From today through February 4, seven sailing superyachts battle it out for barrels of rum—yes, rum—in the Caribbean. They’re competing in the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, celebrating its eight year.
While she’s not the biggest racer, Spiip (above) is certainly one to watch, according to the race organizers. Spiip won her class at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua last year. Measuring 112 feet (34.17 meters), this sloop should compete neck and neck (or should we say bow and bow) against another sloop. That yacht is the 105-foot (32-meter) Danneskjold.
One of the reasons is that they, as well as the other competitors, are racing under the newly released 2018 ORC Superyacht Rule. The ORC is the Offshore Racing Congress, the leading organization when it comes to rating yachts in regattas. It created the original ORC Superyacht Rule in 2014, updating it over the years to ensure even more accuracy, fairness, and transparency. A variety of pleasure-yacht races employ it, including the St. Barths Bucket and Superyacht Cup. (If you enjoy learning the technical aspects behind efforts like this, you can read about the ORC Superyacht Rule online.)
Besides Spiip and Danneskjold, other racers are set to create stiff competition for each other. Elfje and Rebecca are good examples. These ketches, measuring 172 and 139 feet respectively (52.36 and 42.42 meters), are each returning crowd favorites. Rebecca took her class in 2012, too. Elfje’s first time at the Antigua Superyacht Challenge was last year, so expect her to want bragging rights.
That is, bragging about getting rum. All class winners receive the above-mentioned rum barrels (filled, naturally). The race organizers also value camaraderie and plenty of social events above commercialism. No corporate sponsors are allowed. Nelson’s Dockyard hosts the yachts, their owners, their crew, and those who enjoy the spectacle. Obviously, safety is paramount as well. But since good fun among good company is key, the Superyacht Challenge Antigua further awards a trophy. The Gosnell Trophy goes to the yacht reflecting the true spirit of the regatta on the water and ashore.
You can follow the racing, which starts today at 11 a.m. Antigua time, via the race website.
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