With all the high speed drama and excitement of the 35th America’s Cup as a spectacular backdrop, coupled with the chance to discover the beautiful island of Bermuda, the America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta lured 13 superyacht crews and six magnificent J Class yachts for three days of thrilling racing.
By careful design the America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta was scheduled to dovetail with the business end of the Cup racing, falling between the final of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Challenger Playoffs and the start of the first races of the 35th America’s Cup Match.
This was an exciting draw for dozens of past America’s Cup sailors, and many enthusiastic owners, to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the regatta, as well as enjoying three different, short and simple coastal races on the beautiful island’s turquoise waters.
The J Class mustered six yachts for the superyacht event, racing in association with Bermuda Business Development Agency. The magnificent new Svea was competing in her first races on the Wednesday and Thursday, winning on the second day.
Lionheart, with round the world racer Bouwe Bekking in charge, won the J Class and with it the top prize for the regatta: the America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta Trophy.
The historic sterling silver two handed cup made by Garrard dates back to 1872 and was first presented to the winner of the America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta – 55 metre Adela – in San Francisco in 2013.
The winner of each class was also presented with a limited edition Bremont AC1 watch, with those finishing in the top three receiving beautifully crafted Puiforcat trophies.
“We have been working super hard for years on this really,” said Lionheart’s captain Tony Brand. “So it’s a nice one to win.”
Class A was composed of some of the racier, performance orientated superyachts and was won by Lord Irvine Laidlaw’s Highland Fling 15, the Nautor’s Swan 115 which was launched last year.
Volvo Ocean Race winner Ian Walker and Shirley Robertson, double Olympic gold medallist, sailed on Action, the Dykstra-designed Royal Huisman 40 metre, which won Class B with back to back wins on Wednesday and Thursday.
“This has been such a celebration of sailing this month in Bermuda and we are so fortunate to be part of it with these beautiful yachts,” said Robertson. “It’s been really special both watching the America’s Cup but also in our own way being able to take part in it.”
Class C saw the sweet looking spirit of tradition yawl 27.7 metre Bequia take the honours. Designed by Stephens Waring Yacht Design, she had Tom Whidden, former America’s Cup winner with Dennis Conner’s Stars & Stripes, calling tactics.
“It has been fantastic to bring superyachts into this scenario. People love a reason to go racing and here it is. And I am loving the America’s Cup,” Whidden commented. “The regatta has been great. There is a lot of excitement being in Bermuda at this time and the island has been a great host.”
As well as the on the water action participants were also treated to a packed social programme. The event kicked off with a welcome reception, held in association with Bermuda Tourism Authority, at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
The following evening Tucker’s Point hosted a lavish owners’ dinner, in association with Feadship. The event concluded with a prize giving party held in association with the Bermuda Business Development Agency.
