Charter yacht SPIIP wins 2018 Superyacht Challenge Antigua

By Rebecca Bradbury 6 February 2018

The 34m/112ft sailing yacht SPIIP from Royal Huisman was crowned the winner of the Corsairs Class at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua 2018 on Sunday, following four thrilling days of racing along the beautiful south coast of Antigua.

As the winner in her class at last year’s edition, SPIIP was surely looking to retain her title. But, up against three other previous champions of the challenge, competition was fierce with the Corsairs Class victor not decided until the final race.

Not only did the Royal Huisman build scoop the win for the second year in a row, but she was also voted by competitors and the race committee as having competed in the ‘spirit of the regatta’, both afloat and ashore, and was awarded the Gosnell Trophy.

On 1^stFebruary, in a 21-mile-long race designed to test the fleet evenly at every turn, it was the 52m/170ft sailing yacht ELFJE which took the first win of the Corsairs Class, 16 seconds ahead of the 42m/139ft sailing yacht REBECCA and with SPIIP in third place.

Day two’s course tested boat handling and boat-on-boat tactics and REBECCA came out on top, rising to the top of the leader board. SPIIP came in in second place, 13 seconds ahead of the 32m/105ft charter yacht DANNESKJOLD.

Two short races took place on the penultimate day. After a disappointing fourth place finish in race three, in which SPIIP snatched the win, REBECCA sailed to victory in the second race of the day. This meant the two yachts were tied on points going into the final day, with ELFJE in third place.

Up against three other previous champions of the challenge, competition was fierce with the Corsairs Class victor not decided until the final race.

ELFJE was the first to cross the finish line on day four, but SPIIP’s second place was enough to win the class by a single point. REBECCA and ELFJE finished level on points, but the latter was awarded second place on countback.

SPIIP’s navigator Campbell Field said: ‘To win our class was very rewarding especially against well prepared and well sailed boats. To win the Gosnell Trophy has made this event all the more memorable.’

The 28m/90ft sailing yacht ACADIA put in an outstanding performance in the Buccaneers Class winning all five races against the 25m/85ft sailing yacht ‘Zig Zag’ and the 31m/102ft sailing yacht MARAMAR, a winner in 2014.