Twenty one sailing superyachts and seven motor yachts have registered for the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous taking place in Virgin Gorda (BVI) from 20 - 23 March.
The event, organised by Boat International Media and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), is sponsored by the Italian luxury brand Loro Piana for the second consecutive year and will host racing and social events over four days.
‘The combination of spectacular yachts, a stunning setting, top-class racing and great social events makes this an unmissable event in the Caribbean racing calendar’, says YCCS Commodore Riccardo Bonadeo. ‘We are proud to support title sponsor Loro Piana in a regatta that goes from strength to strength and is set to become a jewel in the crown of YCCS Virgin Gorda.’
Racing is set to be competitive in both the Performance and Cruising classes with veteran competitors, newcomers and previous regatta winners participating. The Wally 101 Indio, overall winner of the 2012 edition of the event, will be taking part, as will the 42m Hanuman, winner of the 2011 Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous. The Royal Huisman built Hanuman, a modern recreation of the J-Class yacht Endeavour II, will be competing alongside the 1934 J-Class Endeavour in scenes reminiscent of the golden era of America’s Cup racing in the 1930s.
At the cutting edge of nautical engineering meanwhile, the fleet will comprise three yachts from the Perini Navi shipyard: 56m Panthalassa, the 53m Parsifal III and the 38m P2. Other competitors to watch will be the 2012 launches Sarafin – the first Oyster 100 superyacht and the Swan 90S Freya, Nautor’s Swan 2,000th yacht to take to the seas. Cape Arrow, one of the latest Southern Wind 100 maxi yachts, will be chartered for the occasion by Pier Luigi Loro Piana.
The range of social events distinguish Loro Piana regattas almost as much as the racing and will be centred around the YCCS Clubhouse in Virgin Gorda’s North Sound. They will include a Welcome Caribbean Party, Owners’ Dinner, Beach Party at the luxury resort community Oil Nut Bay and a Prize Giving and Farewell gathering. The YCCS Clubhouse officially opened in 2012 and offers members, guests and regatta participants an elegant bar, restaurant and pool terrace with spectacular views over the adjacent YCCS Marina and the island’s North Sound.
Participating motor yachts including Feadship’s 63m Lady Britt and Westport yachts Resolute and Constellation will cruise in company to Peter Island for a lunch hosted by the BVI Tourist Board and will follow racing on day two. The Tender Treasure Hunt around the North Sound on the final day will give owners and guests of the motor yachts a chance to explore the sheltered, pristine waters of the bay.
There is now very limited berthing available in YCCS Marina for the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous. Yacht owners who wish to participate in the event should register without delay to secure their place in the fleet.