Count Down to Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous

View over North Sound from the YCCS, Virgin Gorda terrace. Photo: Anya Brewley.
Yacht Club Costa Smeralda on Virgin Gorda is counting down to its Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous now that Loro Piana, the Italian luxury brand, has signed on for the second edition of the event.


The four-day regatta, which is open to sailing yachts and motor yachts over 80 feet in length, will take place from March 14 through March 17, 2012 at the newly opened club house in the North Sound of the British Virgin Islands. 
Fourteen sailing yachts and nine motor yachts have registered to participate in the regatta.


The 138-foot Hanuman, designed by Dykstra & Partner and built by Royal Huisman, returns to defend her title against Peter Harrison’s Farr 115 Sojana, which placed third in the spinnaker class in the inaugural event last year.


Both yachts can expect to be tested by others in class including Andrea Recordati’s Wally 101 Indio, division winner in 2011 at Porto Cervo, and Salvatore Trifirò’s 163-foot Zefira, another veteran of the 2011 Caribbean event.


The challenge for the cup in the non-spinnaker class will be tight as Lady B, designed by Dubois and built by Fitzroy Yachts, enters the race with plans to improve on last year’s second place and take the winner’s prize.


Registration, Captain’s briefings for the sail and motor yachts and the Welcome Caribbean Party will take place at YCCS, Virgin Gorda on March 14. Racing will begin on March 15 and continue each day through March 17 ending with farewell cocktails and prize giving at YCCS, Virgin Gorda.


The motor yachts will cruise in company to Peter Island for a lunch hosted by the BVI Tourist Board and take in the finish line on day 2. The Tender Treasure Hunt around the North Sound on the final day will give owners and guests of the motor yachts a chance to explore the safe and pristine waters of the bay. Oil Nut Bay will host owners, guests and participants at lunches and a party at the Luxury Resort Community and Beach Club during the event dates.


This will be the first international event to be hosted at the YCCS, Virgin Gorda Clubhouse which celebrated its official opening on January 3 this year. The new location, with its distinctively elegant design and attention to detail, will be the setting for the exclusive owner’s dinner hosted by Loro Piana while YCCS Marina will be the location for after-racing social events.


Over the years, Loro Piana has created a unique clothing and gift range dedicated to the world of the sea and sailing, such as the Defender line, sported by the New Zealand team in its America’s Cup victory. The Caribbean experience is a  natural extension of Loro Piana’s relationship  with the organizers which for the last four years has seen the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta held  at the YCCS in Porto Cervo, Sardinia (June 5-9, 2012).


Racers, supporters and guests can spend time off the water recounting nautical feats at the teak bar on the tranquil terraces overlooking the marina and North Sound or cooling off in the infinity-edge pool.