The extraordinary beauty of our islands, beaches and tropical waters never fails to lift the spirits of even the most discerning visitor. Add in the superb sailing conditions provided by steady trade winds and sparkling warm seas and it’s easy to see why the Caribbean also attracts the world’s very finest sailing superyachts. Whether here to cruise or to race, they add a magical finishing touch to the ocean and island scenery.
There are three well-established superyacht regattas held annually in the Caribbean: St Barths Bucket, in the tiny yet chic French island of St Barthelemy; the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta at Virgin Gorda (BVIs); and the Antigua Superyacht Challenge based in English Harbour. The essence of these races is friendly rivalry, with special prizes at some of the regattas for the yacht crew exhibiting the most sporting behaviour.
These yachts are big and powerful and, however friendly the crews, they race to win. A yacht of 50m/164ft in length, carrying 2,500m2/26,000 sq ft of downwind sail and weighing in excess of 200 tons is not unusual. Great skill and experience is called for in handling them, in managing their large crews, and in keeping the boat and all aboard safe and secure.
Most racing yachts cruise extensively when they are not racing. Others are built primarily for cruising, simply enjoying the odd “gentleman’s race” as the mood takes them. Cruising in a luxury sailing yacht offers access to pristine, hidden-away bays, beaches and anchorages where owners and guests have the freedom, privacy and tranquillity to relax in a shaded cockpit with a good book, to enjoy water sports, or to dine al fresco under the evening stars. The style, comfort, luxury, and cuisine will generally far exceed that of the finest boutique hotel.
And there’s more: sailing at this level means that, instead of having to pack your bags to enjoy a change of scenery, you simply take your ultra-luxurious floating hotel with you. Instead of enduring the hassle of airport formalities (or the tedium of a powerboat with throttles hard down for the fastest possible transit) you get to experience the delights of a passage under sail in glorious trade wind breezes, every moment offering something special to remember.
The zest and thrill of tropical sailing is also a very attractive option for those wishing to use their yacht for business purposes, whether client entertainment or team building. It hardly needs stating that the power and beauty of a superyacht under sail will always create a deeper and more memorable impression than a trip on a powerboat.
Who creates these extraordinary sailing ships?
Widely recognised as one of the world’s finest superyacht builders, the Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman began its remarkable journey building small wooden fishing boats back in 1884. Today Royal Huisman occupies a 30,000m2 facility, purpose-built for the construction and refitting of custom superyachts. The yard is equipped to build hulls in aluminium or carbon composite and has numerous specialist departments ranging from traditional fine joinery through precision engineering to leading edge electronics and software development.
A relentless passion for perfection is at the heart of Royal Huisman’s success. It results in quality, reliability, and physical beauty that is hard to match. The yard’s extensive building capability and exceptional customer service are focused exclusively on custom yacht building — each project is designed and built specifically to fulfil the individual client’s vision, to realise the yacht of his or her dreams. Modern or classic, sail or power, carbon or aluminium, from 30m/100ft to 90m/300ft, Royal Huisman has the expertise, experience, and facilities to fulfil that dream.
Royal Huisman yachts have been awarded numerous industry prizes for quality and innovation. They have also won podium places for regatta performances around the world, not least, here in the Caribbean.
Recognition on and off the regatta circuit:
34m/112ft performance sloop SPIIP – Overall winner of 2018 Antigua Superyacht Challenge, first in class in 2017. Overall winner and first in class at the 2017 St Barths Bucket, 2nd in class in 2018 and first in class in 2013. First in class Loro Piana 2011, 3rd overall in 2010. Winner: ‘Best Sailing Yacht’ award 2000.
48m/156ft classic sloop WISP – First in class at St Barths in 2017, 3rd in class in 2016. 2nd in class and 2nd overall at 2015 Loro Piana. “Best Sailing Yacht 40m+” World Superyacht Awards 2015.
51m/168ft NextGEN ketch ELFJE – 2nd in class Antigua 2018 and first equal at St Barths in 2015. “Best Sailing Yacht over 40m” International Superyacht Society Awards 2015.
42m/138ft J Class Hanuman – First in J Class at St Barths in 2017 and 2013. 2nd overall at Loro Piana in 2012 and St Barths in 2011. “Sailing Yacht of the Year” World Superyacht Awards 2010.
57m/189ft flybridge ketch TWIZZLE – 2nd in class at Loro Piana 2014. 3rd overall St Barths 2012. Fastest elapsed times, St Barths 2011. “Best Sailing Yacht over 40m” International Superyacht Society Awards 2011.
52m/169ft schooner METEOR – First in class and first overall at St Barths in 2009 and a much-admired contender every year since. “Sailing Yacht of the Year” World Superyacht Awards 2008.
Cruising companions
A Royal Huisman yacht owner belongs to an exclusive ‘family’ of fellow-owners so, even if not competing, Huisman yachts are often seen at Caribbean regattas to view the spectacle and offer support. Arcadia and Athena are two very different examples:
The 36m/117ft ARCADIA has been described as a ‘jewel’, with standards of building and craftsmanship far exceeding the norm for a custom motoryacht. She was Best Motor Yacht of the Year at the 2007 World Superyacht Awards and at the World Yachts Trophy in 2006. Her superb appointment and finish has not stopped her undertaking numerous adventurous voyages including the Northwest Passage in 2011.
The 90m/295ft three-masted schooner ATHENA, currently the world’s largest aluminium sailing yacht, was built for Dr Jim Clark who also built Hyperion and Hanuman at Royal Huisman. Athena has sailed all over the world, with a particular focus on exploring pristine dive locations and supporting the work of ocean conservationists.
Yachts to look out for:
Delivered early 2018, the supremely elegant 56m/184ft world cruising ketch Aquarius recently made her first Caribbean visit. She departed Antigua in April but an early return is expected.
Delivered in 2017, the radical 58m/190ft high-performance sloop Ngoni, with her dramatic lines and towering 70m+/230ft+ mast, makes an impact wherever she is seen. You’ll recognise her when you see her!
And one worth waiting for… Project 400, an 81m/266ft contemporary three-masted schooner is due to launch in 2020. She will eclipse Athena in hull length and volume and become one of the world’s ten largest sailing yachts.
The magic goes on!