Sure, superyacht owners and crew want to win when they register for regattas. But, sometimes the spirit of camaraderie and good sportsmanship are equally highly regarded. The organizers and competitors of the just-concluded Superyacht Challenge Antigua lauded the owner and crew of Spiip for these, as well as their racing prowess.
Considering Spiip won her class at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua last year, this year’s win doesn’t come as much of a surprise. But, the 112-foot (34.17-meter) sloop still faced strong competition. After all, four other previous winners entered the race, too. In addition, the Corsairs Class, in which Spiip (below) participated, came down to the very last of the five races held from February 1 to 4. It further saw lead changes in each of those five races, with mere seconds deciding the victors.
“This has been a really enjoyable regatta, and that is why we keep coming back,” says Campbell Field, Spiip’s navigator. “To win our class was very rewarding, especially against well-prepared and well-sailed boats.” Those well-said boats included the 172-foot (52.36-meter) Elfje (below), which took second place. They further included Rebecca, a 139-footer (42.42-meter) who happened to have Superyacht Challenge Antigua’s organizer, Stan Pearson, at her helm. “Right at the end, the top three positions all changed,” he explains. He then adds, in good humor, “I only wish we had stuck to the old format of a three-day regatta, because we would have won!”
Besides Spiip taking top honors in the Corsairs Class, one additional yacht took the other class. The Buccaneers Class went to the 90-foot (27.5-meter) Acadia, who just missed line honors last year. The aptly named Oyster 82 Zig Zag did give her a run for her proverbial money this year, it’s worth noting. Also, look for team Zig Zag to return in 2019, aboard their Oyster 885, which is nearing completion.
As mentioned, the Superyacht Challenge Antigua emphasizes good sportsmanship, both on the water and ashore. Therefore, one yacht team receives the Gosnell Trophy (top). It’s a perpetual award in the shape of the bell from Timoneer. The owners and crew of Timoneer enjoyed and supported the Superyacht Challenge Antigua from year one, eight years ago. Race organizers and all competitors have a vote in who receives the Gosnell Trophy. The standing ovation that team Spiip received says it all.
“The regatta has stuck to the ethos of providing fair sailing and enjoyable social occasions,” comments Paul Deeth, founder of the race and proprietor of Antigua’s Admiral’s Inn. (He also helmed Marama during the regatta.) “It is a simple recipe, and one that the organizing committee has no intention of changing.”
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