The 15th Superyacht Challenge Antigua concluded after four days of racing off English Harbour.
More than 300 sailors, owners, guests and crew gathered at Nelson’s Dockyard for the prize-giving ceremony at The Admiral’s Inn.
Ten superyachts competed in moderate to strong Caribbean trade winds along Antigua’s coastline.
Gosnell Trophy for Adix
The prestigious Gosnell Trophy for Spirit of the Regatta went to the 213ft three-masted schooner Adix. The award is decided by a vote from the competing teams.
“It’s a real honour to receive the Gosnell Trophy,” said Adix captain Oliver Bell. “For us, this regatta has never just been about results; it’s about the spirit of the event and the people involved.”
Bell said the race conditions were demanding, with strong breeze and squalls on the start line. “I’m incredibly proud of our crew because everyone pulled together and pushed the boat hard in some demanding conditions,” he added.
Bow Power — The schooner Adix drives through Caribbean swell during racing at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. Photo: Roddy Grimes Graeme
Hetairos Breaks Course Record
The 218ft Dykstra/Reichel Pugh ketch Hetairos delivered one of the standout performances of the regatta.
The yacht won the Stan Pearson Trophy and set a new monohull course record. Hetairos completed the 48.31 nautical mile course in three hours, 20 minutes and 35 seconds. The time beat the yacht’s previous record from 2022 by nearly 26 minutes.
For the achievement, skipper Graham Newton received the traditional prize of his weight in rum.
Green Machine — The giant ketch Hetairos powers along Antigua’s coastline on her way to a record-breaking performance. Photo: Roddy Grimes Graeme / Acquafilms / @roddyacqua
Class Winners Crowned
Hetairos also secured a clean sweep in the Privateers Performance Class with four race wins. “Hetairos is a big, complex yacht to race, and it really comes down to teamwork,” said Newton. “With a ketch, you’re effectively sailing two boats at once, so communication between the teams is critical.”
In the Privateers Class, the 140ft German Frers ketch Rebecca, captained by Seumas Meharg, claimed the series victory. The result followed a close final race with Adix, with the margin decided by just 1.6 points.
Crew boss Johnny Mordaunt said the pressure was high going into the last race. “It was all to play for,” he said. “The conditions made it tricky with squalls coming through the course.”
Strong Debuts
The 128ft Hoek-designed sloop Linnea Aurora won the Corsairs Class in her first appearance at the regatta.
Tactician Magnus Woxen said the event helped build the crew ahead of future campaigns. “Our expectation coming here was really to have a fun regatta and build the team,” he said.
The Spirit 111 sloop Geist also made a strong debut, winning the Buccaneers Class with four race victories. “This was the boat’s first time racing in the Caribbean, and it’s been a brilliant experience,” said tactician Graham Sunderland.
Trade Wind Run — Linnea Aurora surges through the Caribbean swell under full sail during Superyacht Challenge Antigua action. Photo: Roddy Grimes Graeme / Acquafilms / @roddyacqua
Safety First Decision
The 108ft Hoek-designed sloop Namuun received the Rebecca Trophy for Spirit of Tradition.
During the final race, the crew retired after identifying a mechanical issue with two winches. Safety officer Ted Street said the decision was clear. “Safety is above everything,” he said. “There can be no compromise.”
Caribbean Season Highlight
Now in its 15th year, the Superyacht Challenge Antigua remains a key event in the Caribbean sailing season.
The regatta combines competitive racing with a strong social programme at Nelson’s Dockyard. The next edition is scheduled for March 2027, ahead of the St Barths Bucket.
