A 2014 Superyacht Regatta? Yes, You Gotta!

The America's Cup is over and the Oracle team made an impressive comeback, showed real abilities and finally, after a disputed race between them and the Emirates Team New Zealand, won the cup. So dramatic was their comeback and so popular was the event that Larry Ellison, ORACLE TEAM USA founder, was saying: ‘This regatta has changed sailing forever'.

03 October 2013
© Maltese Falcon and P2 racing in the St. Barth’s Bucket Regatta
While the America's Cup is one of the oldest (established in 1851) and most popular regattas, many others have long-standing traditions and beautiful venues. The yearly calendar is usually so full that you could be going from one regatta to the next and you'd still be missing some. Below, we have rounded up several of next year's hottest regatta spots.

Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Sailing Race (January 15th – 21st 2014)

The race around Barbados dates back to around the 19th century, with the first official competition dating from 1923. Legend has it that there used to be a consolation prize of a barrel of Mount Gay Rum (the world's oldest brand of rum) for the last one to finish which had certain captains fighting over last spot, rather than first! Since 1923, the Barbados Sailing Race has steadily turned into a tradition and, in 1957, the Barbados Cruising Club was founded.

The annual race around the island coincides with the birthday (January 21st) of the first prime minister of Barbados, Errol Barrow, regarded as the Father of the Nation. Apart from the race around Barbados, there is also the Two Restaurants Race as well as the Barbados Antigua Ocean Race.
TarikB / Foter / CC BY-NC

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous (March 19th – 22nd 2014)

The Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta in the British Virgin Islands is a gathering point for both motor and sailing yachts owners as well as sailing enthusiasts and champions, their families and friends. Organized by Boat International Media and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, this regatta offers three days of racing for yachts with a LOA of over 80ft. Apart from the competition, there is an extensive array of entertainment possibilities, ranging from a treasure hunt with tenders to a cocktail competition on the dock. This regatta is one of the central events in the West Indies' regatta calendar. And while we're on the subject, later on, from June 3rd – 7th, there is another Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in Porto Cervo Sardinia. Make sure to check this one out as well.
paul+photos=moody / Foter / CC BY-NC

BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival (March 31st – April 6th 2014)

Another regatta in the Caribbean is the annual British Virgin Islands Spring & Sailing Festival. For over 40 years, this week-long regatta has been attracting yachts to compete around the islands, along different courses and the Sir Francis Drake Channel, in a three-course race. With more than 150 luxury yachts attending, this regatta draws sailors from all round the world to participate and demonstrate extraordinary skills in the Caribbean. Apart from all the races, there are many other events to attend – from taking a ride on one of the yachts, going hiking, snorkeling, diving, kite surfing or simply enjoying a day on one of the pristine beaches. There are also numerous lessons and classes and each evening usually has some live music and fun until the party closes.

Bucket Regattas St. Barths & Newport (March 27th – 30th & August 22nd – 24th 2014)

For more than 25 years, the Bucket Regatta has been attracting superyacht owners to test each other's strength. From humble beginnings in 1986, the Bucket Regatta has grown to attract more than 40 luxury yachts annually. With an explicitly non-commercial character and almost 100% of funding from the marine industry, by big names like Perini Navi, Royal Huisman Shipyard, Burgess and others, this event is entirely dedicated to the pure enjoyment and challenge of sailing. As the website itself says: “The primary reason for the success of the Bucket Regattas is that the emphasis is more upon wholesome fun than about winning.”

The Pendennis Cup (May 26th – 31st 2014)

Though relatively new, the Pendennis Cup, organized by the Pendennis Shipyard every two years, has started turning heads and attracting some highly competitive and impressive yachts in the challenging waters of Falmouth Bay, Cornwall. The 2012 race saw 13 performance yachts join and offered very exciting and dramatic scenes. As with the Bucket Regatta, there are some big marine industry names sponsoring the event, and the 2014 event already looks very promising.

A regatta is an opportunity to enjoy the fun, suspense and emotion of a yachting race, alongside on-shore activities, classes and parties. There is something for all visitors and it always leaves good memories and a desire to return again next year.