Superyacht Regatta Begins Today
If you watched the weekend’s America’s Cup action from the AC Park or from a boat on the water, you undoubtedly noticed a bevy of spectacular yachts that don’t normally grace the Bay. Today, some of them will transition from spectator status to racing mode during Race One of the Superyacht Regatta. It’s slated to begin at 12:30 today, according to the event’s organizer, Boat International Media.
This multi-million-dollar collection of premier yachts is impressive, to say the least:
- 139-ft replica schooner America
- 180-ft Hoek-designed Adele
- 182-ft Dijkstra-designed Adela
- 285-ft Dijkstra-designed Athena
- 80-ft Dynamique Coconut
- 100-ft Brenta-designed Chrisco
- 84-ft Farr-designed USA 76
- 90-ft Hoek-designed Kealoha
Needless to say, handicapping such a disparate fleet is a challenge. The International Super Yacht Rule (ISYR) is used here (formerly known as the ‘Bucket Rule’), where "the rule authority is committed to using a blend of scientific method and observed speed," organizers say, "coupled with a commitment to fairness, to produce handicaps that enable any well-sailed yacht to have a reasonable chance at a podium finish in every race."
Possible courses include both inside- and outside-the-Bay routes, as shown here. Additional superyacht races will be held this Wednesday and Friday, which are AC 34 laydays. You can also get an up-close view of several of these beauties all week, as they will be stern-to the Pier 27 wharf at the AC Park. So go ahead and fuel your billionaire fantasies and have a look at these sparkling gems of maritime artistry.