It’s another mixed weather morning here in Virgin Gorda, BVI, as the fleet of sailing superyachts at the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta prepares for Embraer Race Day, the last day of racing.
So far the new ORCsy superyacht rating rule and the time-on-distance pursuit format – where the first yacht to cross the line on the water is the winner – have produced some spectacular, close finishes. Today, owners, their guests and crews will be hoping for more of the same and with the standings in both classes tight there is everything to play for.
In Class A, the dramatic win by P2 yesterday after she took a quick tack to the left in the closing minutes puts her just one point behind overnight leader, the 33 metre Vitters Inoui. Freya, the Swan 90, is just one point further back in third, while the Southern Winds Blues and Cape Arrow and the 46 metre Ganesha will be looking to take a last-race win and cause an upset in the final results.
‘We’ll try to do what we did yesterday, sail the boat and win the event,’ says the captain of Inoui as the yacht prepares to leave the YCCS Marina dock. ‘It’s time we won overall!’
In Class B, the 55 metre Vitters ketch Marie holds the overnight lead over the new Royal Huisman modern classic sloop Wisp and they will be looking to continue their epic duel today. However, Seahawk’s impressive win yesterday suggests there could still be an upset, while overnight third-placed Drumfire will be hoping for a more suited course today, which would pull them up the rankings.
Conditions look challenging with a few rainclouds around which may cause wind shifts – and tactical headaches for the crews. The race committee has chosen to send the fleet anti-clockwise around Virgin Gorda, with both fleets having a downwind start. Course distance is 29 miles for Class A, and 25 miles for Class B.
The first warning signal is scheduled for 1100. To track the yachts live as they race around the course, head to the YCCS website. You can also follow the action from the course on Twitter @boatint and on our Facebook page.
For race reports from the first two days, to see the current standings, and to see video and photo galleries, head to the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta website.