2008 Superyacht Cup Antigua Coverage

"SIGNE" STEALS THE SHOW ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE SUPERYACHT CUP ANTIGUA​

Blue skies, black clouds, sunshine and rain all in one afternoon for the first day of racing at The Superyacht Cup Antigua. The forecast turned out to be pretty acurate, predicting 17 – 20 knots with occasional squalls, but no one really expected squalls on every leg, and winds to reach over 35 knots on several occasions during the two and a half hour race. The Bruce King designed 35m ketch, "Signe" who started first, cleverly maintained their position to lead the fleet round the course and convincingly take the Ship Equip race 1.

Helmed by Captain Alistair Marshall, Signe showed clear signs of taking the racing very seriously; “It seemed a great shame to interrupt everyone with multiple tacks - we were enjoying our sandwiches on the last windward leg, so heading out to sea on one long tack was the logical move. A lucky wind shift on our final tack back to the finish helped us to stay ahead and finish just over 3 minutes infront of "Timoneer".”

Timoneer who managed to claw back two places on her way around, had the usual team of experts, pulled together by crew boss Greg Yeo. With Barry Jones at the helm and world-class tactician Tomac of North Sails US, their experience showed by close to perfect lay lines despite the very variable wind. Veteran Superyacht Cup Captain, Phil Wade kept a close watch on all the team including Timoneer’s owners and their guests, a remarkable group of keen sailors with the most senior member being an astonishing 94 years old.

The Timoneer crew certainly worked hard on their way around, with several hoists of the mizzen staysail, only to be hit by the squalls and forced to drop again rapidly. Not put off by the first couple of squalls, they hoisted again just 10 minutes from the bottom mark, just in time for yet another blast of 35 knots and heavy rain. The guests, comfortably shielded from the rain in the spacious pilot-house could observe the energetic deck crew desperately fighting to retrieve the vast sail from being damaged during the drop.

After racing, guests, crew and sponsors gathered at the Copper & Lumber Hotel for a rum punch or two to discuss the days’ race and no doubt plans for the next days racing. Subject to weather, two short races are planned for day 2 of the Superyacht Cup tomorrow.

For more information:

The Superyacht Cup Antigua:
http://thesuperyachtcup.com/antigua2008

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Photo by: Claire Matches

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Day 2: 2008 Superyacht Cup Antigua

Day 2 of the Superyacht Cup in Antigua​

Breakages, rough seas, squalls, sunshine and a new leader, the third day of The Super Yacht Cup Antigua had it all. After a night of high winds and huge rainstorms today’s forecast of 15-20 knots saw a calmer day than the first, but none could have foreseen the action, which occurred within the Superyacht Cup fleet.

"Timoneer" stole the lead from defending series leaders "Signe" after winning both races today, despite having cracked their mizzen boom in the first race. The new Bucket Rating system developed by US Sailings Jim Teeters has been well-received and produced even closer results today. Timoneer started 22 minutes after "Tenacious", choosing to go offshore on the first leg resulting in big gains and eventually the lead. Spectacularly the team, all wearing their matching Timoneer embroidered Hawaiian shirts, put up their massive spinnaker in the last race ensuring their continued lead and win of the days overall result.

"Wild Horses" had less luck suffering damage in the morning race, despite a fantastic start in the torrential rain. Her obvious advantage in the heavier wind conditions would otherwise have surely given her a good result. Unfortunately though, the damage resulted in them being unable to finish the first race and they were forced to return to the dock.

Another casualty in these testing conditions was Tenacious, who after a promising start to the second race, lost their main halyard and had to send someone aloft, a daring call in such big seas. Despite their best efforts to effect repairs at sea they were forced to retire.

Faroux designed "Kalikobass II" had a far more successful day, moving steadily up the fleet to score a third and second. The only boat to hoist a spinnaker today in both races despite the gusty conditions, the Kalikobass crew were proud of their improved result and are currently lying third overall in the series.

For more information:

Antigua superyacht cup 2008,
http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/antigua2008

Text by Lizzie Shawcroft
Photo by Claire Matches

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Final Day: 2008 Superyacht Cup Antigua

"TIMONEER" CLAIMS VICTORY IN THE SUPERYACHT CUP ANTIGUA 2008​

After a very close day racing in what had to be one of the most nail biting finishes to The Superyacht Cup Antigua ever, "Timoneer" claimed a worthy victory.

With winds ranging from 14 to 27 knots on the Abu Dhabi race, all of the boats went out to win. The competition for first place overall was between Timoneer and "Signe". Signe had to put at least one other boat between them to take the title, but on missing the lay line they hit the finish mark and had to accept the points penalty given to them by the race committee. Timoneer, who finished second, claimed the title and all 30 plus crew gave a huge cheer as they crossed the line.

Credit must be given to Jim Teeters who’s Bucket Rating System had all of the yachts finishing within five minutes of each other. Even at the last mark it was impossible to tell what the outcome would possibly be.

The prize giving will take place later tonight at the Copper and Lumber Hotel in Nelsons Dockyard. With a theme of loud Caribbean shirts the crew of Timoneer, known for their outrageous shirt designs, will surely be in their element.

Overall results

1st Timoneer – 2,1,1,1
2nd Signe – 1,2,3,4
3rd "Kalikobass II" – 4,3,2,2

For more information:

The Antigua Superyacht Cup 2008,
http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/antigua2008

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Photo by Claire Matches

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