The thrill of the chase

From St Barths to New Zealand and Mallorca to Sardinia – the superyacht racing calendar is jam-packed with opportunities for owners who want to put their boats to the ultimate sailing test. Alongside having a boat fit for the challenge – another vital ingredient lies with the race crew. 

Will Gibbon should know. He’s the captain on board Velsheda, a showstopping J Class yacht that competes – and often takes first place – in regattas and races throughout the year. So what’s the secret to a winning crew? “We use the same team, week-in week-out,” he explains. “That’s important on a big boat because a big boat means big gear and high loads. You don’t need to go out and get 20 America’s Cup sailors but consistency goes a long way.”

Chemistry is just as important, according to Matt Cornwell, a professional sailor who has raced on the likes of Unfurled and G2, not to mention competing in four America’s Cup challenges. “Chemistry is one of the number one priorities when putting a crew together,” he says. “A team needs to have good sailors with the right skill set in key positions on the boat, but they also need to work effectively and efficiently together. Plus, we’re there to make sure the owners are enjoying themselves, so it’s important that the crew also comprises of sailors with that mindset.”

When owners become crew

In fact, owners and their guests are often at the heart of the sailing team, helming during racing and filling important roles onboard. “I think they love being part of the team,” says Cornwell. “They also enjoy sending their beautiful yachts around the race course in stunning locations, racing hard-to-beat competitors. Having that experience alongside a team that you enjoy being a part of makes for great memories.” 

The Palma Superyacht Cup, one of the most popular regattas and the longest running in Europe – takes place in June. Kate Branagh, event director, explains that there are two distinct types of owners. “There are those who are very competitive and find the racing the highlight of the event. They optimise their boat, invest in new sails, do extra training days and analytical debriefs after each race,” she explains. “On the other hand, there are owners who love the competition but are happy to invite friends and family and enjoy the fun of the event, both on and off the race course.”

For the owners who are serious about winning, the crew need to spend time prepping the boat ahead of the action. “Superyachts are designed and primarily used for luxury so turning them into racing machines is often no small task!,” says Cornwell. “A lot of preparation goes into readying the race sails, but there is also plenty to do to make sure the boat is ready to race efficiently on deck, and to ensure that she’s protected from damage that could occur from pushing her limits, plus losing a little weight out of the boat never hurts.”

The serious business of fun 

Even the most serious of owners can’t help but have fun, though. And the crew feels the same way. “The focus of superyacht racing, more than any other, is having fun,” says Cornwell. “I’m a professional sailor and when I’m there, I’m racing hard and doing whatever I can to improve the performance of the boat, striving to win, but it’s always a warm and friendly experience. Those memories of smiles, laughter and great times that are made for the owners are shared by us all and I can’t help but enjoy that.”

Gibbon agrees. “Every event brings a special moment. Sardinia is always pretty memorable – all the best sailors in the world are there and the course itself is great -– you’re constantly darting in and out of rocks. Win or lose, if you’ve had a good battle on the water – it makes the event.” 

At the St Barths Bucket – there is a big focus on what happens after that battle is over, when both owner and crew can kick back and relax. “Fifteen or twenty years ago, superyacht racing was more a parade of sail than a serious sailing competition,” says Peter Craig, event director. “My, how things have changed! The competitive, must-win attitude at superyacht regattas has ramped up quite considerably since then. The Bucket founders were keen to avoid the win-at-all-cost mentality, and hence came our tagline “win the party, not the race.” For the crew, it seems either if those options – or both – will do.