Top 16 race photos from the Loro Piana Caribbean Regatta & Rendezvous 2016

The Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous 2016 kicked off in style on March 10 with 21 sailing yachts battling it out during fine weather in the British Virgin Islands. Of course, fine weather for a sailing yacht means plenty of wind resulting in dramatic waves for the team on board 44.4 metre Samurai to contend with.

With so many yachts signed up, competitors were split into four classes with start times staggered to create a day of safe but exciting racing. Led by the 67 metre Baltic Hetairos, this momentary line-up was a sight to behold.

With its bright green hull, Marco Vögele's 33.4 metre Vitters Inouï is hard to miss on the race track. Catching the Caribbean sun this divisive yacht made a good case for brightly coloured paint jobs.

Part of the joy of owning a sailing yacht is putting your stamp on the design with a top superyacht spinnaker. Inspired by the god that gives it its name, 46 metre Vitters Ganesha leads the pack in this classic regatta photo.

Something that often surprises many regatta newcomers is just how far these sailing behemoths heel towards the water to gain speed. This amazing superyacht aft view of Samurai is the perfect example.

Of course the real thrill of yacht racing is in, well, the racing. Neck and neck on a long stretch of open water, Inouï and 52 metre Royal Huisman Elfje show why the sport is just as much about skill and tactics as design and size.