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Compagnia della Vela to welcome the 34th America´s Cup in Venice

February 20, 2012

Compagnia della Vela will welcome the America’s Cup World Series in one of the most popular Mediterranean yacht charter destinations – Venice, Italy in May. The yacht club has revealed a program of four conferences, during which some of the best international sailing players will speak about their experience in the America’s Cup world.

Grand Canal in Venice

The Grand Canal in Venice

“It’s in the style of the Compagnia della Vela to work on every opportunity to bring sailing to a wider audience,” says Vice President Piero Pellegrini. “The America’s Cup has always been the most important event for sailing, a place where the development of materials and advanced technologies in the field of boat building is the norm. And for Compagnia della Vela, the America’s Cup takes us back to all the emotions of the Il Moro di Venezia.”

On February 25th, Cino Ricci and Mauro Pelaschier, skipper and helmsman of the sailing yacht Azzurra, the first italian challenge, will remember their adventure in the America’s Cup. They will be joined by Bruno Troublé, skipper of the France 3 yacht in Newport in 1977, 80 and 83, and creator of the Louis Vuitton Cup. The forum will be hosted by Antonio Vettese.

On March 10th Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prevost, along with Dirk Kramers, Silvio Arrivabene – responsible for the construction of the yacht Alinghi 5 – and Fernando Sena, former director of the Tencara shipyard at the time of Il Moro di Venezia, will take the stage. The conference will be hosed by Sebastiano Morassutti.

The third meeting, scheduled in the first half of April, will be dedicated to remembering the dream of the sailing yacht Il Moro di Venezia. In the new location of San Giorgio will gather some of the protagonists of the team: the helmsman and skipper Paul Cayard, the tactician Tommaso Chieffi, the designer German Frers and the team’s official photographer Carlo Borlenghi, who will remember the experience of Il Moro through a series of video images.

Just few day before the beginning of the America’s Cup World Series, on Friday May 11th, the last conference will focus on what happens next. Through the words of Russell Coutts, CEO of ORACLE Racing, John Craig, chairman of the Race Committee of the America’s Cup World Series, and Tom Ehman, Vice Commodore of the Golden Gate Yacht Club, the focus will be on the 34th America’s Cup.

All conferences will be held in Venice, at the Centro Sportivo d’Eccellenza on the island of San Giorgio, starting from 18.30 and will be open to all, with registration, until the hall is full.

2012 RORC Caribbean 600: Tips and tricks about the course with John Burnie competing on the 35m charter yacht Sojana

February 20, 2012

One of the creators of the first and only Caribbean 600-mile offshore race, John Burnie has been cruising and competing in one of the best yacht charter locations – Caribbean for decades. A long-standing RORC member, John set the multihull course record standing to date, while on board the ORMA 60 sailing yacht Region Guadeloupe, which flew around the course in 40 hours 11 mins 5 secs in 2009. This year, John will be racing on Sir Peter Harrison’s charter yacht Sojana.

The 35m charter yacht Sojana at the Voiles de Saint Barth 2010 Photo Credit Didier Rouxel

The 35m charter yacht Sojana at the Voiles de Saint Barth 2010 Photo Credit: Didier Rouxel

However John is so enthusiastic about the race that he could not resist offering up some precious tips and tricks about the course, “An early look at the weather and it looks like we are going to get normal trade wind conditions with a wind direction just slightly north of east, classic ’600 conditions provided the weather pattern holds as it is.”

“This year, the start line will need to be significantly longer because of the size of the superyachts that have entered. It will be a magnificent sight from Shirley Heights. The yachts will tend to tack as close into the cliffs as they can to get a huge lift off the headland and there is a lot of current inshore. The yachts will want to get out of that adverse current. Once around Shirley Heights a close-fetching yacht can almost lay Green Island in one tack.

The leg up to Barbuda could well be a powerful reach but a good tip is that many yachts tend to over-stand the North Sails mark at Barbuda. After Codrington Point the wind can free off enormously as you run down the side of the island. The wind also tends to accelerate there and it is usually a monster reach-to-reach gybe.

RORC Caribbean 600 Course

RORC Caribbean 600 Course

The downwind leg to Nevis is usually not too tactical but it is especially worth looking out for squalls. I remember on Region Guadeloupe we overtook ICAP Leopard there because we got the right side of a squall and they didn’t. Significant gains and losses can be made in squalls. Look at the cloud formations as you approach Nevis. If the clouds are moving briskly that is a good sign of breeze, but if they are static the signs are there is a big wind shadow and it is probably best to head further west before turning the corner. In general, the best policy is to stay a bit offshore around the back of Nevis and St.Kitts, then try and lay Saba in one tack.

Although Saba is a small island it does have a fairly large wind shadow but it is usually a tough beat afterwards and you would tend to try to keep as much height as possible. The sea state can really pick up there due to a significant current. It is the first real taste of harsh ocean sailing for the crew and yachts. After making St.Maartin there are still 18 miles of short tacking. It is a hard-hitting part of the course, especially at night for the smaller yachts. What’s more, there are a lot of rocks that the fleet will need to be especially careful of.

The reach down to Guadeloupe is the first real chance for crews to get their heads down in the race but the start is a significant point tactically, getting the right angle after St.Barths can be crucial. In my opinion, you should stay slightly high on your course, as if the wind does go south of east, you could end up beating. Montserrat is on the layline and there is talk of leaving Montserrat to port, but in my opinion when there are normal trade wind conditions you shouldn’t benefit from going west of Montserrat, especially as in doing so you would have to sail a lot more miles and in foul current.

The approach to Guadeloupe is a key area of the race. There is  typically a significant wind shadow on the north west corner of Guadeloupe, especially at night. Having said that, during the day you can actually experience a westerly sea breeze there. It is so variable that it is best to look at the clouds over the island and also keep a watchful eye. I always get my binoculars out before approaching Guadeloupe to see how other yachts are sailing up ahead. I have been trapped in an area of no wind, north west of Guadeloupe and watched as 30 knots was blowing through the channel, just two miles away. Many yachts may choose to put someone aloft to take a good look, but a good overall strategy is to stay well off, keep your distance maybe five miles offshore, sail a quarter of the way to Dominica so that you can lay Les Saintes.

Îles des Saintes marks the most southerly point of the course but I would really advocate turning back towards Guadeloupe after rounding Les Saintes, if the wind is in the northeast. Beat back towards Cappisterre but watch out, there are thousands of fishing floats. I wouldn’t go in any further than a depth of 50-100 metres. However, there is a massive lift inshore because the wind cascades down to the `north of Soufriere with the wind going to the south. Once inshore, stay there is my advice, don’t go out towards Marie-Galante or you will lose out.

Les Desirade is the most easterly part of the course and that is always a place with a rough sea state. Very confused seas with a lot of current, smaller yachts need to be mindful of the conditions that can be expected. After rounding, the yachts will come off the breeze, a big bare away and another time when crews can get there heads down, as it is 90 miles to Barbuda and there are no real tactics coming into play there, other than avoiding over standing the North Sails mark, which we have already covered.

Barbuda to Redonda is normally a very fast reach with yachts belting along going for line speed. It is worth keeping an eye out for squalls. Redonda is only a small island but it can throw out a significant wind shadow. I have seen races won and lost there so avoiding getting too close to Redonda. After rounding the last island of the course, no messing about, get right on the wind and head for Cades Reef on the north west coast of Antigua. There is a shelf extending out from Antigua some 16 miles and taking this route will be an advantage for less foul current, then work down the west coast of Antigua along the edge of the reef until the finish.”

The RORC Caribbean 600 starts 1100 local time – Monday 20th February 2012.

Antigua filling up for the 4th RORC Caribbean 600 starting Monday 20th Feb 2012

February 16, 2012

The 4th RORC Caribbean 600 starts at 1100 on Monday 20th February 2012 and there isn’t a single hotel room left near the Antigua Yacht Club. Competitors are flying in to the magical island of Antigua from all four corners of the world and Falmouth Harbour is filled to the brim with astounding sailing yachts.

Falmouth Harbour at night. Photo Credit Tim Wright photoaction

Falmouth Harbour at night. Photo Credit Tim Wright photoaction

Niklas Zennström’s JV72, Rán and George David’s RP90 Rambler are the hot favourites for the RORC Caribbean Trophy, but the two highly impressive yachts are almost hidden in Falmouth Harbour. Rán were out practicing today and Navigator Steve Hayles reports that conditions were a bit lighter than usual, but he expects 15-20 knots of trade winds for the race with their weather routing predicting that they could finish the race in 48 hours, may be less.

RORC member, Stan Pearson has lived and sailed the sublime waters around Antigua for over 20 years. He was one of the creators of the RORC Caribbean 600 and will be racing this year on Adela, the 181′ twin masted schooner:

“I can’t remember ever seeing Nelson’s Dockyard and Falmouth Harbour with so many impressive yachts but I know why they are here; there is nowhere in the world quite like Antigua and the ’600 is a real celebration of all that the Caribbean has to offer. The sailing is just fantastic; constant trade winds, warm water and air temperature in the high 20′s provides brilliant sailing, but this is a tough race. The course has a lot of corners and there is a lot of activity for the crews. Looking at the fleet, there are going to be some great duels going on, it is going to be a very competitive race.”

For the first time, a Volvo Open 70 will be competing in the RORC Caribbean 600. Some might suggest that the canting keel carbon fibre flyer could have been designed for this course. Ernesto Cortina’s Gran Jotiti has a highly talented Spanish crew and could well be a contender for line honours and an overall win.

Class Zero has 16 entries and may well be the class to watch for the overall winner. George David’s Rambler 100 is the trophy holder and George David’s all-star crew will not be giving it up without a fight.

With a combined water line length that would soar 500ft above the Eiffel Tower, there are some truly amazing yachts in Class Zero. The 214′ ketch Hetairos is an impressive sight. The crew of 36 have been out practicing all this week and on board there are enough sails to cover a full size football pitch. Sailing yacht Sojana is expected to have a Superyacht duel with 124′ Perini Navi, charter yacht P2 owned by businessman and philanthropist, Gerhard Andlinger. Sailing yacht Sojana was on mark laying duty today. The only laid mark of the course is the North Sails mark, off Barbuda. No doubt the crew, will be using the exercise to practice the first 45 miles of racing.

Sailing yacht Windrose of Amsterdam. Photo Credit RORC Tim Wright photoaction

Sailing yacht Windrose of Amsterdam. Photo Credit RORC Tim Wright photoaction

In the Spirit of Tradition class S/Y Adela will line up against the classic charter yacht Windrose. This will be the first time these magnificent yachts have raced against each other offshore, however Adela did get the better of S/Y Windrose in The Superyacht Challenge inshore regatta. A close battle with these two powerful yachts fully off the leash is a mouth-watering prospect. Past RORC Commodore, Andrew McIrvine and a team of 11 RORC members including current Commodore, Mike Greville, have chartered the 145ft Windrose yacht.

The multihull record for the RORC Caribbean 600 has not been beaten since the inaugural race in 2009. The 63′ Trimaran, Paradox, skippered by Olivier Vigoureux says the six crew on board are out to ‘beat the current record’. The American, French and British crew members have raced in the Figaro Race, Transat Jacques Vabres, America’s Cup and Mini Transat.

Anders Nordquist’s Swan 90, yacht Nefertiti, has an international crew including Rolex Middle Sea Race winner, Christian Ripard from Malta. They should have a close battle with Wendy Schmidt’s Swan 80, Selene and Irish entry, RP78, Whisper.

There are a huge variety of yachts racing in IRC One, including Hound, skippered by Frank Eberhart from Maine USA. The 60′ classic will be competing in the Caribbean 600 for the first time with a family crew of avid racers. Hound has competed in the last 8 Newport-Bermuda races, winning her class twice.

Ondeck’s 40.7 Spirit of Venus is chartered to the Royal Armoured Corp Offshore Racing Team. The majority of the 11 strong crew are part of the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank Regiment which returned from Afghanistan last spring.

Lt Col Paul Macro RTR: “Soldiers have to work together as a team, under time pressure, when cold, wet and tired, in difficult and even dangerous conditions. The adventurous team spirit required by a successful offshore racing crew is the same as that required by the crew of a tank or any other armoured vehicle.”

There are four Class40s competing. Close duels are expected right through the fleet, but a hard fought and close encounter is expected in this class. Trade wind sailing provides perfect conditions for Class40s, with long reaches and downwind legs, these pocket rockets are capable of surfing at speeds of up to 25 knots. Class40s from America, Austria, France and Great Britain are taking on the 600 mile Caribbean odyssey; Tim Fetch’s Icarus Racing, Christophe Coatnoan’s Partouche, Andreas Hanakamp’s Vaquita and Peter Harding’s 40 Degrees, co-skippered by Hannah Jenner. The Class40s will be level-racing under their own rules. First to finish will claim the Concise Trophy; a full barrel of English Harbour rum.

IRC Two includes the smallest yacht in the fleet, Bernie Evan-Wong’s Mumm 36, High Tension. Antiguan dentist, Bernie has competed in all four RORC Caribbean 600 races, however last year, High Tension did not finish the race.

“It is definitely a case of unfinished business,” said Bernie. “We have actually used our downfall to modify the rig, so we have made something good out of the incident. Like many Antiguans, I am amazed how this race has developed since 2009, I have been sailing in the Caribbean for over 50 years and what has been really missing is a well-run, exciting offshore race. The RORC Caribbean 600 has provided that and made my dreams come true.”

The 2012 edition of the RORC Caribbean 600, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club and hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club, will start on Monday 20th February 2012.

RORC CARIBBEAN 600 TROPHY – IRC OVERALL

2011 – George David, Rambler 100, JK 100 (USA)

2010 – Karl C L Kwok, Beau Geste, Farr 80 (HKG)

2009 – Adrian Lee, Lee Overlay Partners, Cookson 50 (IRL)

Records:

Multihull record holder – Region Guadeloupe in 40 hours 11 mins 5 secs (2009)

Monohull record held by Rambler 100 in 40 hours 20 mins 02 secs (2011)

16th Superyacht Cup Palma, June 20-23, 2012

February 16, 2012

The fantastic yacht charter destination – Bay of Palma will be once again hosting this years 16th Superyacht Cup Palma regatta with 15 entries currently confirmed entries including the 53m sailing yacht Fidelis by Perini Navi, and the new Dubois designed 45m Salperton superyacht built by New Zealand yard Fitzroy Yachts.

Perini Navi 56m sailing yacht Fidelis

Perini Navi 56m sailing yacht Fidelis

Held over four days from 20-23 June, all yachts will be berthed in the central Muelle Viejo located right in the heart of Palma under its historic cathedral. The dockside village will play host to participants with a magnificent prizegiving gala event in the Es Baluard Museum on Saturday 23 June overlooking the bay at sunset with live music entertainment.

Dubois designed superyacht SALPERTON by Fitzroy Yachts

Dubois designed superyacht SALPERTON by Fitzroy Yachts

Panama Marina at Red Frog Beach – a new Superyacht marina

February 15, 2012

Panama Marina is a newly-launched superyacht marina at Red Frog Beach, situated in the Caribbean hurricane-free islands of Bocas Del Toro in a stunning yacht charter destination – Panama. Positioned in the naturally protected waters on the southern side of Isla Bastimentos, this spectacular marina provides unparalleled access to beautiful sandy beaches as well as resort amenities which includes two new restaurants, a large island activity lounge, small general store and yacht service to Bocas del Toro town. The Panama Marina at Red Frog Beach has been built up to the most advanced marina standards.

Panama Marina at Red Frog Beach - a new Superyacht marina

Panama Marina at Red Frog Beach - a new Superyacht marina

From the Panama Marina one can spend time exploring the pristine beaches of Bocas del Toro and the towering rainforest preserve at Red Frog. The islands in Bocas del Toro in Panama offer everything needed for full relax. The 250 meter walkway floats out into a picturesque bay with mangrove scenery and rainforest backdrop all around. The Panama Marina can berth yachts up to 193 feet along the walkway.

Beautiful sandy beaches in the Caribbean islands of Bocas Del Toro in Panama

Beautiful sandy beaches in the Caribbean islands of Bocas Del Toro in Panama

The depth of the Panama Marina on average is around 30 feet. This is a substantial depth which will allow even the largest yachts to pass through the Bocas del Toro channel and into the marina.

Favorite things to do at Red Frog Beach:

1. Flying through the rainforest canopy on the brand new Bastimentos Sky zipline tour

2. Spotting the endemic little red frogs and other wildlife habitat that give this place its allure

3. Going on a fishing expedition

4. Surfing the epic waves at Playa Larga

5. Snorkelling the vibrant reefs at Zapatillo Key and Cayo Coral

6. Pampering at the new Island Spa

7. Crossing the island on horseback and gallop down the empty beaches

8. Refreshing in the warm, tropical waters of Red Frog Beach

9. Enjoying a tropical juice or ice cold beer at Punta Lava Beach Bar & Grill

10. Lounging in the sun on a deserted beach or by a villa’s private pool

11. Visit a local community or explore the island’s hidden caves.

The BVI Port Authority adds megayacht berths to the Road Town Cruise Ship pier

February 15, 2012

The British Virgin Islands Port Authority has added megayacht berths for yachts up to 230 feet in length to the Road Town Cruise Ship pier, situated in a beautiful Caribbean yacht charter location Tortola, just outside the entrance to Village Cay. ISPS compliant, the two new slips are called Serenity Moorings. They are the only ones in the region to be able to accommodate yachts exceeding 200 feet.

Serenity Moorings

Serenity Moorings

Serenity Moorings provides convenient access to provisions, supplies, service providers, shopping and restaurants. It is an excellent option for short visits, turnarounds in between charters, or to explore Tortola.

The docks at Serenity Moorings can accommodate yachts up to 230 feet in length, with unlimited beam, in over 12 feet of water. The basin is protected by a 200 foot break wall and offers one berth with a 125 foot long, 30 foot wide finger pier. The second berth requires stern-to mooring with no finger pier, but there is plenty of room for anchoring in the traditional Mediterranean style.

The entire property is ISPS compliant, secured with electronic gates and manned by security guards 24-hours a day. There is potable water available on the docks, wireless internet, and fueling available through local fuel suppliers.

45m Expedition Charter Yacht BIG FISH enroute to the South pacific – available for charter in Tahiti

February 15, 2012

The luxury explorer motor yacht BIG FISH is en route to the South Pacific where she will be available for charter in Papeete, Tahiti / French Polynesia. The BIG FISH yacht will be perfectly placed to capitalize on the yearly whale migration that passes through the waters of Tahiti from July to November.  With some of the best diving gear onboard as well as her excellent range of toys, the BIG FISH motor yacht is very much guaranteed to provide BIG FUN to all who step aboard.  M/Y BIG FISH is already booked for the month of March and all of July however she is still available during April, May, June and August.

45m Expedition Charter Yacht BIG FISH enroute to the South pacific and available for charter in Tahiti.

45m Expedition Charter Yacht BIG FISH enroute to the South pacific and available for charter in Tahiti.

Motor yacht BIG FISH is on her way to some of the most sought after dive sites in the world with the best equipment and best safety you can find. Yacht BIG FISH will arrive in Papeete, Tahiti in the beginning of March and she has a wide range of exciting itineraries made up and was specifically built for making the most of these waters. In addition to her superb crew who have proven their quality time and time again, BIG FISH really does boast one of the best toys lists in the charter market.

The dive gear onboard luxury yacht Big Fish includes a large supply of O2 for re-breathers and safety (3 x 120 [cubic feet] tanks plus DAN portable units), a 36” GSE Flexi Dec Hyperbaric single lock recompression chamber, a commercial compressor modified by NItrox Solutions Inc. that is water cooled for continuous service, a selection of steel tanks as well as a few standard aluminum 80’s diver OTS coms sets with full face masks and a tender headset unit, a total of 10 sets of dive gear, a 1 ton + ½ ton lift bags + 90kg lift bag, 6 Nautilus Lifeline VHF-GPS Radios for divers and a G11 camera, housing and strobe.

Charter Yacht BIG FISH has a fantastic selection of water sport toys and dive gear

Charter Yacht BIG FISH has a fantastic selection of water sport toys and dive gear

The tenders and toys onboard the BIG FISH motor yacht include a 26’ Custom M & W Tender (200 mile range), a 14ft Nautica RIB, with 20HP outboard, 2 RS Feva sailing dinghies, 2 wake boards, 2 ocean kayaks, 2 windsurfers, 2 kite board sets, 5 paddle boards, 4 Shimano Tiagra 80W’s, 4 Shimano Tiagra 30W’s, 4 Shimano spinning rods, 4 salt water fly rods, 4 stand-up fishing kits, Water Skis, SeaDoo. The yacht also has a selection of ancillary gear, gym with sedentary bike, spin bike, weights, rowing machine, yoga mats, etc. 55 inch TV for playing Wii and Playstation

Specifications of the charter yacht BIG FISH

Aquos Yachts / McMullen & Wing
45m
10 Guests
10 / 16 Knots
245 000 USD + expenses per week

Contact a CharterWorld agent here for more information on BIG FISH in Tahiti and the South Pacific.

Photo of charter yacht ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM in St Martin

February 15, 2012

The superyacht ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM, a 2005 Trinity built motor yacht that is currently available for charter in the Caribbean was recently spotted by one of our readers in St Martin. Joseph M. Dabliz took the photos of the ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM yacht on his new D60 Canon Camera.

Charter yacht ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM by Trinity Yachts. Joseph M. Dabliz

Charter yacht ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM by Trinity Yachts. Joseph M. Dabliz

M/Y ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM measures 49m (161 ft) and was designed and built entirely by Trinity Yachts. She is a sleek and modern motor yacht with radical lines that combine style and elegance as well as performance.

The interior of luxury motor yacht Zoom Zoom Zoom, was designed by Evan K Marshall who created an air of elegance and sophistication on every level of the yacht. The yacht has several dining areas including a graceful formal dining room and the more relaxed alfresco dining areas on the air-conditioned aft exterior main deck, the aft exterior pilothouse deck or on the sundeck. There is a skylounge that spans the full beam of the yacht that is a great place to entertain guests in either a formal or casual atmosphere.

ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM is able to accommodate a party of up to ten charter guests in five cabins including 4 doubles and one twin. The spacious staterooms provide en suite baths exquisitely finished in mahogany. Each of the guests’ staterooms is located below deck.

The split level full beam main master stateroom, with forward facing vertical windows, adds to the yachts distinguishing profile. Vertical oval windows on the port and starboard sides allow ample light into her interior, while providing a change of exterior design texture vis-à-vis her smooth curvaceous and continuous horizontal lines. The master cabin boasts over nine feet of headroom, an elegant sitting area and a luxurious ensuite bath that includes a whirlpool tub and large marble shower.

Charter yacht ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM boasts an extended stern swimming platform – a feature that has become something of a trademark for Trinity yachts. At approximately 14ft the platform has developed into a very functional deck, and is large enough to allow casual dining at water level, the set-up of a ‘beach club’, the parking of jet skis and is a great spot from which to launch the great selection of watersport toys the yacht carries.

The Zoom Zoom Zoom luxury motor yacht is also equipped with state of the art audio visual facilities, high speed internet and communication facilities.

Aptly named and incredibly fast for her size, the ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM yacht is capable of a maximum speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 21 knots.  She is powered by two Caterpillar 3516B HD rated marine engines which produce a powerful 3,384 hp each. The engines have been encased in a specially designed and engineered sound proof engine room for cruising comfort.

Motor Yacht Zoom Zoom Zoom has a professional multinational crew of nine onboard to look after the charter guests. Please contact a CharterWorld consultant here for further information regarding the yacht ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM

The 32nd St. Maarten Heineken Regatta´s Entry List Rapidly Growing

February 14, 2012

The 32nd annual edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, held in March 1, starts in less than three weeks and its entry list continues to grow, promising to bring another stellar fleet for a round of “serious fun.” As always, the entry list includes the latest Grand Prix racers, timeless classics, souped-up cruising boats, and bareboat charter yachts.

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta 2011 Credit Tom Zinn/outsideimages.com

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta 2011 Credit: Tom Zinn/outsideimages.com

Many of the 141 current entrants are familiar St. Maarten Heineken Regatta veterans, who are drawn to the mix of great competition and sensational parties year after year. Among these sailors are Hank Schmitt on the Swan 48 yacht Avocation; Richard Wesslund on the J/120 yacht El Ocaso; Bernie Evan-Wong on the Mumm 36 yacht High Tension; Christopher Marshall on the Melges 24 yacht Budget Marine/Gill; Ian Hope-Ross on the Beneteau First 36.7 sailing yacht Kick ‘em Jenny; Sergio Sagramoso on the J/122 yacht Lazy Dog; and Christian Reynolds on the Swan 51 sailing yacht Northern Child.

Among the 66 yachts entered in the CSA Monohull divisions, the queen of the fleet is the largest entry to date, the Swan 100 super yacht Virago. But the powerful sloop has plenty of company in the big-boat category, including a pair of 90-footers, Kip Curren’s Frers-designed Nefertiti and the French-flaggedMed Spirit. Michael Reardon’s custom 75-foot Tripp design yacht Blackbird, will surely turn some heads. And legendary naval architect Bruce Farr is represented by a pair of Grand Prix entrees, the Volvo 70 yacht Gran Jotiti, and the 65-foot Ondeck/Spirit of Juno.

As in every running of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, many of the competitors sail solid racer/cruisers from the world’s best production boat-builders. As always, there are numerous Beneteaus in the field, including four First 40.7s: Patrick Holloran’s Caipirinha, Vito Marrero’s Coyote, Jaime Torres’s Smile and Wave, and Ondeck’s Team Boston. X-Yachts has an impressive presence for the event, with a quartet of boats ranging from the 34-foot Maelia to the 65-foot yacht Karuba V. There are also yachts from Hunter (Harmony), Santa Cruz (Sonic of Ayr) and Dufour (Speedy Nemo), among many others.

31st St. Maarten Heineken Regatta 2011 - Final Racing Day © WWW.OUTSIDEIMAGES.COM

31st St. Maarten Heineken Regatta 2011 - Final Racing Day © B. Grieser/outsideimages.com

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta isn’t just for monohulls, as the ten competitors who’ve entered the multihull class thus far will attest. Katherine Mullins’ slick Gunboat 66 yacht Coco de Mer, looks like the boat to beat, but she’ll have to be quicker than Peter Aschenbrenner’s Irens 63 yacht Paradox, to take top honors. Other contenders include the Catana 65 yacht Selika, and the du Toit 51 yacht Eagletours/Quality Time.

Last but hardly least are the 63 yachts that have signed up to race in the Bareboat classes. Many of these skippers charter directly from companies like The Moorings and Sunsail. Others book through tour agencies like TUI Netherlands. “It’s our first year at the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta,” said account manager Roelof Hoogstrate. “We are proud to be there with almost twenty boats and 150 sailors!”

Whether one plans to charter a boat or sail his own, the clock is ticking and the 2012 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta will soon be underway. The time to punch the ticket to the action is now.

Entry List Growing as Starting Gun for the 32nd St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Draws Closer

With less than two months to the start of the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, there is still time to experience one of the best loved regattas in the Caribbean. Gold Sponsor, The Moorings is the official charter partner for the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival and they offer a wide variety of modern yachts and packages to choose from.

At this year’s BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival, Dutch Grand Soleil 43 yacht Antilope will count one of the world’s most famous sailors in the race. Bouwe Bekking has competed in six round the world races, twice as skipper and Antilope’s crew are also taking advantage of the excellent charter facilities in the British Virgin Islands.

“The BVIs is just a fantastic place and rather than put the crew in a house, we have chartered a catamaran for the event. It means that we can stay right in the marina and enjoy all of the dockside fun. Nanny Cay Marina is very sheltered so all the crew can enjoy a comfortable sleep on board with no problem at all and friends and family can also use the catamaran to enjoy a day out on the water.”

BVI - one of the best yacht charter destinations

The British Virgin Islands - one of the best yacht charter destinations in the Caribbean

International Yacht Club Challenge

Among a large fleet of charter yachts expected for the event, yacht clubs from across the globe can also take part in the third International Yacht Club Challenge (IYCC).

The Commodore of the Royal British Virgin Islands Yacht Club has invited other yacht clubs from around the world to send a team to compete in the IYCC. Yacht clubs from around the world can select members to represent their club and charter a boat from Sunsail. The top prize is a Sunsail charter for a week, hopefully to be used returning the following year to defend the club’s title.

For the IYCC, David Higgins, a physician, will be representing the Gavin’s Point Yacht Club based in South Dakota: “It is pretty chilly at home at the moment and I have to say that warm sailing in the beautiful islands is really appealing right now. Our crew will be made up of four couples, including my brother and his wife and also two couples that I often sail with. We have chartered a 53′ from Sunsail, it’s the largest yacht I have ever chartered but it will also be our home during the regatta. Honestly, one of the main attractions of the IYCC is winning a charter holiday for next year. We love to race and the British Virgin Islands is a wonderful location, at a time of the year when we are experiencing near freezing temperatures in the Mid-West. Role on March, we are all so looking forward to coming out to the BVIs!”

Yacht charter is very well established in the British Virgin Islands. Ready-to-go packages for the regatta include race measurement and registration as well as full provisioning for the arrival. A local qualified skipper can also be arranged. Contact our friendly team to learn more about the possibility to charter a luxury yacht in this stunning destination.

Sunsail’s Josie Tucci explains why the British Virgin Islands is their Number One destination: “The BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is a superb combination of warm weather racing and fun partying. So it makes sense for us to support this important local event. There’s nothing like racing in a Caribbean climate, beautiful blue water racing, friendly competition, great bars and local food.”

The week encompasses seven-days and features five separate events, The Sailing Festival comprised of The Bitter End Cup and The Nanny Cay Cup; the Nations Challenge, the Gill BVI International Match Racing Championship and the BVI Spring Regatta.

The BVI Spring Regatta is jointly owned by the Royal BVI Yacht Club and the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association.

2012 Governor’s Cup – Andrew Weir Yacht Management and the RMS St.Helena provide support

February 14, 2012

Andrew Weir Yacht Management and the RMS St.Helena are once again organising the transportation of yachts and arranging berths for the competitors of the 2012 Governor’s Cup.

2012 Governor’s Cup - Andrew Weir Yacht Management and the RMS St.Helena provide support

2012 Governor’s Cup - Andrew Weir Yacht Management and the RMS St.Helena provide support

The Governor’s Cup is a one-way handicap race between Cape Town and St. Helena held every two years, which is open to yachts of any size and growing in popularity every year.  This year’s race will begin in Cape Town on Saturday 22nd December and while being a chase across the South Atlantic, the accent is on fun and camaraderie and once the destination has been reached, the competitors can enjoy an experience-filled stay on the rugged and beautiful island, St.Helena.

“Only a week after announcing the race details, we have thirteen yachts booked for the return trip to Cape Town on the RMS St Helena and we have a list of 33 confirmed or interested owners. Berths for yachts and passengers on the RMS are being taken up rapidly, so it looks as though this will be another great race to the little Island, considered to be the remotest on the planet” commented Billy Leisegang, Manager at The False Bay Yacht Club.

“Some yachts choose to continue their cruise to other destinations but the beauty of this race is that the rest of the sailors have a choice – either sail back to the Cape or return reclining in the comfort of a deckchair sipping cocktails on board the affordable, yet luxurious 7000 ton passenger/cargo ship, the RMS St. Helena” commented Daniel Taylor of Andrew Weir Yacht Management.

“Andrew Weir is the only shipping company who can arrange transport for yachts to and from St Helena itself, which can be arranged in both our London and Cape Town offices.  Our Cape Town office manager Claude Amman skippered the winning entry in the 2006 Governor’s Cup, which was made up of crew members from the RMS St Helena. So we have direct experience of the race itself!” added Taylor.

Entries range from serious racing boats to cruising boats crewed by families and friends.

What makes the race unique is that families and supporters of the sailors can enjoy a trip to the island on the RMS St Helena, meet up with the contestants, have a fascinating holiday and then all return home on the RMS St. Helena – with the yacht on board as well!

Those family and supporters lucky enough to sail on the RMS St.Helena will experience a nautical Christmas on board the ship with The RMS is due back in Cape Town on Wednesday 16th January 2013.

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