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Bliss Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2013: My Song, Salperton and Bequia Yachts lead after Day 3

June 07, 2013

Day Three of this year’s Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, marked by Fitzroy Race Day, was an absolutely classic Sardinia sailing day. The fleet of 21 sailing superyachts enjoyed blue skies, as well as a wind from the north of around 12 knots at the start, which continued to build during the day to make for an amazing tight run home to the finish.

Fleet  - Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2013 © Jeff Brown/Superyacht Media

Fleet - Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2013 © Jeff Brown/Superyacht Media

The event, hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and co-organised by Boat International Media, was at the halfway point overnight with sailing yacht My Song, charter yacht Salperton and luxury yacht Bequia holding first in Classes A to C respectively. The race committee selected courses that sent the fleet upwind to the east of Monaci, Caprera and La Maddalena, with the Class C yachts continuing through bomb alley back to the finish off Porto Cervo and the Class A and B yachts looping around the islands of Spargi and Barrettinelli before blasting back down the east coasts of La Maddalena and Caprera. The start sequence reverted to slowest starting first, which led to some close boat-on-boat battles all the way round the course.

As Class C blasted through bomb alley, Classes A and B began to merge as the faster yachts, who started last, began to show their pace. As they came to the gybe point off Barrettinelli, ready for the reach home, the 45m superyacht Visione had snuck to the front, followed by Salperton on a delta of nearly three minutes. There was a further three minute gap back to Saudade, with charter yacht Bliss, superyacht Nilaya, My Song, Unfurled yacht, sailing yacht Firefly, luxury yacht Zefira and Aegir yacht coming through in quick succession.

The run back to the line was tight, with a stiff breeze at the top of the course pressing the yachts hard and propelling them at speed. The sight of 14 kites spearing down the coast was not to be missed.

Aegir, Cruising Class A - Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2013 © Jeff Brown/SUperyacht Media

Luxury yacht Aegir, Cruising Class A - Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2013 © Jeff Brown/SUperyacht Media

When the results on corrected time rolled in, My Song had taken her third bullet in three races, beating the 25m Aegir by just 17 seconds after three hours of high octane racing. The Fitzroy-built 45m charter yacht Salperton held on to take Fitzroy Race Day victory in Class B ahead of Bliss, who had recovered well from an overnight fix-it session after their mainsheet got chewed through by the sheeting system on Day Two. Class C had a new winner today, with sailing yacht Genevieve reveling in the heavier conditions to get the bullet, followed by superyacht Karibu and Bequia.

‘We did fantastic today, and had a really good day,’ beamed Tony Pullar, captain of Genevieve. ‘We got a good start, saw the shift up the track and went well inshore, managing to keep clear air. The wind hit 27 knots in bomb alley, and we had a good battle with Bequia – they overtook us at one point, then we got them back on the reach and run. We stayed inshore at every point we could and we got lifted all the way round the course.’

For Aegir, the pain of losing by 17 seconds was perhaps mitigated by a sparkling day on the water. ‘It was really close, and we had a really good race,’ enthused her tactician, Steve Benjamin. ‘We went left early and the wind shifted 20 or 30 degrees, so we took the advantage. After Monaci we found ourselves among all the big boats, which was very exciting – the radio hailing back and forth between yachts worked well. The most exciting part was up at Barrettinelli – we were able to gybe inside Zefira, and we had our 4A asymetric up, which is our biggest spinnaker. We were expecting the wind to veer, and we sailed through Firefly and took the lead. On the last leg it seemed My Song just had a little better wind and they were able to stretch out the 17 seconds on corrected. The racing was terrific!’

Tonight, owners and their guests will enjoy the legendary regatta beach party, which this year returns to the magical setting of Phi Beach. There might also be a few early nights tonight as the regatta rolls into its final day on Saturday for race four with all to play for.

Racing will conclude tomorrow, Saturday 8th June, with the first start scheduled for 12:00 and east- south easterly winds of 10 knots forecast.

Dubois Cup 2013: Day 2, Race 1

June 03, 2013

The first day of racing at the 2013 Dubois Cup saw sailing yacht Genevieve take the win, with a 12 second lead over charter yacht Nostromo. On a day marked by wildly variable winds, from virtual calm to an estimated 40 knots, seamanship, tactics as well as good luck all had a part to play in an amazing day of competing.

Dubois Cup 2013: Day 2, Race 1

Dubois Cup 2013: Day 2, Race 1

The first day got underway yesterday with a Captain’s briefing at 9:30am on the terrace at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. Despite clear skies, the mercurial winds of Sardinia proved a challenge for the race committee who requested to inspect the options for the course and plan for the best wind.

By 11am no clear options had emerged, though an amended version of course 19 had been suggested as a possible option, with winds to the North of Porto Cervo observed to be upwards of 20 knots by mid-morning. Winds to the south appeared to be calm and so expectations focused on tactics for a beat north into a good Northwesterly breeze, rounding the northern tip of La Maddalena island with a reach through what’s affectionately known as Bomb Alley.

On the line at noon, there was no wind, and so the start was delayed as the race committee investigated options. With a new start line moved north over the wind line, the eight competing yachts set out at three minute intervals, with superyacht Genevieve out first. Quickly, the winds increased, with some yachts reporting estimated 40 knot gusts, at which point charter yacht Salperton retired. “We saw the wind speeds climbing over 30 knots, and it looked as though they’d keep increasing, so we made the call to stay safe and we retired,” said Barry Houghton, owner of Salperton. “I’ve had an incident in the past and I simply won’t risk the safety of my crew,” he continued.

Luxury yachts designed by Dubois competing in the 4th Dubois Cup

Luxury yachts designed by Dubois competing in the 4th Dubois Cup

The rest of the fleet pressed on, with some taking a wide line out to the east, while luxury yacht Zefira and others hugged the coast of Caprera in what remained a strong breeze. At Bomb Alley, the fleet were tight together, with Zefira in apparent lead as they rounded Abbatoggia and set up to reach south. Charter yacht Bliss and Prana yacht were quick to hoist spinnakers, but all were confounded by baffling airs at the south end of the bay, where the winds reduced to a light breeze, then appeared to shift 180 degrees in a matter of minutes. “It was an absolute lottery there at the end,” said Captain Lachie Paramor of Sarafin, who placed third. “It was just a confusing day, really, with no wind then 30 knots, then as quickly as it came, it left. It was good fun though!”

“We had it all today, didn’t we?” commented Scott Mackenzie, Captain of charter yacht Nostromo, who came in second. “Everyone on board had a fantastic day. Our owner was our helmsman, and he helmed the whole way and had a fantastic day as well.”

“As we were coming through Bomb Alley, we were all making 13 or 14 knots, and it was just amazing to see,” said Mike Toppa, of North Sails, who was aboard Genevieve yacht – which won the day’s racing on corrected time by a margin of 12 seconds over Nostromo. “As we approached the finish line, the winds shifted from the west to the east, and all the boats had to deal with that. Being a lower-rated boat we had a bit of advantage, but we thought we dealt with it well, and we were able to get in a win.”

“I’ve been racing in Porto Cervo for 20 years. The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda does a really great job, the coastline is gorgeous and you never know what you’re going to get. That’s a part of racing and that’s part of what makes this one of my favourite places in the world to sail.”

Less wind is expected for the second day’s racing. After a fabulous owner’s dinner at the Yacht Clubhouse last night, all will be in fine spirits today for the last day of the regatta.

A great success of yachts fitted by Hall Spars

September 14, 2012

In addition to the impressive new launches to be exhibited at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show, including Wally 50m superyacht Better Place as well as Baltic 72 sailing yacht Stig, Hall Spars fitted yachts have celebrated plenty of victories on the race course this season.

Successful Hall Spars yachts

Successful Hall Spars fitted yachts

2012 has been a good year for Nilaya
The Baltic 112 superyacht Nilaya is fresh from a victory in the Supermaxi Class at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, where Hall-rigged yachts swept the top three. Other highlights for Nilaya include a Groupe Maxi second place finish at Les Voiles de St. Barth and Line Honors in the Rolex Volcano Race, with Hall-rigged Wally luxury yacht Y3K taking second.

Wally 45m sailing yacht Saudade earned a second place finish in the Supermaxi Class at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, behind Nilaya. Farr 115 charter yacht Sojana rounded out the top three, following a third place finish in the RORC 600.

JV72 sailing yacht Bella Mente has seen her share of victory this racing season, with a win in the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship, second place in the IRC1 division of the New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta, and third place in her class from Newport to Bermuda.

Wally 101 luxury yacht Indio claimed first place in the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta, second place in her class for the Newport to Bermuda Race and 1st in Class and 1st Overall in the Newport Bucket Regatta.

NILAYA superyacht competing in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2012 - Photo Carlo Borlenghi

NILAYA superyacht competing in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2012 - Photo by Carlo Borlenghi

J-Class superyacht Lionheart collected the first place trophy at the 2012 Kings Hundred Guinea Cup at the J Class Solent Regatta.

H-Class luxury yacht Firefly achieved two second place finishes at the Superyacht Cup in Palma, in Class 1 and the Hoek Class.

What a ride for team Puma! Mar Mostro scored a first place win in the Discover Ireland In-Port Race, securing victory in the In-Port Series and third place overall in the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race.

Quantum Racing took first place in the IRC 52 Class at Key West Race Week, and went on to win the 2012 Audi Sardinia Cup, claiming victory in the TP52 class and joining Soto 40 Iberdrola for a first place finish for Team USA.

Superyacht Lionheart - a Winner of the 2012 Kings Hundred Guinea Cup at the J Class Solent Regatta.

Superyacht Lionheart - a Winner of the 2012 Kings Hundred Guinea Cup at the J Class Solent Regatta

Hall rigs swept the IRC division at April’s Les Voiles de St. Barth, with TP52s Mayhem, Vesper and Powerplay taking first, second and third.

These successes came on the heels of the International Rolex Regatta, where Powerplay claimed first, Antilope (a Grand Soleil 46 and Hall customer) took second, and Mayhem third.

Jongert 29m superyacht Scorpione dei Mari earned second place in the Cruising Division at the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, and another podium finish in Class 1 at the Superyacht Cup in Palma, taking third.

Hoek 115 F-Class Classic Yacht FIREFLY - Image courtesy of Hoek Design

Hoek 115 F-Class Classic Yacht FIREFLY - Image courtesy of Hoek Design

Oceanfurl Boom
The same as it has always been – and when there’s no way to improve on perfection, go bigger! The Wally 50m sailing yacht Better Place boasts the largest Oceanfurl Boom ever built. Manufactured exclusively at the Hall New Zealand facility, the Hall Oceanfurl Boom meets the demands of blue water sailing on today’s superyachts. A premium carbon fiber in-boom furling system, Oceanfurl provides pleasing aesthetics and uncomplicated functionality. Other yachts featuring the Hall Oceanfurl Boom include:  Dubois 30m charter yacht Nostromo, Dubois 36,8m charter yacht Bliss, Warwick 82 charter yacht Aiyana, and Friendship 75 charter yacht Isabel.

NOSTROMO

NOSTROMO

Hall SCR: Seamless Carbon Rigging – The Ultimate Performance Upgrade
Hall’s revolutionary SCR Seamless Carbon Rigging is made by fusing the vertical and diagonal shroud elements form a single, homogeneous piece of rigging. Hall SCR is solid carbon and therefore impervious to water. Other composite rigging products, with braided covers and air pockets inside, let moisture in, which adds weight and can reduce strength.  With proper maintenance, its life expectancy, like that of a Hall carbon mast, can be many decades.

SCR Airfoil: The first, and only, carbon fiber rigging with a streamlined airfoil shape. Hall’s revolutionary SCR Airfoil dramatically reduces drag by reducing frontal area to its absolute minimum. SCR Airfoil reduces upwind drag by 50% over round rigging. Baltic 78 charter yacht Lupa of London completed her recent refit with Hall SCR Airfoil rigging.

LUPA OF LONDON Under Sail

LUPA OF LONDON Under Sail

SCR Round: Hall SCR round rigging has a profile almost identical with Nitronic 50 rod. It has a smaller diameter – and therefore less drag – than bundled carbon and PBO systems. 2012 Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup Supermaxi winner, the Baltic 112 superyacht Nilaya, is outfitted with Hall SCR round.

SCR Continuous: The low-profile rigging shape of SCR continuous as it passes through the spreader allows us to offer a minimum size, elegant spreader tip design. SCR Airfoil continuous rigging can be found on the recently launched Ker 51 Varuna. A sample will be available at the Hall Spars booth, situated at QS32 in the Darse Sud Tent.

SCR Discontinuous: Hall’s SCR discontinuous carbon rigging features our unique, easy-to-install Split Tip Cups that are custom machined for SCR stemball terminals. Hall uses only titanium connections with the carbon rod. At half the weight of stainless, Hall’s titanium end fittings are the smallest and lightest end fittings available. Swan 80 sailing yacht Selene was recently fitted with SCR discontinuous rigging, along with the recently launched Tulip 88 yacht and Contest 72 yacht.

Frers 88 sailing yacht Tulip

Frers 88 sailing yacht Tulip

SCR Retrofit Package
Hall SCR carbon rigging is up to 70% lighter than metal rod rigging.  Upgrading to Hall SCR is the best way to improve performance, and one of the easiest. Hall has introduced an SCR retrofit package to replace conventional stainless rod rigging simply and easily. The system is “plug and play” with no mast re-work or spreader modifications required.  New rods can be installed in a matter of hours, and in many cases, Hall rods interface with existing mast and deck hardware for further cost savings.

New AutoLock Design
New for 2012, Hall introduces an internal lock with visual and audio proximity indicators. It is a simple and refined device using standard Hall AutoLock bodies and components that can handle multiple bullets for use with mainsails. Proven to be easily serviceable, the lock can be taken out of the mast with the halyard still in it – no messenger lines needed.

AutoLocks have proven consistency and performance on boats including the Swan 45, Ker 43, Antrim 40, Ker 40, Gunboat 90 and Baltic 78.  Compact and versatile, all parts are self-contained and there are no trip lines to tangle on deck or in the mast. The most consistent and easy-to-service solution on the market, Hall AutoLocks provide a new level of elegant simplicity.

Hall Spars Commercial Division
Hall Spars has also been very busy with non-marine composite projects for the energy, aerospace, and defense industries. Details are classified for many of Hall Spars aerospace and defense projects, but in our most recent energy project, Hall manufactured turbine components for the United States’ first commercial, grid-connected tidal energy project. Hall Spars all-composite Advanced Design Cross Flow turbines are key to Ocean Renewable Power Company’s TidGen turbine generator unit (TGU) design. The TGU is the core component or “engine” for ORPC’s proprietary hydrokinetic device, which captures the energy of moving water without using dams or other barriers.

Hall Spars built the tidal turbines with carbon fiber reinforced composites, an ideal material for the loads the turbines will encounter and the marine environment in which they will operate.

Hall Spars Team
Hall Spars is very proud to announce that Andrea Merani has recently received his Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate and is now attending the Master Project Managing training. Andrea joined the Hall team in 2004, with the opening of the Hall Med Sales & Service office.

Hall Spars Service
Hall Spars and Rigging has more than 30 years of experience building and servicing the world’s most innovative high-performance spars and rigging. No one is better equipped to service one’s superyacht’s mast and rigging. With locations worldwide, technicians from Hall Spars international service team will travel to one’s boat. Hall spar or not, one can still get the famous Hall Service. From annual inspections to rigging replacement, Hall Spars is here to provide the expert service that guarantees the best ongoing performance.

Mel Interiors, now Superyacht Interiors Mallorca working on the 44.5m Heesen 4400 charter yacht BLISS

May 10, 2012

Led by Gabrielle Watts, the well known Palma de Mallorca based yacht interior as well as exterior soft furnishings refit company, Mel Interiors, has recently re-branded. Its new name is Superyacht Interiors Mallorca. The company is currently working on the 44.5m Heesen 4400 charter yacht Bliss.

44.5m Heesen charter yacht BLISS -  At Dusk

44.5m Heesen 4400 charter yacht BLISS - At Dusk

“We work closely with yacht owners, captains, crew and owner’s representatives to fully understand the scope of work for each individual project and provide a first class custom solution on time and within budget,” Gabrielle Watts explained.

After many years of working in the yachting industry, both on yachts and in a company management position, holding interior design qualifications, Gabrielle looks forward to driving the well respected Mel Interiors to new levels of success under the new Superyacht Interiors Mallorca banner. They have been providing interior design and soft furnishings to the world’s superyachts since 1998.

Bliss Superyacht Luxurious Interior - Image courtesy of Superyacht Interiors Mallorca

Bliss Superyacht Luxurious Interior - Image courtesy of Superyacht Interiors Mallorca

“The re branding allows us to bring a fresh face and new look to our interior design and refit offering however not at all compromising on the delivery of our high quality craftsmanship and finely produced soft furnishings that keep our clients coming back to us time and time again.”

“The new name explains what we do and where in an instant – Superyacht Interiors Mallorca is backed by a solid and experienced team of Management, Interior designers and skilled craftsmen with on-site representation in STP, one of the Mediterranean’s most popular superyacht boatyards. Along with providing a full range of interior services, we excel at presenting fast solutions to interior refit hurdles that unexpectedly arise.”

44.5m luxury motor yacht Bliss by Heesen Yachts - Image courtesy of Superyacht Interiors Mallorca

44.5m luxury motor yacht Bliss by Heesen Yachts - Image courtesy of Superyacht Interiors Mallorca

“Our new commercial office in the Global Building provides a focal point and allows us to attend to the client comfortably. Punctual job delivery is supported by the purpose built in-house production facility just minutes away from the port. To compliment this efficiency, an additional fast- turn-around service is offered to yacht stewardesses and steward’s which focus on sourcing interior accessories and owners supplies quickly”

Superyacht Interiors Mallorca – your local interior & exterior soft furnishings partner in Palma.

Dubois Designed superyachts excel at the 2012 Caribbean Regattas

April 04, 2012

Dubois Yachts are celebrating after Dubois designed sailing yachts excelled in both the 2012 St. Barths Bucket Regatta and the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous.

Lorro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta - Credit Dubois Yachts

Lorro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta - Credit Dubois Yachts

Dubois designed superyachts dominated the numbers at both sailing yacht events with an impressive 10 yachts racing in St. Barths, from a total fleet of 46, and 5 of the 13 competing yachts at the Loro Piana regatta in Virgin Gorda.

Dubois designed sailing yachts at the 2012 St. Barth's Bucket Regatta

Dubois designed sailing yachts at the 2012 St. Barth's Bucket Regatta

The Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous in Virgin Gorda was in its second year and drew an exclusive fleet of both race-orientated yachts and performance cruisers, complemented 12 motor yachts spectating at the superyacht event.

“We were delighted to see Salperton, Bliss, Ganesha, Zefira and Lady B being sailed so well. This excellent event will no doubt attract more yachts in the future – and we expect more Dubois designs as well.” Comment Dubois yachts in a recent press release.

Superyacht Salperton by Dubois at the St Barth Bucket Regatta

Superyacht Salperton by Dubois at the St Barth Bucket Regatta

The St. Barths Bucket drew a broad field of sailing yacht types. The most recent Dubois designed sailing yacht Lady B, had great success, winning her class and placing second overall. First place was won by the separately handicapped classic sailing yacht This Is Us.

The 45m Lady B sailing yacht boasted an impressive sailing performance thanks to Dubois’ expertise in design and naval architecture. She sailed conservatively and in the knowledge that her pace would never force risky manoeuvres. She looked spectacular from every point of view.

Sailing yacht Lady B won her class and placed second overall at the St Barths Bucket Regatta 2012

Sailing yacht Lady B won her class and placed second overall at the St Barths Bucket Regatta 2012

Mike Golding, helmsman of the Lady B superyacht noted after the regatta “that boat’s got legs”

Congratulations must also go to the Dubois designed sailing yacht Ganesha and S/Y Twizzle, who placed second and third in the Mademoiselles Class. The yachts were sailed beautifully and the crews have taken big boat racing to new levels.

In the year 2000, Ed Dubois sailed his first Bucket Regatta with one Dubois designed sailing yacht, against a handful of other yachts competing. Fast forward 12 years and what an endorsement to the Dubois designed sailing yachts and a wonderful demonstration of the broad and lasting appeal of yachts designed by the British design firm.

Other yachts were also sailed very well – the newly owned KOO sailing yacht showed her paces together with S/Y Genevieve, charter yacht Bliss, charter yacht Moonbird, S/Y Desitnation, Salperton yacht and Zefira.

Dubois designed sailing yacht ZEFIRA

Dubois designed sailing yacht ZEFIRA

At anchor in the bay spectating were other elegant Dubois superyachts including S/Y Inmocean, sail yacht Artemis and the mighty superyacht Kokomo launched in 2010.

We wish the owners of the Dubois superyachts a wonderful season ahead, whether they are staying on the Caribbean, cruising to America, or heading to the Western Mediterranean for private use or for the upcoming charter season.

View a gallery of Dubois designed sailing yacht images below, or contact a CharterWorld consultant here for details on luxury yacht charter availability.

St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2012: Day 1 – Natures Deck Wash

March 24, 2012

Today’s very rainy St. Barths Bucket yacht race featured unseasonable – even cold – all day´s rain falling in buckets that even brought wind. So Day One of the Saint Barths Bucket proved to be very interesting indeed, a dramatic start to an always amazing racing spectacle.

Beautiful Caribbean charter yacht location - St. Barths

Beautiful Caribbean yacht charter location - St. Barths

To begin with, this incredible fleet, featuring 47 of the world´s most impressive sailing yachts, hailing from every yacht building nation on earth, with a LOA of close to two kilometers in length total is mind boggling to any normal human being, even us hundreds of die-hard Bucketeers. Add in a new, fourth ratings class, and the ever-present discussions which surround the Bucket Ratings System, and the stage is set for a lot of excitement.

Day One as usual featured the ‘Round the Island Race’ clockwise. The races here are based on the pursuit racing theory which has yachts begin at staggered times based on predicted performance, which when figured correctly (as if this were possible with a fleet of this breathtaking diversity), and counting in slightly differing courses for some of the classes – could, or should result in all of the yachts coming across the finish line at the same time. Great concept, and there’s doubt that no one does it better that our ratings guru Jim Teeters, but can you imagine the fear factor in that amount enormous, and hugely valuable fleet of floating assets bearing on the same finish line at the same time? Needless to say, it rarely happens just that way.

Today´s Bucket racing proved about as good as it gets, despite the unseasonable weather. Most of the yachts had great starts, with many of them right on the money, or bare seconds behind their allotted times. Throughout the race, which was either 20.8 or 24.5 miles depending upon your class, there was some seriously thrilling sailing. The finishes – proving that the years of data crunching behind the Bucket Ratings system actually does produce results – were in a few cases almost too close. The final mark proved a bottle neck, which saw several encounters of the heart-stopping variety, including a couple of clusters of Perini Navis coming within drink-sharing distance of each other. A definitely too intimate meeting of the charter yacht Whisper, the superyacht Rebecca and the sailing yacht Salperton – which came very close to producing the seriously frowned-upon protest – was averted at the last minute by the usual gentlemanly discussion. No T-bones today!

Luxury charter yacht Parsifal III at the St Barth's Bucket

Luxury charter yacht Parsifal III at the St Barth's Bucket

These yachts, although increasingly built to perform on the race course, are still at heart cruising vessels, and invariably, the rarely seen stresses that racing places on the yachts can – and does – cause some damage. Depending on who you spoke to, there were anything from four to eight spinnaker sails shredded, including those on Barracuda and Meteor. Most seriously damaged was the largest yacht in the fleet, the very impressive 67m Baltic Yacht megayacht Hetairos, designed by one of hottest current yacht design collaborations possible, Dysktra and Reichel/Pugh. She unfortunately hit a submerged rock and did quite a bit of damage to her keel – yet finished the race to the bitter end.

This was a race where experience really counted. The gorgeous classic 43m ketch Rebecca, which was designed by German Frers, and built at Pendennis Shipyard, has participated in many yacht races worldwide. Their well-rehearsed team, composed of experienced former and current yacht skippers, has brought them onto the winners’ podium at numerous Buckets. They chose the conservative route, carrying up on deck and rigging three different spinnakers, and in the end, although they could have chosen a more aggressive approach, went with a heavier sail, but at least, brought it back on deck safe and sound. From my point of view riding on board as an ‘extra’, the swath she cut through the eleven vessel Elegantes de Mer class, with a start as second-to-last place, and finishing right in the middle provided a fantastic view of the entire fleet as we chased and caught up with most of the yachts on the course today.

The newly formed Mademoiselles de la Mer class, dominated by no less than ten Dubois designed beauties, saw a very excited Ed Dubois chortling over his very first ever Bucket race win on the sailing yacht Lady B, snagging both first in class and first over all. The charter yacht Ganesha and the charter yacht Salperton IV came in at 2nd and 3rd place respectively. With the vast quantity of yacht owners they make happy year after year – not to mention the aesthetic satisfaction they bring to their legion of fans worldwide – they deserve lots of prizes. Congrats to him and his great Dubois team!

Sailing yachts at St. Barths Bucket 2012

Sailing yachts at St. Barths Bucket 2012 - Photo: Mark Charlton of Real Media Travel

In Les Grandes Dames, a/k/a the Perini Navi class, there was a battle of titans, as two of the Bucket founder captains, Tim Laughridge and Ian Craddock did guest helmsman duty on the charter yacht Parsifal III and the charter yacht Antara. The light variable winds did not at all favor these elegant, stately beauties, yet that did not stop them from battling mightily all throughout the race course. Capt. Timmy snagged a First in class with some quite aggressive driving. The charter yacht Axia, with her multi-generation family team, their dogged hard work, and long-time Bucket participation, well merited their close 2nd in class. The sleek charter yacht Panthalassa rounded out 3rd place in Les Grandes.

Adela, another long-time favourite Bucket boat, swept to first in Les Elegantes, with the sailing yacht Blue Too and the charter yacht This Is Us chasing them closely. Overall winners were Lady B, the superyacht Adela, and the charter yacht Mari-Cha III. The newly instituted daily prize givings were well-attended by many still soggy Bucketeers.

The rain stopped just in time for the chamois to be wielded, the champagne popped, and hors d’oeuvres to be prepared for the Yacht Hop, which due to some serious security measures, remained very civilized. Very popular were the charter yacht Bliss, the sailing yacht Barracuda and the charter yacht Parsifal III, but as usual – the party winner favours always go to those dancing fools on Antara. Their theme this year was Motown, and they had the sound system, the tunes, the bling and the hairdos to carry it off in style.

The sun is out for Day Two of the Saint Barths Bucket 2012. Everybody is  looking forward to enjoying another great day out on the water.

Doyle Sailmakers sponsors the 2012 St Barths Bucket Regatta

March 21, 2012

Doyle Sailmakers is pleased to sponsor the St Barths Bucket Regatta once again, running from March 22 to 25, 2012. The wait list to take part in this popular yacht regatta is a real proof of the excellent job done by the Bucket organizers, superyacht owners as well as crew, elevating superyacht competing to an amazing level of fun and excitement.

Perini Navi Charter Yacht ANDROMEDA LA DEA Courtesy of Fred Summer

Perini Navi Charter Yacht ANDROMEDA LA DEA Courtesy of Fred Summer

Numerous superyachts with Doyle sails will be taking part in the 2012 St Barths Bucket including: the 47m charter yacht Andromeda La Dea, the 62m Athos, the 37.5m luxury charter yacht Axia, the 50m charter yacht Baracuda, the 37m charter yacht Bliss, the 34m superyacht Blue Too, the 56m Fidelis, the 39m luxury charter yacht Ganesha, the 45m Helios II, the 43m Koo, the 37m charter yacht Moonbird, the 38m charter yacht P2, the 25m sailing yacht Paraiso, the 54m Parsifal III, the 45m charter yacht Salperton IV, Symmetry and the 56m charter yacht Zenji.

Luxury sailing yacht AXIA

Luxury sailing yacht AXIA

Doyle Sailmakers’ continued success in the superyacht market is the result of design and engineering expertise, reliability and after sales service. Their network of over 80 lofts worldwide allows them to provide local service worldwide.

Luxury charter yacht Bliss

Luxury charter yacht Bliss

Doyle Sailmakers will be well represented in St Barths by Robbie Doyle and numerous representatives from all over the world including: John Baxter, Richard Bouzaid, Matt Bridge, Glenn Cook, Quinny Houry, Richard Hulston, Phill Maxwell, Maria Francesca Natoli, Andrew Schneider, Brendan Simons, Jud Smith, Francesco Valenza, and Guy Waddilove.

Perini Navi 38m charter yacht P2 comes third at the 2012 Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta

March 21, 2012

Sleek and fast 38m sailing yacht P2, launched by the renowned Italian builder Perini Navi in 2008 has come third at this year´s Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous. Designed by well-known Philippe Briand, the luxury charter yacht P2 features a light, easy to manoeuvre hull with some excellent rigging and sails.

38m luxury charter yacht P2 by Perini Navi

38m luxury charter yacht P2 by Perini Navi

This popular race organized by Boat International Media and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda offers both sailing as well as motor yachts an opportunity to meet for four days of regattas and socializing in the fabulous British Virgin Islands.

The thirteen participating yachts arrived in the following order: the 31m Indio, the 42m Hanuman, the 38m charter yacht P2, the 35m luxury charter yacht Sojana, the 35m luxury yacht Firefly, the 44m Salperton, the 37m charter yacht Bliss, the 39m charter yacht Ganesha, the 55m Marie, the 50m sailing yacht Zefira, Billy Budd, the 48m Lady B and the 39.5m luxury yacht Altair.

Following the RORC Caribbean 600 and the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous, the P2´s regatta season will continue with:

The St Barths Bucket Regatta: March 22-25, 2012
The Palma Superyacht Cup: June 20-23, 2012
The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup: September 2-8, 2012.

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous 2012: YCCS Virgin Gorda hosts the Superyacht fleet

March 16, 2012

Twenty eight sail and motor superyachts, competing in the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous, running these days (March 14-17) are hosted by the YCCS Virgin Gorda.

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous

The second edition of this event organised by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Boat International Media has attracted some of the most powerful and iconic sailing yachts on the water for three days of racing, expertly organised by the YCCS Race Committee under the leadership of Principal Race Officer Peter Craig.

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous 2012 Race Day 1- MARIE

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous 2012 Race Day 1- MARIE

Jim Clark is back to defend his title with the 138’ J-Class sailing yacht Hanuman built by Royal Huisman, competing against Vitters’ 145’ superyacht Lady B and the 115’ fast charter yacht Sojana which return as challengers in 2012.

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous 2012 Race Day 1:  FIREFLY - Photo: © Carlo Borlenghi

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous 2012 Race Day 1: FIREFLY - Photo: © Carlo Borlenghi

Racing alongside Lady B will be four other Dubois designed yachts: the 147’ fast luxury charter yacht Salperton IV, 128’ charter yacht Ganesha and 163’ superyacht Zefira – all built by Fitzroy Yachts – and the 120’ charter yacht Bliss from Yachting Developments.

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous 2012Race Day 1:  LADY B - Photo: © Carlo Borlenghi

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous 2012Race Day 1: LADY B - Photo: © Carlo Borlenghi

Bob Eichler, owner of the 96’ Altair yacht – participating in his first superyacht regatta – is thrilled to be in the BVI for this exclusive event: “It’s absolutely amazing. The YCCS is fabulous and beyond my expectations,” he said. The owners of the Zefira, meanwhile, wished fair winds for all and declared: “May the best man win!”

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous 3

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous

New entries completing the fleet are the 101’ Wally superyacht Indio, the Philippe Briand designed 125’ charter yacht P2, Huisman’s 114’ Billy Budd, the 179’ Marie superyacht built by Vitters and Classen Shipyard’s 115’ new F-class Firefly yacht.

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous 2012Race Day 1: ZEFIRA - Photo: © Carlo Borlenghi

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous 2012Race Day 1: ZEFIRA - Photo: © Carlo Borlenghi

As the sailing yachts prepare for three days of racing around the stunning archipelago, an impressive display of motor yachts will be turning out to follow the fleet and enjoy the spectacle of the regatta, as well as enjoying their own social programme alongside the sailing during the day.

The event began in the evening on 15th March with motor and sailing yacht owners coming together at the YCCS clubhouse for welcome cocktails and a BBQ on the lawn, with crew participating in the Mount Gay Cocktail Competition on the dock. Racing begins today at 1100 AST, with the current forecast suggesting a perfect day for racing with winds averaging 15 knots.

Great Selection of Dubois designed Superyachts to be present in St. Barths, Caribbean

March 15, 2012

A great selection of Dubois designed superyachts are expected to be present in the popular Caribbean destination of St. Barths. Home to an eclectic mix of iguanas, night-blooming cactus, and fabulous beaches as well as luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and celebrities, St. Barths is an extraordinary island, offering luxury, serenity and most importantly of all – excellent conditions for sailing.

A beautiful Caribbean yacht charter destination - St. Barths

A beautiful Caribbean yacht charter destination - St. Barths

KOKOMO

58.4m sailing yacht Kokomo is a spectacular fast cruising sloop, launched by the NZ shipyard Alloy Yachts in 2010. Featuring sleek hull refined for sea-keeping and speed, Kokomo offers spacious and comfortable accommodation in her lovely interior, designed by renowned Redman Whiteley Dixon.

58.4m superyacht KOKOMO

58.4m superyacht KOKOMO

TWIZZLE

Launched in 2010, the 57.5m luxury yacht Twizzle is a beautiful performance cruising ketch, built by the prestigious yard Royal Huisman. Twizzle provides an elegantly stylish yet comfortable relaxed interior by Redman Whiteley Dixon.

57.5m sailing yacht TWIZZLE

57.5m sailing yacht TWIZZLE

MONDANGO

Built by Alloy Yachts, the 51.7m superyacht Mondango is an exceptional large flybridge ketch, launched in 2008. With interior by well-known Reymond Langton Design, Mondango is a stylish vessel capable of fast, comfortable ocean passages.

51.7m superyacht MONDANGO

51.7m superyacht MONDANGO

ZEFIRA

The 7th Dubois design built by Fitzroy Yachts, 49.7m sailing yacht Zefira is a breathtaking fast cruising sloop, launched in 2010. Remi Tessier designed elegant interior offers 4 comfortable staterooms for 8 guests in addition to 4 crew cabins.

49.7m ZEFIRA Superyacht

49.7m ZEFIRA Superyacht

LADY B

Delivered in 2010, the 44.2m luxury yacht Lady B, built by Vitters Shipyard is one of the most sophisticated and well finished vessels of her size in the world today. Featuring interior styling by Rhoades Young Design, Lady B provides 8 guests with the high sailing performance.

44.7m superyacht LADY B

44.7m superyacht LADY B

SALPERTON

45m superyacht Salperton is another fabulous fast cruising sloop, built by Fitzroy Yachts and launched in 2009. Both practical as well as beautiful, Salperton´s light and spacious interior by Adam Lay Studio offers 4 comfortable staterooms.

45m SALPERTON superyacht

45m SALPERTON superyacht

ARTEMIS (ex Salperton)

Fitzroy 44m dramatically beautiful superyacht Artemis (ex Salperton) was launched in 2007 as a performance oriented sloop. The comfortable interior for 8 guests designed by Adam Lay Studio, includes an owner’s suite, three generous guest cabins as well as three crew cabins.

44m sailing yacht Artemis (ex Salperton)

44m sailing yacht Artemis (ex Salperton)

KOO

Delivered in 2002, the 42.9m luxury yacht Koo is both a cruising as well as racing vessel, built by Vitters Shipyard. The elegant interior, finished in dark stained mahogany with crisp, sharp lines which exude a contemporary feel, was designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon Design and decorated by Axel Vervoordt.

42.9m sailing yacht KOO

42.9m sailing yacht KOO

DESTINATION (ex Destination Forx Har´br and Harlequin)

Luxury sailing yacht Destination measures 41 metres in length over all and was launched in 2002 by Alloy Yachts. Recently refitted with an upgraded Reymond Langton interior, the stylish Destination sloop can sleep a total of 8 guests in 4 luxurious and lovely staterooms.

41m luxury yacht DESTINATION

41m luxury yacht DESTINATION

INMOCEAN

41m superyacht Inmocean is an elegant classic style sloop, launched by Fitzroy Yachts in 2008. Created for long ocean passages as well as “off the beaten track” cruising, Inmocean boasts interior design by Adam Lay Studio, offering owner and guest accommodation forward in 3 amazing cabins, with 3 crew cabins aft.

41m superyacht IMMOCEAN

41m superyacht IMMOCEAN

NUBERU BLAU (ex Kokomo of London)

The 7th Dubois design built by Alloy Yachts is the 40.3m sailing yacht Nuberu Blau. Launched in 2000, Nuberu Blau´s lovely interior by Redman Whiteley Dixon for 8 guests is wonderfully light with a warm atmosphere.

40.3m sailing yacht NUBERU BLAU (ex Kokomo of London)

40.3m sailing yacht NUBERU BLAU (ex Kokomo of London)

GANESHA

Delivered in 2006 by Fitzroy Yachts, the 38.9m charter yacht Ganesha is a superb fast cruising sloop, mixing up head-turning style and speed with comfort and safety. Ganesha provides comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests in her graceful interior, designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon.

38.9m GANESHA superyacht

38.9m luxury charter yacht GANESHA

GENEVIEVE (ex Atlanta)

Luxury sailing yacht Genevieve (ex Atlanta) measures 36.9 metres in length and was delivered by Alloy Yachts in 1996, with last refit in 2005. Featuring a sparkling performance as well as excellent pedigree, Genevieve sleeps 8 to 9 guests in the full width master stateroom, a VIP double cabin, a twin cabin and a double cabin with a fixed upper berth, each with a shower room en suite.

36.9m luxury yacht GENEVIEVE

36.9m luxury yacht GENEVIEVE

BLISS

Built by Yachting Developments in 2009, the 36.7m charter yacht Bliss represents a mixture of sailing performance and cruising luxury for the ultimate sailing holiday. With interior design by Design Unlimited, Bliss has the flexibility to accommodate 10 guests using a combination of berth arrangements making her the perfect charter yacht for families or groups of friends.

36.7m charter yacht BLISS

36.7m charter yacht BLISS

MOONBIRD

Sleek, sexy lines, elegant interior as well as superb performance all represent the spectacular charter yacht Moonbird. This amazing 37.1m fast cruising sloop launched in 2003 by Fitzroy Yachts boasts a gracious interior by Rhoades Young Design and features an incredible capacity for both formal as well as informal entertaining, offered by the pilothouse bar and the comfortable and stylish lower saloon and dining room.

37.1m luxury charter yacht MOONBIRD

37.1m luxury charter yacht MOONBIRD