If you’re rarin’ to go racing for pure fun, the upcoming Superyacht Challenge Antigua could be right up your alley. But act soon, as it’s nearly sold out.
Eleven competitors have registered for the race, which marks its sixth anniversary from January 28 to 31. Typically, the organizers limit the race to 12 to 15 competitors, separated into two classes. The Superyacht Challenge Antigua takes place along the southern coastline of Antigua, with the start and finish line just off English Harbour. The island is, of course, where many a megayacht makes her winter home.
As mentioned above, the Superyacht Challenge Antigua emphasizes fun. Similar to other regattas, a variety of social events occur each night. But, there are no corporate sponsors, nor an overall winner. The race got its start due to owners and industry representatives wanting to recapture the original spirit of superyacht racing: just big fun with big boats. That’s not to say that the Superyacht Challenge Antigua eschews victories, though. Rather, the top three competitors in each class get a barrel of Antiguan rum. The fastest yacht gets a prize, too, as does the yacht with the best corrected time. And, with additional awards for Best Dressed Crew, Loudest Caribbean Shirt, and the Famous Cook-Off, you can tell the Superyacht Challenge Antigua is a bit different.
Also different: a new trophy named in honor of a longtime race supporter and participant. The Gosnell Trophy is being donated by the owners and crew of Timoneer (above). They have supported the Superyacht Challenge Antigua since it started. The Gosnell Trophy is in memory of the late Georgia Gosnell, who owned Timoneer and who passed away in 2014. “Some of our best memories were seeing her and her entourage enjoying the event,” the race organizers state. The Gosnell Trophy will go to the yacht that, they add, “has competed in the Spirit of the Regatta, where they have sailed as hard as they can with the equipment available while still representing the yacht well ashore.” The Gosnell Trophy will be a perpetual award at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua.
Confirmed racers for this year’s Superyacht Challenge Antigua include famed sailing superyachts like Rebecca, Unfurled, Gloria, and Tenaz. The event is governed by the ORC SuperYacht Rule.
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