Less than a month from now eight megayachts–maybe upwards of 15–will be competing for bragging rights in the Superyacht Cup Antigua. Based on the success of the Superyacht Cup Palma event held earlier this year, organizers expect the participating owners and crew to enjoy the friendly competition and blow off a little steam before the busy holiday charter season starts.
Like the 11-year-old Palma race, this one, now in its second year, will encompass three days of racing, with the yachts returning in time for sundowner cocktails and evening entertainment. They’ll head out from historic Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbor and follow an approximate 22-nautical-mile course back into the harbor. On the last night, at the Prize-Giving Ball, all eyes will be glued to the presentation podium to see who’ll get the coveted cup.
The list of entrants reads like a who’s who: Yanneke Too, Timoneer, Sojana, Rebecca, Tenacious, Patient Falcon, Virago, and Carl Linn. So does the list of sponsors: Camper & Nicholsons, Antigua Rigging, North Sails, Lyman Morse Boatbuilding, Amico & Co., and Pantaenius insurance, among other prominent marine-industry companies.
Besides the sense of camaraderie among owners and crew, the competition is building a bridge of sorts across the ocean: The Superyacht Cup organizers brought together tourism and government representatives from each region at the Monaco Yacht Show to engage in trade talks. The discussions regarding cruising grounds, infrastructure, and other marine-tourism-related items will continue in Antigua.
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