News

2024 News

20 March, 2024
Thank You Pantaenius

The SYRA is grateful to Pantaenius for stepping up and providing the association with 30 additional Range Finders. This significant contribution allows us to replace missing and damaged units while keeping an appropriate number on either side of the Atlantic. This will save meaningful shipping expenses and allocation of resources as we deliver these important safe racing devices from regatta to regatta.

Pantaenius also provided the SYRA with the initial 50 range finders years ago when the Appendix SY debuted with the 40 meter rule.

5 March, 2024
New Leadership for the SuperYacht Racing Association

Shirley Robertson.The Super Yacht Racing Association (SYRA) is very pleased to announce Shirley Robertson as the new Manager of the association. With a wealth of experience and success in the sport and a notable presence in superyacht racing, Robertson brings a valuable perspective and new energy to the SYRA.

Shirley Robertson OBE made history by becoming the first British woman to win Olympic Gold Medals at consecutive Olympic Games and has become one of the most recognisable faces in the sport of sailing.

“We are delighted to have Shirley assume the role of Manager of the SYRA, taking the lead of an organization that is essential to superyacht racing,” said SYRA Chairperson Kate Branagh. “The last decade saw many crucial areas addressed to enhance safe sailing and fair racing in this unique segment of sailboat racing. The SYRA’s priorities have shifted in recent years to fleet building, achieving more broad-based participation and expanding membership in the association, areas that Shirley will excel in.”

With a reputation for a strong work ethic and attention to detail, away from the Olympic race track Robertson’s sailing career soon led to a parallel career as one of sailing’s leading broadcasters. Learn more here.


Previous SYRA news:
2023 2022  2021  2019  2018  2017  2016  2015

2023 News

2023 SYRA Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, 15 March, 2023  1700-1815 / Capitainerie, Gustavia St Barthélémy

2023 SYRA Annual General Meeting Minutes PDF

Racing Rules & Appendix SY Review

Thursday, 16 March, 2023  0830-0945 / Salle de Théâtre

International Judge, Jim Capron, is back to conduct his superyacht racing rules review. Jim was instrumental in the creation of the Appendix SY and its evolution over the past 10 years. Included in the discussion will be World Sailing’s recent acceptance of Jim’s submission for “Continuing Obstructions”. All afterguard members and other interested parties are encouraged to attend.

Superyacht Racing Fleet Building

Friday, 17 March, 2023  1700-1800 / Capitainerie – 2nd Floor

This 2023 SYRA initiative began with a zoom call in early February that included superyacht builders and designers. This was followed with a Regatta Organizer call. The continuing discussion will include exploring reasons why participation is down following the two Covid years and considering ways to attract new yacht owners and captains to superyacht racing events. There will be a moderator leading the discussion and panel. All are welcome.

Addressing Cruising to Racing Mode Conversion

Date and Time TBD / Capitainerie – 2nd Floor

Specific to the challenge of ‘Fleet Building’, one barrier that has been identified is the resources required to transition a yacht from cruising to racing mode and then back to cruising following the regatta. This endeavor varies from yacht to yacht, however, it often times represents a meaningful commitment of resources from the captain and permanent crew. How can this be changed or made less impactful? Organizers, ORC, captains and program managers will be on hand to seek solutions.

Superyacht Racing Association.


2022 News

20 October, 2022

TURNING THE PAGE

A successful 2022 racing season bodes well for the coming year

Regatta organizers and superyacht owners worked together to manage the pandemic challenge, getting superyacht racing back on track with a successful 6-regatta circuit in 2022.

One of the obvious highlights was the superyacht regatta in Ibiza, which experienced growth at their second edition with 11 yachts and projections for more entries in 2023.  Ibiza JoySail is clearly here to stay with a fall regatta now available to yacht owners in the Mediterranean.

Going forward over the next several months, we will continue working closely with the ORC on handicapping issues that were raised this past year. Meetings at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda this spring and fall on the ORCsy VPP and application of OPF’s were very productive. We were assured that items raised by the SYRA’s technical advisor would be evaluated and addressed in the next iteration of the VPP, which was in fact delivered as promised just last week. Additionally, The SYRA is assisting organizers with the challenge of racing-oriented yachts entering and competing against cruising yachts. More on that issue later this fall.

We are also making a concerted effort to grow SYRA membership as we strive to get our yacht and company numbers back to pre-pandemic levels. It’s a long road back and we encourage current members to help encourage companies in the superyacht racing arena as well as racing yacht owners and captains to participate ( Current SYRA Members ).

We are hearing about new yachts in build and some recently launched, with owners keen to race. One such 2021 sloop will be debuting at the Bucket in the Corinthian Spirit Class. There are also some yachts recently sold, which haven’t been seen on the racing circuit for years, coming back under new ownership. We expect to see some at the 2023 sanctioned regattas this winter. The organizers of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua and St Barths Bucket are well along in preparation for these two popular Caribbean events.

The 2023 Annual General Meeting will again take place in St Barths on the Wednesday evening just prior to the Bucket (15 March). For those participating in the Bucket, please plan accordingly. The link to the 2022 AGM Minutes, Agenda and Exhibits is here:  Member Meetings.

We are very much looking forward to a successful 2023 superyacht racing season! Please feel free to reach out with any concerns or questions, and your ideas on improving the superyacht racing experience for the yacht owner.

All the best,

Peter

Peter Craig
Executive Director
SuperYacht Racing Association
peter@superyra.org
+1 781-639-9501
Skype: petercraig.pri


29 June 2022

SUPERYACHT RACING IS BACK!

A most welcome return with six 2022 sanctioned regattas in play

Superyacht owners and crews have been eager to put Covid restrictions behind them and get back to racing. They are doing just that at a familiar slate of regattas in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and the US East Coast.

The Superyacht Challenge Antigua showcased two classes and started off the week with an Around Antigua race: SYC Antigua Results.  The 30-yacht fleet at the St Barths Bucket featured Corinthian Spirit and J classes along with the debut of the ’90 Foot Class’: St Barths Bucket Results.

The two Caribbean regattas in March featured challenging conditions with 20-25kts and big seas each and every day. Safe racing was the priority at both venues as many of the crews and yachts were returning after a 1-2 year hiatus from racing. Tragically, there was a loss of life in Antigua when a crewmember was seriously injured on one of the practice days, and later passed away (Sam Richmond Obituary). The association is involved in discussions regarding this incident, hoping to share any onboard safety lessons, actions and advisories.

Mediterranean racing got started earlier this month with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta. Their 9-yacht superyacht class was augmented with a multihull class and a Southern Wind Rendezvous: Giorgio Armani SY Class Results.  The Palma Superyacht Cup, which includes a 4-yacht J Class, gets underway this week: Superyacht Cup Palma Results.

The 2022 edition of Safe Harbor Race Weekend, an August regatta in Newport, Rhode Island, will again have a superyacht class  And the second edition of the Ibiza JoySail regatta  reports 9 yachts registered with another 6 committed to enter. A successful debut last year, coupled with the late September regatta dates, appears to be a winning formula.

The 2022 Annual General Meeting took place in St Barths just prior to the Bucket. The link to the AGM Minutes, Agenda and Exhibits is here:  Member Meetings.  Given the impact Covid had on superyacht racing and the association, the AGM served as an overview of the previous two years and presented organizational and membership initiatives. Five EXCOM members were represented.

This summer, our intent is to focus on the superyacht handicap rule, membership initiatives, and insurance issues that have come to light in recent months. EXCOM member, Edoardo Recchi, and I met with Bruno Finzi, the President of ORC, to discuss concerns with the superyacht rule’s VPP. It was a productive session that will result in an SYRA working party collaborating with ORC in the coming months to improve the 2023 VPP.

We will be striving to restore yacht and company memberships back to pre-pandemic levels. A new individual membership option is offered to include representation from individuals active in the superyacht racing arena ( Current SYRA Members ).

We look forward to a successful conclusion to the 2022 superyacht racing season. I do hope you have exciting plans for the first summer in some time where Covid isn’t the overriding consideration.

I hope you will reach out with any concerns and your ideas on improving the superyacht racing experience for the yacht owner.

All the best,

Peter

Peter Craig
Executive Director
SuperYacht Racing Association
peter@superyra.org
+1 781-639-9501
Skype: petercraig.pri

2022 Notes

Eligibility Criteria – ‘Cruising Superyacht’ Defined

From the very beginning, some 30 years ago, superyacht racing was a competition between large cruising sailboats. In recent years, the SYRA and regatta organizers have defined ‘superyachts’ as those yachts with a minimum overall length (LOA) of 30.48 meters. Some superyacht regatta organizers include minimum LOA as a criterion for entry or for participation in superyacht classes at their respective regattas.

It is the individual regatta organizer who determines eligibility requirements for their regatta and whether to accept racing yacht entries, or whether to allow racing yachts to compete against cruising yachts.

The superyacht handicapping rule (ORCsy), currently used at all SYRA sanctioned regattas, was created in 2015 specifically for cruising superyachts. The simple definition of ‘cruising superyacht’ is any sailing yacht over 30.48 meters in length that was designed primarily for cruising. An SYRA working party, with help from ORC, presents measurement values that can assist organizers with that determination (pdf).

2022 Annual General Meeting

A 2022 Annual General Meeting was held and documents are posted here.

 


2021 News

December 2021

A POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR THE NEW YEAR

A return to superyacht racing in Antigua and St Barths

Superyacht owners made it clear last summer and fall that they were eager to get back to racing and they did just that at five regattas taking place between June and October. While Covid protocols will continue to be a reality at all events globally, the entry lists for the Superyacht Challenge Antigua and St Barths Bucket reinforce that desire of owners to get back into action.

The Antigua organizers have 13 expressions of interest while the Bucket’s 30 plus entries feature Corinthian Spirit and J classes along with the debut of the ’90 Foot Class’, an SYRA fleet building initiative.

We were pleased to welcome a new SYRA Sanctioned Regatta to the superyacht racing calendar last fall. The Ibiza JoySail regatta ( www.ibizajoysail.com ) debuted in October and the organizers have already announced their 2022 dates (22-25 September). These dates should prove to be excellent for concluding the season’s racing in the Med.

With a full schedule that also includes the Palma Superyacht Cup, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta and Safe Harbor Race Weekend, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and address superyacht racing issues that are relevant to yacht owners. On the list are a working party to delve into ORCsy scoring options and addressing safe racing and handicapping issues that were under discussion prior to the pandemic.

Our thanks go out to those who have agreed to join the SYRA’S Executive Committee. We have succeeded in expanding this group to eleven and meeting our goal of broader representation ( SYRA Executive Committee ).

Speaking of broader representation… we call on all members to help grow our membership back to pre-pandemic levels, with both yachts and companies. Additionally, an individual membership option is offered to include representation from individuals and sailors in the superyacht racing arena.

Please plan on joining us at the 2022 Annual General Meeting, which will take place in St Barths just prior to the Bucket on Wednesday, 16 March from 1700-1815.

We look forward to ramping things back up this winter and seeing many of our friends in Antigua or St Barths in March!

All the best,

Peter
Peter Craig
Executive Director
SuperYacht Racing Association
peter@superyra.org
+1 781-639-9501
Skype: petercraig.pri


July 2021

BACK TO RACING!

Superyacht racing in Porto Cervo, Palma and Newport ends the pandemic driven hiatus

When the winter spike in Covid cases forced the cancellation of two Caribbean March superyacht regattas, it was a frustrating time for superyacht racing programs and organizers. But fortunately, just when many thought that the long wait might continue through 2021, along came positive news from three superyacht summer regattas.

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in early June  was the start for summer racing  yccs.it/regate-2021/loro_piana_superyacht_regatta . The event featured 16 yachts that included a competitive 5-yacht superyacht class, 7 Southern Wind rendezvous participants, and a 4-boat multihull class.  The 33m MISSY (Malcolm McKeon/Baltic) prevailed with only 3 points separating the 2nd through 4th place finishers.

The 25th Superyacht Cup Palma followed three weeks later with a 9-yacht fleet racing in two classes.  NILAYA (Reichel-Pugh/Vitters) had her way in Class A, however, the racing was close with a mere 10 second margin of victory for NILAYA over MISSY in race 1. The 43m sloop RAVENGER (Frers/Royal Huisman) made an impressive racing debut, winning Class B and the Superyacht Cup Palma Overall Trophy thesuperyachtcup.com/en/results.

Proof that superyacht racing is alive and well in the U.S. is a robust superyacht class lining up for the inaugural Safe Harbor Race Weekend in Newport, Rhode Island  shmarinas.com/safe-harbor-race-weekend. With seven yachts entered and another three planning on racing, this mid-August event will provide owners with a fun Corinthian Spirit oriented competition. Entries include the 56m Perini Navi ketch ZENJI and the J Class yacht HANUMAN.

The SYRA Executive Committee will expand in 2022 with the intent of achieving broader representation from the superyacht racing industry and fleet. In addition to organizers, builders, designers, and sailmakers, the EXCOM will include a boat captain, a professional sailor and an insurance industry representative.  An individual membership option will be offered for the first time next year. Additional information on both initiatives will be shared with you later this Fall.  As in past years, working parties will be formed to address these and other pertinent issues.

We look forward to interacting with the sailing superyacht industry and programs as we go about providing superyacht owners with the safe, sanctioned events and the fair racing they so enjoy.

With kind regards,

Peter

Peter Craig
Executive Director
SuperYacht Racing Association
peter@superyra.org
+1 781-639-9501
Skype: petercraig.pri

2021 Spring Update

March 2021

ANOTHER CHALLENGING YEAR FOR SUPERYACHT RACING

Cancellations in the Caribbean, success in New Zealand, and optimism in Europe

One step forward… two back. It has been a frustrating time for those who race superyachts. The post-holiday spike in Covid cases globally took its toll, negatively impacting travel and leading to increasingly restrictive protocols in the Caribbean. This ultimately forced organizers’ hands with the two March superyacht regattas in the islands having to cancel and set their sights on 2022.

Down under, the annual Millennium Cup was postponed from Mid-February until later in March, while the America’s Cup affiliated Mastercard Superyacht Regatta went off without a hitch in Auckland. The Ron Holland designed ketch Tawera capturing top honors in this 4-day, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron regatta, results can be seen here.

Despite the best intentions and careful planning for scaled back events, the St Barths Bucket and the Antigua Superyacht Challenge were not to be. Heightened Covid related restrictions and protocols in the islands as well as in Europe and the United States last month eliminated all options for these two popular events.

On a more positive note, planning continues for the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta  and the 25th Superyacht Cup Palma in June. There is reason for optimism with case numbers trending down over a considerable period of time in most countries and multiple vaccines now in play.

The SYRA Executive Committee held two conference calls in recent weeks and another is scheduled later this month. The focus is on priority issues that were tabled during the recent ‘pause’. Among the first issues being addressed is sustainability of the association through expansion of the membership base. As in past years, working parties will be formed to address these and other pertinent issues.

We all look forward to the long overdue reopening around the world and to the prospects of interacting with the sailing superyacht industry as we go about providing superyacht owners with the events and racing they so enjoy.

With kind regards,

Peter

Peter Craig
Executive Director
SuperYacht Racing Association
peter@superyra.org
+1 781-639-9501
Skype: petercraig.pri

 


2020 News

2020 Annual General Meeting

A virtual 2020 Annual General Meeting was held and documents are posted here.

2020 Winter Newsletter

The sixth issue of the SYRA newsletter was emailed to members in February 2020 and is posted here. Previous editions of the SYRA Newsletter can be found on our Newsletter page.

Faces in the News

Robbie Doyle, recently inducted into the U.S. National Sailing Hall of Fame, has made significant contributions to superyacht racing. Learn more here.


2019 News

2019 Annual Meeting

The 2019 SYRA Annual General Meeting will be held in St Barths on Wednesday, 20 March 2019.
Location: Salle de Théâtre, Gustavia St Barths
Time: 1700 – 1815 (social hour following)
View the meeting minutes and past Annual Meeting documents here.

Changes to the Appendix SY

February, 2019

Staggered start and pursuit racing formats for superyachts create no shortage of overtaking situations on the race course. In order to minimize dangerous situations when yachts with limited maneuverability are in the process of being overtaken, RRS 17 was modified in the original Appendix SY.

In recent years there has been a fair amount of discussion, and little in the way of consensus, about overtaking on the same tack while sailing different angles. The original language in the Appendix SY, as it pertained to Rule 17 and proper course when overtaking to windward or to leeward, left room for uncertainty. This then led to some inconsistencies with the application of the rule at different regattas, which resulted in confusion for competitors on how this rule applies.

The SYRA’s Superyacht Racing Committee met in Porto Cervo last spring on this issue and continued the dialogue in subsequent months. The end result was World Sailing approving modifications to the latest edition of the Appendix SY (version 3.1 December 2018), which now includes a definition for ‘Overtaking’ (SY2.4) and revised language for Rule 17 ‘On the Same Tack; Proper Course’ (SY2.9).

Version 3.1 of the Appendix SY can be found right here on the SYRA website. As a result of these changes, one of the original 5 superyacht racing Case Studies (#2) required modification.

This change will be reviewed during the SYRA’s annual ‘Superyacht Racing Rules’ interactive forum in St Barths on Thursday morning, 21 March. Of note, five members of the Superyacht Racing Rules Committee will be at the Bucket next month. If you have any questions for committee members or would like to provide input on any issues pertaining to superyacht racing rules, there will be an opportunity to meet (see the SYRA Committee section) or you can email us anytime and we will forward to the committee chairman.

Fall 2019 Newsletter

The second issue of the SYRA newsletter has been emailed to members and is posted here. We welcome your feedback as we continue to produce what is designed to be an informative and interesting periodical for those who are involved in superyacht racing. The winter edition will be published in February 2019.

Fair Racing
2019 ORCsy Rule and VPP – Better Yet

The handicap rule used by nearly all of event organizers for the past 4 years is the ORC Superyacht Rule (ORCsy).
This came about 4 years ago through a SuperYacht Racing Association initiative in response to feedback from superyacht owners who sought to have a fully transparent rule. The resulting collaboration between the ORC, the worldwide leader in rating technologies, and the SYRA has been recognized by yacht owners and crews as a great success to this point.

At the conclusion of racing every autumn the ORC, with input from SYRA technical representatives, compiles a list of superyacht handicap rule and Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) issues to be researched further and tested in order to continue with refinement and improvement of the rule in the interest of fair racing.

The first test run of the 2019 is expected later this month for evaluation by the ORC and SYRA. The list of features and areas being researched for the 2019 ORCsy VPP include, but are not limited to :
• KEEL RESISTANCE – The keel resistance (frictional and residuary) will be revised for high thickness and shallow draft keels.
• DYNAMIC AND TACKING ALLOWANCE – These allowances will be revised to better assess heavy boats accelerations, not only in tacks and jibes.
• STABILITY – In the computation of righting moment the effect of free surfaces of liquid tanks will be taken into account for those boats providing a certified stability booklet.
• MIZZEN STAYSAIL – The efficiency of the mizzen staysails, which depends on the blanketing effect of the mizzen, will be further evaluated.
• DECLARED CERTIFICATE PENALTY – The penalty will be reviewed and tuned according to the number of races a yacht participated in previous seasons. For those new to superyacht racing it will be reduced. (presently at 1% for declared certificates)
• SAIL ALLOWANCE – The allowance for the number of sails carried on board will be reviewed to better assess cruising configurations.
• CORINTHIAN SPIRIT CLASS – A screening factor based on Sail Area /DSPL and/or DSPL/Length ratios will be studied to make the class more homogeneous in the Corinthian Spirit Class.
• CORINTHIAN CERTIFICATES ONLY – A size factor will be studied to assess different acceleration for big yachts.
• DYNARIG assessment improvement.


2018 News

SYRA Newsletter Debut

The SYRA just recently debuted their ‘SYRA News’, an email communication to members which will be produced three times year in June, October and February. The first issue was emailed and is posted here. We welcome your feedback as we launch what is intended to be an informative and interesting periodical for those who are involved in superyacht racing.

Corinthian Spirit Racing – Expanding the Playing Field

A 2017 SYRA initiative, Corinthian Spirit racing is showing some real traction just one year later. With fleet building a primary goal, this class is designed to attract yacht owners new to superyacht racing as well as with those who participated in the past, but are not currently competing. Informal polling has revealed that the reasons for dissatisfaction from those who left racing was quite varied, and included the former handicapping rule, expenses related to yacht optimization, the need to augment permanent crew, and perceptions regarding safe racing.

The SYRA, in collaboration with the ORC, has created a superyacht racing experience with an emphasis on fun, competitive racing with streamlined access to a handicap certificate, fewer regatta related expenses, and minimal impact on the yacht captain’s resources. The initiative debuted successfully at the 2017 edition of the St Barths Bucket with four yachts competing and all participants pleased with the class debut. This year’s Bucket featured a six-yacht class and the Superyacht Cup Palma will have a ‘Spirit Class’ later this month.

A key Corinthian Spirit goal is to keep the racing fun and competitive without yacht owners having to optimize their yachts. The aim is to provide an enjoyable experience for participating owners and their guests with all well sailed yachts capable of a podium finish regardless of pre-regatta optimization and preparation.

The most notable criteria and class specific rule precludes spinnakers, Code 0 sails and mizzen staysails. Additionally, jibs on furlers or hanks are a must. All participants are required to have a valid ORC Corinthian Spirit (ORCcs) handicap certificate and an experienced RRS-Safety Afterguard Member on board.

The process of acquiring an ORCcs handicap certificate is simplified with the ORC and regatta organizer assisting if a captain asks for help. The ORC representative meets with all captains (and owners if so desired) on the participating yacht at the regatta for an information exchange prior to racing. When handicapping yachts, the ORC takes into account each yacht’s optimization for racing (or lack thereof) before final handicaps are assigned.

Handicap adjustments can and will be made by the ORC/SYRA panel between races based on observed speed potential and maneuvering characteristics of the yachts (using GPS tracking and on water observations).

And there will be a 1% Owner / Driver credit applied to handicaps of those yachts who’s owner drives at least half of each race.

Safe racing has been and will continue to be a top priority of regatta organizers and the SYRA for all superyacht racing. There will be no compromise to safe racing in the Corinthian Spirit Class. The pursuit or staggered start racing formats are used with the superyacht RRS Appendix SY in play to ensure safe racing remains the top priority.

Because the Spirit Class yachts race without spinnakers, their class may sail shorter courses than the conventional racing classes.

We hope to continue experiencing growth with this superyacht initiative and feel strongly that it can expand the playing field, enabling more yacht owners to enjoy the superyacht racing experience.

ORC Measuring under the ORCsy

It is important to separate fact from fiction regarding measured yachts under the current superyacht handicapping rule. While the Rule Authority clearly prefers measured date over declared data, it is not mandatory to measure one’s yacht in order to race under the ORCsy.

The perception from some that unmeasured yachts receive a significant penalty assigned to their ORCsy handicaps is not true. For the 2018 ORCsy VPP, a rating adjustment of 1% across all wind ranges is assigned to yachts that are not measured. As an example, for a yacht with a 400 second per mile rating, this amounts to approximately 1 minute 20 seconds for a 20nm race. It is worth noting that this transparent adjustment is mentioned in section 302.3 of the ORCsy Rule… “A boat with a “Declared” ORCsy certificate shall receive a penalty of 1% on her rating time allowances”. Captains have been reminded that this was to be put into effect numerous times prior to the 2018 racing.

It has not yet been determined how non-measured yachts will be treated with the 2019 VPP. The ORC is contemplating a more significant rating adjustment than 1%, though this issue is to be discussed at a meeting between the ORC and SYRA later this spring. SYRA members are encouraged to provide us with your feedback on this issue.

A welcome change in superyacht racing in recent years has been a growing sense of confidence from owners and sailors that the superyacht rating rule of choice (ORCsy) has clearly enhanced fair racing. A fully transparent VPP has played a major role in the popularity of the rule, which debuted 4 short years ago. But so too has the fact that measured data is steadily replacing declared data fleet wide. As of March 2018, 54 superyachts were fully measured with more already partially measured or scheduled to be fully measured soon.

There are two steps to measuring – the out of water hull scanning to capture offset files and then the flotation and inclining procedure while in the water. For more information on measuring your yacht, please contact the ORC at orc.org/superyacht or refer to the applicable section of the ORC website: ORC SY Measurement Guidance 2017.pdf

List of ORC measured superyachts tops 50

A welcome change in superyacht racing in recent years has been a growing sense of confidence from owners and sailors that the superyacht rating rule of choice (ORCsy) has enhanced fair racing. A fully transparent VPP has played a meaningful role in the popularity of the rule, which debuted 4 short years ago. But so too has the fact that measured date is steadily replacing declared data fleet wide. As of December 2017, 50 superyachts were fully measured with another 18 partially measured or scheduled early in 2018.  Click to see the current this list of ORC Measured Yachts (pdf)

As more yachts get measured, it has been substantiated that some of the data declared by teams has not accurately reflected the ‘as raced’ condition of their yacht. Both the SYRA and ORC have been encouraging racing superyachts to consider getting measured during the next yard period when they are scheduled to haul out. In addition to playing a role in fair racing, programs will be able to accurately quantify their yachts’ ‘as raced’ displacement and stability.

Participating programs have been reminded that the ORCsy VPP will again feature a rating adjustment for those yachts that are unmeasured (approximately 1% across all wind ranges in 2018). This transparent adjustment will be reflected on the certificates. It is the intent of the rating authority to reassess the rating adjustment for the following year as they learn more about the realities of measured versus declared data. Regatta Organizers and the ORC encourage those programs planning to race in the future to make arrangements to measure the next time their yachts are scheduled to be hauled.

There are two steps to measuring – the out of water hull scanning to capture offset files and then the flotation and inclining procedure while in the water. The Rule Authority is more than willing to explain the process to Captains who would be measuring for the first time. Please contact the ORC here or refer to the applicable section of the ORC website: ORC SY Measurement Guidance 2017.pdf

2018 Superyacht Winter Circuit

The hurricane season was catastrophic for many in the Caribbean and the southeastern seaboard of the United States. The impact was especially severe in the British Virgin Islands. As such the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda will not be able to host their Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta in 2018.

Antigua was virtually unscathed and their Superyacht Challenge is proceeding as scheduled (http://superyachtchallengeantigua.com/) with nine yachts currently listed. For the first time, the Antigua Superyacht Challenge will feature four days of racing (January 31 – February 4).

The island of St Barths did take a direct hit from Hurricane Irma, and the recovery in the following months has been nothing short of remarkable. The 2018 edition of the St Barths Bucket (https://www.bucketregatta.com/) will feature approximately 30 superyachts, including an impressive six-yacht Corinthian Spirit Class. The Spirit class is a 2017 SYRA initiative embraced by all superyacht organizers and represents a great option for yacht owners looking to participate and compete while committing fewer resources in the lead up to the events Corinthian Spirit Exhibit.

The Winter Circuit will kick off a great racing season, with Porto Cervo, Palma and Newport attracting yachts into the spring and summer months.

Big Boats, Big Tactics

With high tonnage, there are long-game tactics to consider, but in high-stakes, high-ego superyacht racing, it’s never as simple as it appears. Read more here.
By Tony Rey – December 30, 2016
SAILING WORLD


2017 News

Spring 2017

ORCsy 2017 End Season Report

After 9 successful events in 2017 (SuperYacht Challenge Antigua, Swan Cup and Loro Piana Caribbean Regatta in Virgin Gorda, St Barth Bucket Regatta in St. Barth, Loro Piana SY Regatta in Porto Cervo, SY America’s Cup in Bermuda, SY Cup in Palma, Candy Store Cup in Newport and Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo) the ORC would like to update you on the situation of our handicap system. Read more here.

Spring 2017: Chelsea Ships Bell Clock Awarded

Kate Branaugh, SYRA’s Executive Committee Chairperson; Alessandro Nazareth; Peter Craig, SYRA’s Executive Director

At the Annual General Meeting in St Barths, a beautiful Chelsea Ships Bell Clock was presented to Alessandro Nazareth, representing the ORC Technical Team

An ambitious initiative to develop a rating system for superyachts began in 2014. In eight months, the team developed the new system, designed to meet the goals of transparency and fair sailing. Due to their extraordinary efforts, the new rule made a successful debut at the 2015 Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and at the St Barths Bucket after that. They continue to apply their talents and diligent efforts to ongoing improvement efforts and refinement of the ORCsy Rule.

Inscription Reads:
SuperYacht Racing Association
Presented with sincere thanks to
The ORC Technical Team
For their contributions to Fair Sailing


2016 News

Fall 2016

New Corinthian Spirit Class

The SuperYacht Racing Association (SYRA) membership, in conjunction with the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) has developed a new initiative: the Corinthian Spirit Class.
The superyacht racing circuit is thriving with new yacht owners coming on the scene every year. Yet stakeholders agree that there is a need to broaden the appeal of superyacht regattas. Recognizing this need, a new class has been developed with the primary goal of attracting more yacht owners and growing participation. The Corinthian Spirit Class offers an alternative to what is viewed by some as increasingly competitive and resource intensive racing.

Read the full release: corinthian-spirit-release-november-18-2016

Spring 2016

In Remembrance – Ed Dubois

Ed DuboisEd was an extraordinary talent and friend. His legacy is a remarkable one and the SYRA is honored to be a small part of it. It was his drive and vision that saw the need for and gave life to the SuperYacht Racing Association. All those who race superyachts or are part of this industry are indebted to him for his many contributions and creative ideas.

It is with great sadness that we say good-bye to a very special man. We will continue to strive to meet his goals of safe and fair racing with the zeal and good humor that were uniquely his.

From the Dubois team official press statement: “Ed Dubois was a huge talent and his legacy will continue as one of the world’s great yacht designers. Known not only for his love of all things boat-related, but also music, art, travel and most of all, his family and friends. Ed leaves his darling wife Honor and four wonderful children, to whom he was completely devoted.”

A complete and touching obituary is posted here: telegraph.co.uk

Jonathan Kline recognized at 2016 Annual Meeting

SYRA_J-Kline_award_IMG_6210_500x414
SYRA Executive Committee Co-Chair Kate Branagh awarded SYRA’s annual recognition trophy to Captain Jonathan Kline.

At the SuperYacht Racing Association’s Annual General Meeting, held on 16 March 2016 at Salle de Théâtre, Gustavia St Barths, movers and shakers in the superyacht world participated in discussions and updates.

SYRA Executive Committee Co-Chair Kate Branagh awarded SYRA’s annual recognition trophy to Captain Jonathan Kline (a member of the SYRA Executive Committee and the Communications Officer on P2). He was presented with a beautiful, handcrafted Ship’s Bell Clock from Chelsea Clock for his many contributions to the advancement of safe racing. “Because of him, we are in a far better place than we were 18 months ago,” said Executive Director Peter Craig.

WINTER 2016

Superyacht Challenge Antigua

Super Yacht Challenge AntiguaAntigua
28 – 31 January, 2016

Hosted by the Admiral’s Inn and Antigua Rigging in association with National Parks Antigua. The sixth edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua is proving very popular with a magnificent fleet of Superyachts taking part. Designed to be solely for the pleasure of superyacht owners, their guests and crew. The magnificent fleet take part in three days of spectacular racing. With daily pursuit races along the stunning south coast of Antigua and laid back social events, The Superyacht Challenge Antigua is a wonderful celebration of sailing and parties.

Event website: www.superyachtchallengeantigua.com

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous

Virgin Gorda, BVI
9 – 12 March 2016

Loro Piana Super yacht RacingA fleet of some of the world’s most beautiful and most impressive sail and motor yachts gather for three days of racing in the crystalline waters of the renowned sailor’s paradise that is the British Virgin Islands. A range of exclusive social events take place over four days against the backdrop of the pristine beaches and unspoilt natural beauty of Virgin Gorda. Organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Boat International Media, the regatta has now reached its sixth edition and has rapidly grown to become a key event on the Caribbean superyacht calendar. Open to sailing and motor yachts over 80 feet in length, the regatta comprises coastal and round-the-island races as well as a packed social programme keeping owners, guests and crews busy at sea and ashore.

Event website: www.loropianacaribbeansuperyachtregatta.com

2016 St Barths Bucket Regatta

St Barthlemey, FWI
17 – 20 March 2016

The St Barths Bucket is the largest annual sailing superyacht regatta in the world. Since 1995, St Barthelemy has provided the perfect venue for breathtakingly gorgeous days on the water and world class entertainment ashore. The Bucket is an invitational regatta that features both the latest in Superyacht designs and true classics. The fleet includes many beautiful, large cruising yachts and a number of newer performance oriented designs. All are attracted by both the exciting racing under the new ORCsy rule and the unique spirit of the Bucket Regattas. This spirit is one of true camaraderie and sportsmanship in a non-commercial environment.

Event website: www.bucketregattas.com

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta

Porto Cervo, Sardinia
7 – 11 June 2016

Fleet race

Organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaboration with Boat International Media, the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta hosts a maximum of thirty of the world’s largest and most beautiful sailing yachts on breathtaking courses winding through the islands of Sardinia’s La Maddalena archipelago. The regatta has been held annually since 2008 and is renowned as much for the elegance and prowess of the participating yachts as for the rich and varied shore-side social programme offered by the organizers and title sponsor.

Event website: www.loropianasuperyachtregatta.com


2015 News

Fall 2015

ORCsy Handicap Rule

Bruno Finzi
Bruno Finzi;
ORC Chariman

The new superyacht handicapping rule (ORCsy) made its very successful debut this spring in the Caribbean at the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta and the St Barths Bucket. The SYRA fair sailing/handicapping initiative led to an effective collaboration between the SYRA and the Offshore Racing Council (ORC), culminating in the ORCsy. The Palma Superyacht Cup, Perini Navi Cup and Rolex Maxi Cup (supermaxis only) were the next regattas to feature this fully transparent rule. www.orc.org/superyacht

Levelling the Pitch pdf
Superyacht Racing and the ORCsy Handicap Rule
by Andy Claughton

Perini Navi Cup

Clipper ship Maltese Falcon
The 289′ Clipper Maltese Falcon won the 2011 Perini Navi Cup

A big breeze 25-know finale to the 2015 edition of the Perini Navi Cup provided a spectacular finish with 90 seconds separating the top four finishers.

http://www.yccs.it/en/regate-2015/710-perini-navi-cup-2015.html

Superb Palma Racing

Mighty Marie setting her kite. Photo: Claire Matches
Mighty Marie setting her kite.
Photo: Claire Matches

Superyacht Cup Palma (21 yachts) concludes with three great days of racing and Marie, Inoui, Maegan celebrating class wins www.thesuperyachtcup.com/palma/

SYRA Executive Committee

Colin Kiley of Rybovich
Colin Kiley of Rybovich

Colin Kiley of Rybovich joins the SYRA Executive Committee. Rybovich is one of the four new stewards of the Bucket Regattas. Kiley replaces Tim Laughridge, one of the former Bucket owners.

 

 

 

Jim Capron with Chelsea Clock_awardAn elegant, inscribed Chelsea Ship’s Bell clock was presented to Jim Capron at the 2015 Annual General Meeting in recognition of his critical role in getting expedited ISAF approval of the Appendix SY to the Racing Rules of Sailing and his ongoing contributions to safe racing.