2025 Superyacht Challenge Antigua
06 March 2024 – Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua
The 14th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua roared to life on Thursday, 06 March, with a thrilling 20-knot breeze from the southeast. With the wind speed was soaring in the gusts into the high 20s and the Caribbean surf was churning below. The fleet of majestic superyachts produced an electrifying spectacle of raw power and grace.
The three-day main series for the Superyacht Challenge Antigua starts tomorrow, Friday, 07 March. Today, was a stand-alone race with two course options offered by the SYCA Race Committee led by PRO Hank Stuart. Competitors chose either to race around Antigua (48nm) or race a shorter course of 28nm off the South Coast of Antigua.
Choosing the full circumnavigation of Antigua were Gitana, Hummingbird and Action. Unfortunately the 148ft (45m) Dubois sloop Gitana retired with a damaged main sail and later in the race the Swan 90 Hummingbird also retired with all crew safe and well. The 121ft (37m) Dykstra sloop Action captained by Angus Fuller with Ian Walker as tactician completed the 48nm loop of Antigua in an elapsed time of 05 Hrs 20 Mins and 39 Secs.
Our emphasis is always on safety and Action has undergone a big refit to make sure the equipment is all in good working order. However, you have to think ahead because there are a lot of reefs around Antigua and you are just one mistake away from them. This has been a great start to the regatta and a great boost to our confidence for the series ahead.”
The fastest elapsed time in the 28nm ‘Half’ Round Antigua was the German Frers 140ft (42m) ketch Rebecca in an elapsed time of 02 Hrs 46 Hrs 54 Mins, followed by Don Macpherson’s Swan 90 (27.5m) Freya in an elapsed time of 02 Hrs 51 Hrs 30 Mins.
However, the 182ft (55.5m) Dykstra schooner Adela, Captained by Greg Perkins won after ORCsy time correction. Adela was an astonishing sight, powering through the waves to take their first bullet.
“A fantastic day and momentous for the owner and the crew,” commented Adela’s Greg Perkins. “Today was a day for schooners with lots of reaching which Adela absolutely loves. I am not sure we will do as well around the buoys later in the regatta, but we have new sails on the boat and the team sailed well today, it’s exciting, we will see how things pan out for the regatta.”
Greg Perkins is a supporter of the IYRS Antigua Scholarship Programme which is championed by the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. “I am half Antiguan and I really want to support the scheme, Antiguans are some of the most decent and hard working people you can imagine” commented Perkins. “Getting locals into the marine business is a win-win. It means that boats like Adela can get good marine services in Antigua and the enthusiastic young Antiguans can make a career in the marine industry.”
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The Oyster 885 Karibu (27m) is taking part in its first Superyacht Challenge Antigua in today’s race Karibu took first in the Corinthian Division which is a new class for the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. Karibu is captained by Williams Dovey and has the highly experienced Graham Newton as tactician who has competed at the regatta many times in previous editions. Karibu is family-owned and sailed, with friends and the owners’ two children onboard, who impressively helmed the yacht for the entire race.
“The regatta has very good camaraderie, it’s fun with really good sailing, and well organised, the relaxed vibe of the event is what makes it so good,” summed up Karibu’s Graham Newton.
Karibu is the only Oyster 885 at the regatta but Newton explains that the ORCsy Rating system plays it’s part in racing against totally different boats.
“Most owners are competitive. Karibu is extremely well maintained and with the help of a few professionals, the family can race the boat and really improve their performance and really enjoy the sailing. ORC has put a lot of time and effort into their rule to make very disparate boats competitive against each other. We took Alberto (Pindozzi) out today from ORC and that really helps him understand how the boat sails and develops their understanding of the rating.”
With the first days racing action done and dusted, the Jungle Theme for the Famous Cook Off was now top of the agenda. Chefs from the competing superyachts prepare exquisite culinary delights to feed the SYCA competitors and there is more at stake than feeding the hungry sailors. Each chef prepares a dish on a traditional coal pot, which is then savoured by the judges. The winner will be announced at the final prizegiving.
This year’s Jungle theme property hit the spot with the wacky-racers…Lions, tigers, elephants, flamingos, even a giraffe! To highlights being Zig Zag’s flamboyant entry into the party and Adela arriving in a purpose built jeep made from plywood and mirrors and string! Racing for the Superyacht Challenge Antigua continues tomorrow with the first race of the series.