Set to run in the fabulous Caribbean yacht charter destination – Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands from March 19 to 22, this year’s four-day Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous will be attended by 20 sailing superyachts. Organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) and Boat International Media (BIM), the event is sponsored by the prestigious Italian brand Loro Piana and plays host to three days of coastal competing for a fleet of sailing titans. The mixture of the finest racing yachts, the azure waters of the British Virgin Islands and the well known hospitality of the organizers and sponsor are expected to make this fourth edition of the regatta the most memorable yet.
Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous 2014. Photo Jeff Brown/SYM
A diverse fleet will participate with yachts ranging from the 24.6 metre charter yacht Aiyana, launched in 2010 and racing under the New York Yacht Club burgee, to the 67 metre mega yacht Hetairos, launched in 2011 and a previous winner of the Transatlantic Superyacht Regatta in Virgin Gorda. As always, competition will be fierce across all three competing divisions (A, B and C – divided according to the International Superyacht Rule) with a selection of rock star tacticians adding their expertise to the mix. Veteran of six Volvo Ocean Race campaigns Bouwe Bekking will be lending his considerable experience to the 34-metre high performance cruiser sailing yacht Nilaya while Italian America’s Cup pro Francesco De Angelis will be calling tactics aboard the 40 metre J-Class superyacht Rainbow, chartered for the occasion by Mr. Pier Luigi Loro Piana. Launched just last year and a newcomer to the event, the J-Class inspired 27.5-metre luxury yacht Tempus Fugit combines a classic sloop design with the latest technological innovations and boasts British match racing champion Andy Green on tactics.
YCCS Clubhouse & Marina, North Sound, Virgin Gorda. Photo Jeff Brown/Superyacht Media
The event entry list reads like a veritable who’s-who of superyacht design and construction with boats from top international shipyards including Fitzroy, Nautor’s Swan, Perini, Royal Huisman and Southern Wind, and design by the cream of modern naval architecture: Dubois, Dykstra, Frers, Hoek, Holland and Pugh, to name but a few.
Action-packed racing on the water will be observed by the motor yachts participating in the rendezvous and will be perfectly complemented by a busy social programme for all of the attending owners, guests and crew. From the welcome barbecue at the elegant YCCS Clubhouse overlooking the North Sound to the exclusive Loro Piana Owners’ Dinner and a Beach Party at the nearby Oil Nut Bay luxury resort, entertainment is assured both at sea and ashore.
