This year Wayfarer Marine signed on to sponsor another Super Yacht Cup event, this time however it was in Antigua. Having traveled to Palma de Mallorca for the event last year and being amazed at the boats involved and the quality of the event I was excited to get back down to Antigua. Although it had only been 5 weeks since I was last there for the Antigua Yacht Charter Show I couldn’t wait to be back and see all the boats, see old acquaintances and meet new friends, Antigua is clearly an exciting place.

Again I stayed in Nelson’s Dockyard, located in English Harbor, ‘The Dockyard’ has historic naval routes dating back to the mid 1600s, where the Royal Navy begin putting in buildings in order to do ship repairs and refits. The site remained in use until 1889. In the early 1930s the restoration of the complex was begun and now it serves as one of Antigua’s National Parks. The Dockyard is the host of two beautiful hotels done in Georgian Architecture, The Admiral’s Inn and The Copper and Lumber Store, both equally beautiful in their own way.  There are other businesses there too, an internet café- The HotHotHot Spot, a few marine related businesses such as A&F Sails and E3 electronics and of course a few places to relax after a long day on the water. At night you can stroll through the Dockyard looking around at all the beautiful landmarks while the tree frogs sing to you. 

As one walks through the Dockyard and tours the museum you can close your eyes and picture all of the old Navy Ships tied up in the yard, however upon opening your eyes you’re surrounded by yachts of all shapes and sizes, ranging from small cruising boats to the mega yacht Mirabella V which was docked in the yard for the Super Yacht Cup, being the World’s tallest sloop, she is a sight to behold, especially when surrounded by boats a fifth of her size.

The day before the event I was invited to go for a practice sail aboard the 140’ Rebecca, a stunning boat. Having spent all of my time sailing on boats 50’ and under, it was mind boggling. In 25 knots of breeze and 10 foot swells we were doing 12-13 knots. Water crashed over the foredeck and down the side decks as the crew (and me for the day) kept things in order, it was a magnificent example of teamwork, and that was only the practice day!

The regatta was comprised of six boats ranging from 35-79 meters; the race was run in a fashion that all boats had a staggered start to allow for close competition. In the end the sailing yacht Visione came out to be the overall winner of the cup. 

Beyond the Super Yacht, I spent time walking the docks, seeing old friends and meeting new people and spreading the good Maine word, which is easy to do if you’ve spent time here! Being surrounded by yachts of that caliber makes one realize that there is hope in this struggling economy and perhaps a turnaround is in the near future.

 -Ben