velsheda.
Four modern superyachts will be making their debut at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. The 128ft (39m) Tripp designed sloop G2, the 104ft (32m) Southern Wind sloop Farfalla, and two Humphreys Yacht Design Oyster 885 (27m) sloops; Firebird and Guardian Angel. The spirit of tradition 91ft (28m) yawl Bequia, designed by Stephens Waring, will also be competing for the first time.
The response has been incredible," commented SYCA Committee member and proprietor of the Admiral's Inn Paul Deeth. "The only real change to previous events has been moving the event to March, and that has proved very popular. We are very close to capacity for the regatta, deciding when to close the entry is based on ensuring that the magnificent amenities available at Nelson's Dockyard will comfortably host the event."
The Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, and Entry Form are posted at www.superyachtchallengeantigua.com