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Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2013: Lay Day

April 12, 2013

Following two long days marked by plenty of competing, the Les Voiles de St. Barth competitors enjoyed a “lay day” yesterday, on April 11. It gave the 700 plus sailors a possibility to see more of the island they had been sailing around the previous days and enjoy some of St. Barth’s other offerings, which, not surprisingly, could be found at the very popular Nikki Beach, positioned on Baie de St. Jean on the island’s eastern side.

Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2013 Lay Day

Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2013 Lay Day - Photo by Christophe Jouany

The regatta’s organizers, knowing sailors to be a competitive group, orchestrated a chance to engage in other sporting pursuits such as stand-up paddle boarding and – a new addition this year – water polo.

François Paul Toléde, Les Voiles de St. Barth Event Director was enjoying the festivities with the competitors. “It’s a beautiful day and one that is not dedicated to just racing for the crew,” he said. “The objective is to provide a good atmosphere and some fun with some organised water sports for all, so that everyone gets a chance to unwind and enjoy the hospitality both on the water and ashore.”

François Paul Tolède, Event Director, Emanuel Galle, Director General GAASTRA France, Luc Poupon, Event Race Director

François Paul Tolède, Event Director, Emanuel Galle, Director General GAASTRA France, Luc Poupon, Event Race Director© Les Voiles de Saint Barth / Christophe Jouany

At Baie de St. Jean, along with 250-300 sailors, were the event sponsors, including guests from luxury watchmaker Richard Mille and sportswear brand Gaastra. As part of the latter company’s sponsorship, an extensive Les Voiles de St. Barth clothing range has been made available in Gaastra franchises.

Emanuel Galle, Director General of Gaastra France commented, “We have been involved with Les Voiles de St. Barth as a sponsor for the past three editions for both the competition on the water and the conviviality on shore.  It is an important association for us, as we are a nautical brand, founded in 1897. It is great to see so many teams wearing the clothing this week.”

Water polo team matches on the lay day at Nikki Beach during Les Voiles de Saint Barth

Water polo team matches on the lay day at Nikki Beach during Les Voiles de Saint Barth© Les Voiles de Saint Barth / Christophe Jouany

Racing at Les Voiles de St. Barth continues today (Friday) and Saturday for the 58 boats competing. The first warning signal is at 10 a.m.

Other event partners include leading St. Barth villa rental agency WIMCO, which offers a gorgeous portfolio of private villas for rent on St. Barth. WIMCO’s sponsorship includes presenting eight Les Voiles class winners with a complimentary week in one of their top villas, inclusive of a concierge ready to attend to every request.

Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013: Day 2

April 12, 2013

Day 2 of this year’s Oyster Regatta Grenada saw the glorious conditions for the predominantly downwind passage race to Camper & Nicholsons Marinas‘ Port Louis Marina, sponsored by Pelagos Yachts.

Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 Day 2

Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 Day 2 Photo by Oyster Yachts/Mike Jones

A reciprocal course to yesterday’s high-octane opener was blessed with fabulous sailing conditions, clear blue skies and 15 to 20 knots of southeasterly breeze provided a sublime reach back to Grenada’s capital, St Georges. The Oyster fleet was a magnificent sight, gliding elegantly downwind with colourful spinnakers reflected in the crystal blue Caribbean water.

“This is just fantastic!” Beamed, Irishman Graham O’Donnell sailing on board Oyster 66 yacht Elvis Magic, skippered by Graham’s son Séamus. “There is nothing like being afloat in the Caribbean in an Oyster. The conditions are just magnificent and the boat is so comfortable. I have owned a few boats and none of them have been anywhere as well built and solid as an Oyster. We stay on the boat whenever we sail her and there is not a squeak below deck and personally I love the hardwood finish; you can keep your plastic interiors. The one thing I did miss whilst cruising was fresh bread until we installed our bread maker and now we have lovely fresh bread everyday. Elvis Magic will be available for charter in the BVI but we have plans to go cruising up in Newport, New York and possibly Maine in the near future.”

Oyster 82 superyacht Starry Night

Oyster 82 superyacht Starry Night of the Caribbean Photo by Oyster Yachts/Mike Jones

In today’s race, Oyster 82 superyacht Starry Night of the Caribbean romped home winning by over 14 minutes in Class 1. The magnificent yacht did have a secret weapon; 10 year old, Sasha Tydeman who is quite a whiz at maths and the crew roundly applauded her for her excellent time keeping, which led to their great start. Roberto Bisiani, Italian Oyster 72 yacht Bill and Me sailed well to take second with American Oyster 82 superyacht Rivendell, taking third by a whisker, just seven seconds behind after time correction.

In Class Two, Chris Glossop’s, British Oyster 575 yacht Dreamer of Hamble dominated the class winning by over 14 minutes on corrected time. In second place Harvey & Sue Death’s Oyster 56, Sarabi added a second place to their points tally and Paul Bateman‘s British Oyster 56 yacht Stardust of Burnham was third.

Race sponsor, Pelagos Yachts are represented by Declan O’Sullivan who is sailing with Ray & Birgitte Charmak’s Oyster 53, Out of India for the regatta. “I am delighted to be here” said Declan. “And not just from a business point of view, Oyster Regattas are great fun and the people are special, real characters and entertaining to be with. I have sailed with Ray & Brigitte before and it is just fantastic to see them again and enjoy sailing in one of the world’s finest locations.”

Day 2 at the Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013

Day 2 at the Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 Photo by Oyster Yachts/Mike Jones

After racing, Oyster owners and their guests enjoyed a night at the La Luna Resort. Tucked away near Morne Rouge Bay, the award-winning designer resort has been the secret hideaway of the rich
and famous.

Voted by The Sunday Times as one of the best hotels in the world, La Luna is the benchmark for luxury in Grenada. Oyster owners and their guests enjoyed a fabulous cocktail party and supper with an Italian flavour, echoing the owners’ Calabrian roots.

With a lay day scheduled for Thursday, 11th April, the party went on long into the night, no doubt many of the Oyster family will be enjoying refreshing Virgin Coladas today, on one of Grenada’s many fine pink sandy beaches. Racing will continue on Friday, 12th April, starting and finishing at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina.

Rolex Fastnet Race 2013 to host record number of 380 yachts

April 12, 2013

The Rolex Fastnet Race represents one of sailing’s greatest contests. The 45th edition of Europe’s oldest offshore race will take place in August, with a gripping and punishing 608-nautical mile journey from Cowes, Isle of Wight to Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock, off the southern tip of Ireland. An amazing and record number of 380 yachts is expected to participate in the biennial race this year.

Spectacular Solent at the start of the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race - Photo by Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

Spectacular Solent at the start of the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race - Photo by Rolex /Carlo Borlenghi

In response to the immense demand and popularity of the event, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) increased the limit for this year’s fleet after the entry list was filled within 24 hours of opening. Over twenty countries and territories from five continents will be represented, with crews comprising both fully professional and amateur.

The Rolex Fastnet is a genuine rite of passage for any sailor. Conditions can be harsh and are always changeable. The race is as notoriously difficult to finish, as it is to win. The competition is democratic: the handicap system applied to the main body of the fleet means the overall winner can spring from any size of yacht. Niklas Zennström’s 21.94m/72-foot British Mini Maxi sailing yacht Rán 2 is the defending champion and is seeking to make history by becoming the first boat to win the race three times in a row: an achievement that would border on the miraculous.

The Rolex Fastnet Race Fleet at the Solent - Photo by Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

The Rolex Fastnet Race Fleet at the Solent - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

Current race record holder, the Volvo Open 70 yacht Abu Dhabi from the United Arab Emirates, skippered by Ian Walker, will set out to defend her line honours title and to better the benchmark monohull time of 42 hours, 39 minutes she set in 2011. Abu Dhabi will be wary of her competition. Igor Simcic’s 30.48m/100-ft pan-European Maxi superyacht Esimit Europa 2, the undisputed fastest boat in the Mediterranean, is taking part for the first time. Mike Slade’s primarily British crewed 100-ft Maxi charter yacht ICAP Leopard, twice the event’s fastest finisher (2007, 2009), will be tough to beat given the right mix of conditions.

Rolex has sponsored the Rolex Fastnet Race since 2001 and recently extended its commitment until 2021. A dedicated Press Kit – available in various languages – explores the history of the event and previews the 2013 edition. A glimpse into the event’s iconic appeal is provided by an accompanying photo story.

2011 Rolex Fastnet Race Trophies - Photo by Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

2011 Rolex Fastnet Race Trophies - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

The race start from the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes is scheduled for Sunday 11 August, with the first warning signal at 10:50 BST.

Dykstra designed luxury yacht ADELA wins St Barths Bucket 2013

April 11, 2013

In the Mademoiselles class of this year’s St Barths Bucket Regatta, the 55-metre luxury yacht Adela, designed by Dykstra Naval Architects, constructed by Pendennis and helmed by Dennis Conner, maintained her regatta-long position at the top of the scoreboard. Sailing yacht Adela was announced as the regatta’s overall winner.

Adela Yacht designed by Dykstra Naval Architects - Winner of St Barths Bucket 2013

Adela Yacht designed by Dykstra Naval Architects - Winner of St Barths Bucket 2013 - Photo by Tim Wright

This Bucket was a historic event for the J Class, as it was the first time five of them  raced together since 1937. Sailing yacht Hanuman, designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and built by Royal Huisman, proved unbeatable throughout the three Bucket days, winning handily over the line and on corrected time in the first two of three races held and the J Class race on March 28th . 4 out of the 5 J’s that raced where Dykstra Naval Architects designed J Class Yachts.

Four Dykstra designed J-Class yachts at St Barths Bucket 2013

Four Dykstra designed J-Class yachts at St Barths Bucket 2013 - Photo by Tim Wright

Dykstra Naval Architects designed yachts that raced this year’s St Barths Bucket are: Adela, charter yacht Maltese Falcon, Hanuman, sailing yacht Rainbow, charter yacht Ranger (performance refit) and superyacht Velsheda.

Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2013: Day 2

April 11, 2013

Day 2 of this year’s Les Voiles de Saint Barth saw the sailors take to the azure waters off the French West Indies island of St. Barth, following the yesterday’s longer courses to sort out their crew work, sail selection, tactics as well as sunscreen. With the first day down and competition defined, it was now time to fine-tune and sort out standings.

Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2013 Day 2

Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2013 Day 2© Les Voiles de Saint Barth / Tim Wright

The race committee selected three courses: 22 nautical miles for Classics, Non-Spinnaker, Spinnaker 3 and Melges 24 classes; 27 nm for Spinnaker 1, Spinnaker 2, and Multihulls; and 29 nm for Maxis. All three courses took the boats out and around the northern end of St. Barths and the outlying islands.  The southeasterly breeze was more sustained today at around 18 knots, with gusts to 20, which on the windward-side of the island produced large swells.

Les Voiles de St. Barth attracts a good mix of amateurs and professional sailors as well as some sailors who aren’t often seen at “around the buoys” type racing. Marc Guillemot, the respected single-handed offshore sailor who has competed in numerous ‘round-the-world and transatlantic races, found himself in much less stressful conditions, sailing onboard Patrick Demarchelier’s Swan 53 yacht Puffy (USA).

Donal Tofias at the helm of Wild Horses on Day 2

Donal Tofias at the helm of Wild Horses on Day 2 - Photo by Les Voiles de Saint Barth/Tim Wright

“Normally I am on very light boats that maneuver very easily,” Guillemot said, “and today I was driving a boat that is roughly four times heavier than mine!  (This one is roughly 28 tons and Safran (his IMOCA 60) is 7.5 tons.)

“I have been lucky enough to have sailed here a few times and it helps to know where the winds are more or less favorable,” continued Guillemot. “Knowing the lay of the land is important, as it also allows you to negotiate the best way round the course. Personally, this week I am here to enjoy the racing and have some fun, and if we finish first or second, it is not going to make a huge difference…well, maybe for the crew it will!”

Lazy Dog in Spinnaker 2 Class racing on Day 2

Lazy Dog in Spinnaker 2 Class racing on Day 2© Les Voiles de Saint Barth / Tim Wright

Matthew Sheahan, Racing Editor for Yachting World is in St. Barth for the first time and was clearly enjoying a busman’s holiday racing on Jolt 2 (GBR) in the Spinnaker 1 class. Sheahan described the conditions, particularly the upwind legs on the windward side: “There was a lot of breeze, and it was quite hard work actually going upwind. Having not done this event before and having not been to Saint Barth and then doing that leg just characterizes my initial thoughts that the event is great, but it is quite a punchy part of the Caribbean.  The last time I was around here was on the Caribbean 600 and that was punchy as well, so it is not a soft option coming here!

“It is an absolutely beautiful island,” Sheehan added, “and I can see why so many people rave about it. It is something special in the Caribbean.  The racing is good, the courses are good, it is well organized and you get a decent beat off the start.”

Racing in Spinnaker 1 class is tight:  the current leader is Steve Cucchiaro’s Defiance, with James Blakemore’s Swan 53 yacht Music in second, and Phil and Wendy Lotz’ Swan 42 Arethusa in third.

Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2013

Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2013 - Photo by Tim Wright

In the Spinnaker 2 class, the current leader is Sergio Saramoso’s Lazy Dog (PUR), while in second place is the chartered First 40 yacht Ramanessin (IRE). Nigel Young, owner of North Sails Ireland, is tactician onboard, and just as importantly, he is the program manager. He explained he was tasked with putting a charter together for a friend of a friend who is a motor racing enthusiast, new to sailing and interested in having a go at sailing.

Young wanted to find somewhere warm for the first event, he said.  “We could have gone to Ireland which is where I am from, but I did not want to put everyone off as it can be pretty miserable. We looked at options of regattas and when I put forward Saint Barth, the decision was made in 20 seconds.” The group seems to have gelled nicely, as they have gotten the boat around the race course in second place twice in two races.

Sailing yacht Music at Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2013

Sailing yacht Music at Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2013 - Photo by Tim Wright

“I have raced everywhere but never in the Caribbean and we definitely would like to come back next year,” said Young.  “Most of the sailing we would be doing now would be windward/leeward style on very accurate set race courses, so doing this kind or racing around natural objects is really interesting. The boat owner, Lucy, is actually a great navigator, so it is making my job on the tactics and strategy very easy.  She is right on it.”

Tonight is the crew party at Shell Beach, with video, music and fireworks. Tomorrow (Thursday) is a lay day for the competitors, with stand up paddle board races and other shoreside festivities at Nikki Beach on St. Jean Bay.

Racing continues on Friday and Saturday, with the warning signal at 10 a.m. on both days.

Overall (1st, 2nd, 3rd) after two races:
IRC 52: Vesper (USA),  Varuna (GER)
MAXI: Selene (USA), Whisper (IRE), Idea (GBR)
SPIN 1: Defiance (USA), Arethusa (USA), Music (GBR)
SPIN 2: Lazy Dog (PUR), Ramanessin (IRE), Northern Child  (GBR)
SPIN 3: Credit Mutuel Martinique Premiere (FRA), Maelia (SBH), Speedy Nemo (SBH)
NON-SPIN: L’Esperance (SXM), High Tension (ANT) Shamrock VII (USA)
MELGES 24: Budget Marine/Gill (SXM), Team Island Water World (SXM), French Connection (SBH)
MULTIHULL: Paradox (CAY), Dauphin Telecom (SBH), Plan D’Enfer YCSF
CLASSICS: Heroina (USA), Wild Horses (USA), Saphaedra (USA).

Oyster Regatta Grenada kicks off with passage race to Le Phare Bleu

April 10, 2013

Competing at the Oyster Regatta Grenada got off to an amazing start, with an exciting pumping passage race to Le Phare Bleu on the rocky south coast of the breathtaking Caribbean yacht charter destination – Grenada. The race is sponsored by Dolphin Sails.

Oyster Regatta 2013: Close racing in Paradise

Oyster Regatta 2013: Close racing in Paradise - Photo by Mike Jones

Oyster CEO and Race Officer, David Tydeman set a 20-mile course. 20 knots of warm trade winds, gusting close to 25 knots in bullets of pressure, set pulses racing for the downwind start before the Oyster fleet turned upwind to race around to the south of the island. There were close encounters throughout the Oyster fleet and a fabulous day’s racing was complete, as the wind abated to 12 knots for the last downwind leg to Le Phare Bleu creating a nail biting finish.

In Class 1, Michael Hahn’s American Oyster 655 sailing yacht Matawai was the victor, but only just. After over two and a half hours racing, Matawai took the win on corrected time by only 3 seconds from Oyster 82 superyacht Starry Night of the Caribbean. Roberto Bisiani’s, Italian Oyster 72 yacht Bill and Me was third.

Michael Hahn and his crew were elated when they heard about the win. “This is the first race I have won at an Oyster Regatta.” Cheered Michael. “We have come very close many times, so to win by such a small margin is a pleasure. The crew work today was the big reason for our success, everybody concentrated and kept to the plan, what a great way to start the regatta.”

Beautiful Oyster yachts in action

Beautiful Oyster yachts in action - Photo by Mike Jones

Oyster 82 superyacht Mathilda Sound was sailed by Hilton and Louise Nathanson, the couple have never raced before and for their debut, Hilton and Louise were joined by their two sons, Oliver and Tate and accompanied by Oyster’s Klaas Meertens and his son, Damian. Hilton steered all day but gave the honour of crossing the finish line to Damian Meertens. Oliver Nathanson caddied on the mainsheet, whilst Tate was in charge of furling the headsails. With three crew aged 12 or under, Mathilda Sound was a youthful affair but all three youngsters concentrated dutifully on their tasks.

“That was a totally different experience to cruising but we all absolutely loved it.” Smiled Hilton. “You learn so much pushing the boat and it was great to see all the family getting involved. We didn’t have the best start but had a great battle with Bill and Me in the early part of the race. We managed to get past and hold them off past Point Salines, that was so exciting. We were touching 12 knots of boat speed with Bill and Me just behind us for over half an hour but eventually they played the conditions better than us to get back in front. I have to say Louise and I have really caught the racing bug but we know how we can improve next time.”

In Class Two, the British Oyster 56 yacht Sarabi expertly sailed by Harvey & Sue Death won today’s race but it was far from easy, Chris Glossop’s British Oyster 575 yacht Dreamer of Hamble was less than a minute behind in second and British Oyster 575 yacht Sophistikate sailed by Richard & Angela Parkinson was third.

Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013: Passage race to Le Phare Bleu

Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013: Passage race to Le Phare Bleu - Photo by Mike Jones

Jon Sturmer from Dolphin Sails was racing aboard Sophistikate for today’s race. Jon has been sailing for 30 years, racing dinghies and regularly competes in local and international regattas on a variety of boats.

“That was very exciting. Sophistikate is very well sailed and Richard on the helm was asking all the right questions about how to improve their performance. The battle with Dreamer of Hamble was great, we managed to keep ahead of them for the early part of the race but the pressure was on throughout and Dreamer of Hamble managed the last mark rounding just a bit better than us to sneak through. I have to say that racing at Oyster Regattas really improves the standard of the owners’ sailing and for me it is a practical insight into how our products are working and its invaluable to sail with customers and talk to them about solutions and ideas.”

After racing, Oyster owners and their guests enjoyed a night moored at Le Phare Bleu. One of Grenada’s finest beachfront resorts, Le Phare Bleu is tucked away in Petit Calivigny Bay, on the fissured south coast of Grenada. The friendly, family run establishment has lovely touches such as, a floating pontoon hammock and one of it’s main attractions is an old Swedish lighthouse vessel, the Västra Banken. Courtesy of island Water World, the Oyster family enjoyed cocktails on board accompanied by a floating steel band, which really got the party started before a fine buffet at Le Phare Bleu’s airy al fresco restaurant. After dinner, the Oyster entourage pulled back the tables to enjoy dancing into the night with music by local soft rock and reggae band, D Unit.

Racing continues today, Wednesday 10th April with a passage race sponsored by Pelagos Yachts, to Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, where exciting downwind conditions are anticipated with an evening of cocktails and fine dining to follow, at the award-winning La Luna Resort.

Charter Yacht AXIA wins St Barths’ Bucket awards and is now ready for charter in New England

April 10, 2013

The beautiful 37,5m (123′) charter yacht AXIA and her crew won both the “All Star Crew Award” as well as the “Walter Huisman Spirit of the Bucket Trophy” awards at this year’s St. Barths’ Bucket Regatta. In addition to this great success, she came third in the Grand Dames class. Axia represents a perfect collaboration of Sparkman & Stephens naval architecture, John Munford interior design, and Palmer Johnson Yacht Builders. She can be chartered for luxury yacht vacations inNew England in America this summer.

AXIA

AXIA

The yacht boast a vast main saloon with a dining area with Munford teak fielded panels, featuring polished brass accents. She has a classical nautical style and graceful elegance, proudly bearing her name AXIA, which in Greek means ‘Worthy’.

Axia Main Saloon

Axia Main Saloon

The spacious cockpit has another large dining area and settees for al-fresco entertainment, whereas her large aft deck features teak lounge chairs to unwind under the sun, stars or shade of the awning.

Axia Pilot house

Axia Pilot house

Accommodation aboard sailing yacht AXIA is provided to 8-9 guests. Her master stateroom, located aft, boasts lovely Italian Frette linens, a dressing table, generous wardrobes, and a settee convertible into two bunks for small children.

Axia Aft Deck

Axia Aft Deck

Two beautifully appointed port and starboard guest stateroom with twin beds have en-suite heads with shower, a toilet and a bidet.

Axia Mater Suite

Axia Mater Suite

The family room contains a desk, entertainment centre and a convertible sofa for one additional guests, who would need to share a bathroom with one of the staterooms.

Axia Study

Axia Study

There is a good range of water toys and entertainment facilities on board, including a kayak, 2 ski biscuits, the wing, inflatable dolphin, one wake board, kids water skis, adult water skis, trainer kite as well as snorkel gear of all sizes.

Axia Twin

Axia Twin

Axia is available for US$ 65,000.00 per week plus expenses and you will be looked after by an excellent crew of 6, lead by Captain Jon Jeffreys.

Sailing Yacht AXIA

Sparkman & Stephens, Palmer Johnson, John Munford
Year:1990 (Refit 2007)  L.O.A.:37.50m (123' )  Beam:8.20m (26' 10") 
Max Speed:0 knots  Cruise Speed:11 knots  Engines:MTU 12V 183TE91@530hp Gen 
Cabins:3  Charter Guest:6  Crew:6 
More: Sailing Yacht AXIA

New England Yacht Charter

Chartering a yacht in New England you will come across rich maritime history, wonderful natural environment with beautiful coastlines and charming little towns. Between Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine there is plenty enjoy on your charter boat vacation. The compact area of New England will allow you to experience the entire New England coastline in a one week charter, however, you may be so enraptured by the culturally rejuvenated city of Providence, or the serenity of Cape Cod, or even the jagged rocky coast ofMaine, that you choose to spend your entire yacht charter boat vacation, in just one State of New England. Your charter itinerary could take you to such lovely places as Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket Island and Boston.

Village in Portland - New England Yacht Charter

Village in Portland - New England Yacht Charter

In New England you will be taken to white sandy beaches, where you can swim in the sparkling waters of the Nantucket Sound to the north or brave the mighty Atlantic along the island’s south shore. Newport is well known for its fresh and salt water fishing and has two fine harbours: New Harbour and Old Harbour. You can always catch something in New Harbour’s Great Salt Pond, a completely enclosed salt pond. Martha’s Vineyard is a small fishing village located in the town of Chilmark. It is well accustomed to greeting superyacht charterers and offers a wonderful variety of shops, restaurants and services within easy walking distance.

Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard

Arriving to Nantucket Island you may well be greeted by harbour seals sunning on the jetties. You could anchor or tie up at Nantucket Boat Basin, just two blocks from Nantucket Town: a charming historic seaport with fascinating shops, unique galleries and world-class restaurants.Elisabeth Islands are the perfect place to go swimming or simply unwind. From here you could cruise to Hadley’s Harbor, one of the best protected and prettiest anchorages in this area. More about New England Yacht Charter …

For more information on chartering the outstanding sailing yacht AXIA in New England, pleasecontact our charter brokers here.

St Barths Bucket 2013 Winner sailing yacht HANUMAN with mast supplied by Rondal

April 10, 2013

Rondal congratulates sailing yacht Hanuman on her overall victory in the J-Class series of the St Barths Bucket 2013, the event which has been called, by some, “the most important super yacht regatta in the world.”

Luxury yacht Hanuman with mast by Rondal competing in St Barths Bucket 2013

Luxury yacht Hanuman with mast by Rondal competing in St Barths Bucket 2013 - Photo by Carlo Borlenghi

Luxury yacht Hanuman scored a superb 4 : 0 victory in the most memorable post-1937 J-class fleet series regatta to date, competing in the St Barths Bucket over the Easter weekend.

Sublimely, Hanuman yacht won three out of four races on line honors and all four races on corrected time under the most exhilarating and challenging conditions, in the event which had a historic number of five J-class sloops competing.

St Barths Bucket Regatta Day 4: J CLASS Yacht Hanuman Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

St Barths Bucket Regatta Day 4: J CLASS Yacht Hanuman Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

A magnificent result for helmsman Ken Read and Captain Greg Sloat and the rest of their very skilled Hanuman crew!

St Barths Bucket Regatta Day 2: Superyacht Hanuman Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

St Barths Bucket Regatta Day 2: Superyacht Hanuman Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

Earlier this year, Rondal supplied new spreaders to accommodate new continuous standing rigging suiting the existing carbon Rondal mast on board superyacht Hanuman.

Luxury yacht Hanuman - Photo by Carlo Borlenghi

Luxury yacht Hanuman - Photo by Carlo Borlenghi

Apart from the new, lighter and smaller spreaders, the Rondal experts together with the highly knowledgeable permanent crew of Hanuman yacht managed to create extra weight savings on electronics and other mast gear. This entire weight saving exercise definitely helped the outstanding tactics and boat handling of Ken Read and his crew to put this impressive result on the scoring boards and into the history books of J-class sailing.

Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2013: Day 1

April 10, 2013

This morning the Gustavia Harbor saw the start of the Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2013, with the trade winds blowing, blue skies prevailing, as well as large cumulus clouds scudding overhead. With the first warning signal at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. for the rest of the week), there was time for the crews to finish preparing their yachts, and catch up with friends.

Racing at Les Voiles de Saint Barth on Day 1

Racing at Les Voiles de Saint Barth on Day 1© Christophe Jouany / Les Voiles de Saint Barth

The atmosphere was relaxed and thoroughly Caribbean-style, though it belied somewhat the competitive spirit found in a good part of the fleet. Through just about all classes, sailors were scouting their competition, checking ratings and looking to see what modifications had been made since their adversaries last competed on the water.

The fleet of 59 boats is spread over eight classes, and within each of those there is ample competition. Onboard the Baltic 45 Jolt 2 (GBR), owner/skipper Peter Harrison is racing at Les Voiles de St Barth for the first time. Harrison is also on-site as CEO of Richard Mille Europe, sponsor for the event.

“We have been out a few times trying to work out all the local secrets, which has been very difficult! We are really pleased as a team and as a company to support the event. It is great to see such a varied fleet of professional and amateur crews. There is a nice group to sail against – Arethusa (USA), Defiance (USA), Hamachi (USA), and Music (RSA) – so exciting racing ahead. We have quite a nice course for today, reaching most of the way back, and we hope it will be good for our boat; she is good downwind.”

Downwind sailing at the Voiles de Saint Barth on Day 1

Downwind sailing at the Voiles de Saint Barth on Day 1© Christophe Jouany

Indeed, St. Barths served up perfect conditions with a 15-20 knot southeasterly breeze. Early on, there were mechanical issues for two boats, including Jack Desmond’s White Rhino (USA), which had a problem before the start with the mast partner that necessitated returning to the dock. Shortly after the Maxi class start, the headstay on the Swan 100 superyacht Varsovie (CAY) parted, though with quick crew work it did not damage to the mast.

Classes were sent on three different courses, ranging in length from 24-33 nautical miles, which took the fleet counter-clockwise in the lee of St Barths, around the southern end of the island at Pointe a Toiny, where boats encountered a four-to-six-foot swell. Occasional squalls brought rain (fresh water rinse!) and big variations in wind pressure, which ratcheted up the pressure on tacticians to pick the best course.

The Volvo 60 Cuba Libre sailed in the non-spinnaker class with two local teenagers on board, one on a race boat for the first time. Skipper Benedikt Clauberg had high praise for the teenager who served as his bow man, saying, “It’s his first day on the boat, and he performed like a professional bow man. We had a lot of sail changes when a jib halyard snapped – we had some action, but it was wonderful!”

Cuba Libre racing in the Non Spinnaker Class on the first day of racing at Les Voiles de Saint Barth

Cuba Libre racing in the Non Spinnaker Class on the first day of racing at Les Voiles de Saint Barth© Les Voiles de St. Barth / Tim Wright

For the Melges 24 class, it was a spirited day. Local St. Maarten sailor Frits Bus is back for his second time. Bus won his class (Spinnaker) last year on his Melges 24 Team Coors Light, in a closely fought week of racing with Lazy Dog (PUR), winning the final deciding race by 20 seconds on corrected time.

This year the Melges 24s have their own class with six boats. Sunburned and a bit weary after sailing the 24-nautical mile course on Island Water World, an enthusiastic Bus said, “We had a great day today with shifty conditions at the start. We made big gains on the big shifts that came in; we managed to catch up from third place at the first mark to finish by two boat lengths, overtaking Budget Marine Gill (AHO) and Amcom Express (TRI) on the last upwind leg to the finish.  The course was long, but it was a great day of sailing.”

“We had a few new people on the boat, so we went out early to do some practice. The day was long, but it was beautiful sailing, and the course was great: all kinds of conditions, with big swells, low winds, then no winds under the cloud cover in the squalls.  Everything was there, the perfect day’s sailing!”

Jolt sailing in the Spinnaker 1 class at Les Voiles de Saint Barth on the first day of racing

Jolt sailing in the Spinnaker 1 class at Les Voiles de Saint Barth on the first day of racing© Les Voiles de Saint Barth / Tim Wright

Phil and Wendy Lotz on the Swan 42 Arethusa are racing here for the first time. “We heard a lot of good things about the regatta; it’s a little bit of the European flair down in the Caribbean,” said Phil Lotz, who steers the boat.  “We come down about every two years and do about three regattas. We hadn’t done this, and we wanted to check it out. With the Swan Cup that preceded it by a few weeks, it fit into a nice schedule; we’ll go on from here to Antigua Sailing Week.”

Arethusa has some tough competition in their class with Steve Cucchiaro’s Marten 49 Defiance (USA) and James Blakemore’s Music, a Swan 53. About today’s race, Lotz added, “It was fun…a long race, pretty much full-on the whole time, a lot of gear shifting. Occasionally there were more waves than wind.”

The event enjoys the continued support of watchmaker Richard Mille as well as sportswear brand Gaastra. Other event partners include leading St. Barth villa rental agency WIMCO, which offers a gorgeous portfolio of private villas for rent on St. Barth. WIMCO’s sponsorship includes presenting eight Les Voiles class winners with a complimentary week in one of their top villas, inclusive of a concierge ready to attend to every request.

Opening Night of the Oyster Regatta Grenada

April 09, 2013

The opening night of the Oyster Regatta Grenada was an amazing spectacle. Oyster owners as well as their guests enjoyed a traditional Grenadian welcome at Mount Cinnamon’s Beach Cabana on Grand Anse Beach.

Opening Night of the Oyster Regatta Grenada

Opening Night of the Oyster Regatta Grenada - Photo credit: Oyster Yachts/Mike Jones

After an electrifying performance by the Tivoli Drummers, Oyster CEO David Tydeman introduced the guests of honour for the opening night. Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Nickolas Steele and Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture The Hon. Alexandra Otway-Noel. Minister Nickolas Steele, an avid sailor was delighted to accept an invitation to race with the Oyster fleet during the Regatta.

Oyster yachts Owners and Guests enjoyed a spectacular occasion

Oyster yachts Owners and Guests enjoyed a spectacular occasion - Photo credit: Oyster Yachts/Mike Jones

The Oyster family enjoyed a sumptuous barbeque supper of traditional Grenadian dishes accompanied by one of the islands finest soul singers, Jenny Jeremiah. The first race will start today with a passage race to Le Phare Bleu.

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