2016 Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta

Virgin Gorda, BVI. One of the largest fleets in the history of the event is lined up at YCCS Marina for the 2016 edition of the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous. Launched in 2012 by organizers the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) and Boat International Media (BIM), the regatta will host 21 sailing yachts while 8 yachts will take part in the Rendezvous. Running from 9th to 12th March, racing will take place over three days in the waters off Virgin Gorda, the Caribbean home of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.

The sailing superyachts have been divided into 4 categories to permit each boat in the diverse fleet to compete on a level playing field. Technicians from the Offshore Racing Congress are also on site to assign handicap ratings to competitors for implementation of the ORCsy rrule which was successfully rolled out at this regatta last year, and has since been adopted by top events on the superyacht racing circuit.

Ranging in length from 23 to 60 metres, the fleet represents the cream of international naval architecture. Shipyards like Perini Navi, Vitters, Baltic and Oyster have several models competing while the list of designers reads like a who's-who of the world's top talent and includes names such as Dubois, Briand, Frers, Reichel Pugh, Hoek, Humphreys and Holland.

"We are delighted to welcome such a first-rate fleet for this regatta," commented YCCS Commodore Riccardo Bonadeo. "As usual conditions here in Virgin Gorda promise to be ideal for getting these sailing giants racing and we have an exciting programme both on the water and shoreside. We have all the right ingredients for a spectacular event and we can't wait to get started."

The YCCS docks are also brimming with sailing talent including Tony Rey calling tactics on the Perini Navi sloop P2, Bouwe Bekking on the 34-metre Nilaya and Ken Read - who is coaching the team on Samurai (ex- Mari Cha IV) - to mention but a few.

The forecast is looking near-perfect with winds ranging from 16 to 22 knots expected over the next three days. The first signal on the water is scheduled for 11 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday 10th March.

For the motor yacht fleet and those sailing yachts that prefer to follow the on-the-water action as spectators, the Rendezvous sponsored by Westport will follow racing as well as taking participants to some of the BVI's best anchorages.

All participating owners and guests will take part in a packed social programme which kicks off with a Welcome Cocktail at the YCCS Clubhouse tonight followed by the exclusive Loro Piana Owners' Dinner, a crew party, a beach party at the nearby Oil Nut Bay resort and the final prize giving.

Daily video highlights, images, race reports and live tracking will be available online onwww.yccs.com and www.loropianacaribbeansuperyachtregatta.com. Follow the event onInstagram, Twitter and Facebook at #loropianasyr.

Contacts

Jill Campbell
YCCS Press Office
+39 3401674755
+1 284 3436998
pressoffice@yccs.it
www.yccs.com

Sadie Brown
Boat International Media Event Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 208 545 9335
sadie.brown@boatinternationalmedia.com  
www.boatinternationalmedia.com

Chiara Saini
Loro Piana Press Office
Ph. +39 02 77802.206
chiara.saini@loropiana.com
 www.loropiana.com