2025 Superyacht Challenge Antigua wraps up - Safe, fair and fun
by Louay Habib 10 Mar 11:40 PDT
5-9 March 2025
For four exhilarating days, the stunning waters off Antigua played host to the 14th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, bringing together a fleet of majestic yachts, passionate sailors, and an atmosphere charged with competition and camaraderie.
This year's regatta delivered unforgettable moments both on and off the water. SYCA founder Paul Deeth was roundly applauded by over 250 sailors at the Prizegiving held at the Admiral's Inn in Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua.
2025 SYCA final results
Close competition and perfect sailing conditions
With subtle changes in both the weather and course choices sailors were presented with dynamic challenges, from tactical manoeuvres in shifting winds to thrilling finishes where seconds made all the difference. Under clear Caribbean skies and 10-17 knots of moderate trade winds, over 250 sailors enjoyed ideal sailing conditions. A variety of courses laid by PRO Hank Stuart and the SYCA Race Committee made best use of the conditions to test skill, precision, and teamwork.
Round Antigua Race
In the stand-alone Round Antigua Race, the 121ft (37m) Dykstra sloop Action, captained by Angus Fuller was the victor, winning the Antigua Rigging Trophy in honour of the late SYCA founder Stan Pearson.
"I think for many of us here, Stan (Pearson) had a huge impact on our sailing careers," commented Action's Angus Fuller. "I think this event has been a fantastic celebration of what Stan's done for yachting in Antigua as a whole, and also with this event. So here's to Stan Pearson."
In the Half Round the Island Race, honours went to the 182ft (55.5m) Dykstra schooner Adela with Oyster 885 Karibu, captained by Williams Dovey, taking the Corinthian Division prize.
Class Champions crowned
In the Corsairs Class, the 121ft (37m) Dykstra sloop Action, captained by Angus Fuller secured its third class win in four regattas, maintaining an unbroken podium streak. The 148ft (45m) Dubois sloop Gitana captained by Greg Wilson was runner-up. The 98' 5" (30m) Dubois sloop Nostromo co-captained by Ed Handasyde-Dick and Justin Blackmore was third in class and also the Corinthian Division Winner.
Superyacht Racing Association Manager, and double Olympic Gold medallist, Shirley Robertson is part of the afterguard on Action and commented on the appeal of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua.
"Safety was priority, as it absolutely should be, I was particularly pleased with the volume of discussion on the radio while racing with people really anticipating any incidents that could happen well in advance," commented Robinson. "This is the perfect warm up for the St Barths Bucket. It's a little more relaxed, I'd be quite nervous just going straight to the 'bucket without having this week of racing. Both events together - it really works well."
In the Privateers Class, the 182ft (55.5m) Dykstra schooner Adela, Captained by Greg Perkins was marking its eighth regatta appearance by winning the class title for the third time. The German Frers 140ft (42m) ketch Rebecca, captained by Seumas Meharg was runner-up. The 148ft (45m) Dubois ketch Catalina, captained by Sean Whitney, was the best boat in the Corinthian Division and third in class.
"I said that Adela will be back, and that's happened, we had four beautiful days," commented Adela's owner. "I would like to thank all the other teams, also I would like to thank my team that works so hard - Adela is a big boat, it's not easy, so we work like a ballet! We are ready to be back next year in Antigua we love the friendship. I would love to thank my friends on board, and especially my son, Philippe, and my daughter In law Nicole and she's pregnant with twins!"
In the Buccaneers Class, Don Macpherson's Swan 90 Freya, captained by Joph Carter, was competing in its fifth regatta and Freya triumphed for the second year in a row. Oyster 885 Karibu captained by Williams Dovey was the best boat in the Corinthian Division and was third in class. John McMonigall's Oyster 82 Zig Zag, captained by Carl Raynes, was fourth in class and runner-up for the Corinthian Division.
"Thank you for putting on a fantastic event, it's so wonderful to be here," commented Freya's Don Macpherson. "This is our fifth time here, and we're just so happy to have come back this year. So, thank you everybody again, for making this such a wonderful experience."
Memorable parties - wonderful moments
Beyond the racing, the regatta's famed social events once again lived up to their reputation. In the Famous Cook Off, Freya claimed victory for the best meal, with Adela winning Best Theme for their grand plywood-Jeep entrance.
For the Caribbean Night, Karibu shone as the Best-Dressed Team, while Catalina dominated the Loudest Shirt Competition.
In the ten-team Charity Paddleboard Race, Rebecca emerged victorious in a friendly competition that raised $1,300 for PAAWS Animal Hospital.
The Rebecca (Spirit of Tradition) Trophy donated by the Pendennis Shipyard was won by Nostromo. Pendennis Shipyard's Toby Allies commented: "It goes without saying that a lot of the sailors, our team, included, have worked days and nights to get these boats here. I know some of it's been quite tough, and some of the boats have come in pretty hot, but I think a big round of applause for the crews and all the engineering teams that have worked hard to get these boats here. Thank you guys."
The Gosnell Trophy
As the awards presentation drew to a close, just one prize was left on the stage at the Admiral's Inn. Arthur and Page Gosnell were invited to present the Gosnell Trophy, after votes from every competing boat and the SYCA Race Committee had been counted. The Gosnell Trophy was awarded to the 148ft (45m) Dubois ketch Catalina, captained by Sean Whitney.
Catalina holds a special place in the regatta's history, having competed under its previous name Timoneer from 2012-2014. Fittingly, Timoneer's bell which is the Gosnell Trophy itself is a symbol of the enduring spirit of this unique event.
"Oh what a joy! Thank you all!" commented Catalina's owner. "What a great event and what a great honour we're experiencing tonight. It has been so good to be with you, and let's have some more fun!"
SYCA looking ahead to 2026
The 15th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua is set for March 3-8, 2026.
As with this year, the regatta will be held after the RORC Caribbean 600 and before the St Barths Bucket.
Sailors and supporters alike are already looking forward to another year of unforgettable racing and parties. The 2026 event will introduce a new course mark at Green Island, "Claire," in honour of the late photographer Claire Matches, a beloved figure in the sailing community.
"The SYCA Committee welcomes feedback and course suggestions to ensure next year's event is even better. As always, the Superyacht Challenge Antigua remains a celebration of world-class sailing, fierce yet friendly competition, and the unique camaraderie that makes this regatta truly special - Safe, Fair and Fun." Concluded PRO Hank Stuart.
For more information: superyachtchallengeantigua.com