Category Archives: caribbean

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2014

Aerial view of S/Y Desiderata racing in Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2014.Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2014

2014 was a year to note for Desiderata and her competitive crew. The classic yacht excelled in the big seas and strong winds that characterised the racing during this regatta. The conditions were perfect, and “Desi” surpassed herself proving to all that she is an ocean racing yacht to contend with.

 

Crew on Desiderata during the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2014.A Winning Team

Tommy Patterson, manager of Antigua Yacht Club Marina, skilfully manned the helm steering her to success. Desiderata won 1st in class and 1st in fleet. Alongside Tommy, the competitive crew, with big smiles on their faces, worked diligently to gain three guns out of a possible four.

 

The great race crew on Desiderata during Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2014.

 

Stuart and Julia led the mixed crew, who ranged from novice through to experienced racers. The brisk tradewinds ensured on-water thrills for the team and the salt-encrusted crew stepped off “Desi” each day drenched but beaming. Antigua holds one of the best classic yacht regattas, not just for the courses and conditions, but for the camaraderie and sheer fun of it all. See more photos from Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta here.

 

Stuart commented:

“We come here because it is the best classic regatta in the world. Two of our crew have never been here before and out there today, looking at all those boats, they were gobsmacked with the beauty of the fantastic boats and winning was just the cherry on the top.”

Classic yacht Desiderata racing in Antigua Classics 2014.What’s Next For Desiderata?

John Alden would be proud to see his Malabar XIII design still making waves on the regatta circuit today. Next up for Desiderata and her lucky crew… the Panerai Transat Classique 2015! There are only two crew places left available so get in touch with Stuart and Julia today to ensure your place on the fun loving team.

Images courtesy of Tim Wright and Jason Pickering.

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta – Elegant Friday

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta – Elegant Friday

Desiderata sailing in the Old Road Race at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. 2014There were hundreds of smiling faces in Falmouth Harbour this morning. The 27th Edition of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta kicked off in glorious Caribbean weather, 20 knots of warm Trades’ and two metre seas provided exciting conditions for the wondrous fleet of classic yachts that have gathered in Antigua. The Old Road Course had plenty of reaching legs, with beautiful yachts sailing fast, sliding down Caribbean surf, it was a fantastic day on the water.

The Vintage Classic Fleet produced some of the closest racing today. In Class A, Scott Franz’s American 72′ Herreshoff, Ticonderoga of Greenwich was the winner with the American 1925 Herreshoff Schooner Mary Rose taking Class B. However after time correction, Michael Jarrald’s British 66′ Cutter, Lily Maid, built in 1904 was the winner of Class B and the Vintage Classic fleet.

Ralph Isham’s timeless American clipper-bowed classic, 105′ ketch Whitehawk revelled in the big breeze and reaching legs to take a great win in Classics Class A and the 17 strong Classic Fleet. Last year’s class winner, Van de Stadt ketch, Stormvogel was second by just 36 seconds on corrected time. Robert Soros’ Juno was the winner in Classic Class B and Ross Gannon’s Eleda was the winner of Classic Class C. Spirit of Callisto owned by Richard & Linda Hearn won Classic Class D.

In the Classic GRP Fleet, Stuart Armstrong’s John Alden designed Desiderata was the winner, taking Line Honours and the win after time correction. Desiderata was built in 1975 and has sailed around the world. Today, British couple, Stuart and Julia are the proud owners, living happily on board, all year round. Desiderata had an extensive refit in 2013.

“An absolutely amazing day, we got the gun and we are first in class, how much better could it be?” Laughed Stuart. “We had our secret weapon on the helm, Tommy Patterson manager of Antigua Yacht Club Marina. We come here because it is the best classic regatta in the world. Two of our crew have never been here before and out there today, looking at all those boats, they were gobsmacked with the beauty of the fantastic boats and winning was just the cherry on the top. Recently the boat has had a lot of work done to her and it is very rewarding to win today, having put so much effort into Desiderata, she has paid me back today.”

silken_2014-04-18-0216[1]In Classic GRP Class B, Springtide raced by a St.Maarten team, skippered by Robbie Ferron, took the win but only just. Martin Halpern’s Ruffian was less than a minute behind on corrected time.

The Alwyn Enoe designed 42′ Carriacou Sloop, Genesis showed a clean pair of heals today in the Traditional Racing Class, taking Line Honours by over 12 minutes and correcting out to win the first race of the regatta. Antiguan Alexis Andrews, skipper of Genesis was dockside in a big huddle of Carriacou Sloop sailors, enjoying a cold drink dockside in Falmouth Marina.

“All the Carriacou sloops are on the dock after the race and the atmosphere is hot.” smiled Alexis. “We were all flying today in plenty of wind, which is what these boats like. Genesis is a very heavy boat and beamy, the heaviest of all the Carriacous with a lot of ballast, so she likes a lot of weather and big seas, which we got today. We have Sean Davis and Jerisse Williams on board, who are both great young Antiguan sailors. Sean is a fisherman with big hands and he needed them today on the main sheet, he did an excellent job. Exodus is a new boat for the crew and she is very fast, they have put a lot of effort into her development, she has a fast hull and they are tweaking stuff all the time, I am sure she will be a fast boat by the end of the week.”

In the Spirit of Tradition Class, Michael Hough’s 49′ Chloe Racing Spirit, corrected out to win the race. Classics’ Race Reporter, Louay Habib took a ride on the beautiful J/Class, Rainbow for today’s race.

silken_2014-04-18-1120[1]The original Rainbow was launched in 1934, commissioned by Harold Vanderbilt for the America’s Cup. 78 years later the new Rainbow, designed by Dykstra Naval Architects, was launched at Holland Jachtbouw. The latest version has a luxurious mahogany interior, the mast is carbon and Rainbow is bristling with the latest deck systems. In cruising mode, the 130′ J/Class can be sailed by just six people.

“Unfortunately the owner was unable to attend the regatta but he made Rainbow available to his friends.” commented Marc Heupers.  “The regular crew and the guests worked together as a team and we had a fantastic sail today. When we race Rainbow against the other J/Class yachts it is very different to racing at Classics. We have a much larger race crew and the boat is pushed to the maximum. However, at Classics we sail safely and just have a lot of fun. We had a great moment today when we caught up Old Bob. The Old Bob crew were blowing party hooters and shouting and waving at us, so we waved back and gave Old Bob a loud blast on our air horn – That is the spirit of Antigua Classics and we love it.”

Article from Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta Website.

New Interior Photographs

New Interior Photographs

On October 19th, S/Y Desiderata celebrated the end of her major refit, undertaken this summer in Grenada. Owners Stuart and Julia would like to say a huge thank you to all the supporters, tradespeople, and cruising community who joined them for the open day and party. It was a fabulous day and everyone loved having a good look around the new interior of “Desi” and the striking exterior. Stuart and Julia were kept very busy, proudly giving tours of the superb work completed on Grenada. Over 300 people attended and the feedback received about Desiderata was overwhelming.

Classic Bespoke Design

Desiderata wowed many with her bespoke interior design and attention to detail. Guests commented on the creative use of space which has immensely improved the storage and living quarters on this ketch. From the custom sliding bench seat and full-size chart draw under the Captain’s bed – the attention to detail is well executed through handcrafted woodwork.

Modern Amenities

Desiderata has been firmly moved into the 21st century, with some serious high-tech innovations. Guests can chill out after sailing in the Captain’s La-Z-boy saloon recliner and enjoy a 32″ LCD screen and media player, that has access to thousands of movies and music. There are now USB charging ports in all cabins, and wi-fi throughout the yacht, for those that can’t switch off on vacation. A super interior/exterior Bose surround sound system is sure to get the celebration started after a successful days racing.

Creative Galley

First mate Julia was very proud of the galley. It is highly inventive in spatial design, with improved storage facilities for provisions. Custom woven vegetable baskets, clever inline push-button drawer releases, and a well-stocked spice rack (holding 60 different spices!) were highlights.

Spacious Living Quarters

The interior of Desiderata has been completely renovated to provide more space and comfort as a classic charter yacht. Although still in keeping with the original John Alden layout, the yacht looks significantly different. The en-suite vee berth is fully adjustable, allowing a layout of either two single berths or a wide double. The saloon boasts a seemingly larger interior space with adaptable dining area, La-Z-Boy Captain’s recliner, and a chart table with digital screen. A sunken drinks cabinet adds a quirky touch in the center of the dining table. Separated from the companionway, the stateroom is now fitted with bespoke folding doors for more privacy, and boasts a double bed measuring over 7 feet long. Two brand new wet rooms and heads finish this delightfully spacious interior.

Elegant Yet Functional

From the high-tech specs on board to the clever storage spaces, Stuart and Julia have carefully considered every detail to make sure that staying on “Desi” is an absolute pleasure. Both topside and below, the subtle new color scheme and sumptuous fabrics perfectly complement the classic style and design. Desiderata now has a stunning elegance coupled with comfortable functionality at sea.

Celebration Time

Sincere thanks go to Bob and the team at Clarke’s Court Bay Marina, for providing a great setting to hold the open day and ensuring a good party afterwards. Stan and Cora were a lively hit in the evening with their fabulous band, and Julia provided hilarious entertainment in the form of the “Desi Dance”. Big thank you to Ricky, from De Big Fish, for cooking a delicious hog roast to feed the hungry crowds! Find below our new photographs of the interior and cockpit.

S/Y Desiderata End of Refit on Grenada

S/Y Desiderata End of Refit on Grenada

A huge thank you to all of the supporters, tradespeople, and cruising community who joined Stuart and Julia for S/Y Desiderata‘s “End of Refit” open day and party. It was an amazing day and we hope great fun was had by all. Stuart and Julia loved showing everyone the superb work that has been completed here on Grenada. Nearly 300 people attended and the feedback received about “Desi” was first rate.

Bespoke Design

Desiderata wowed many with her bespoke interior design and attention to detail. Guests commented on the innovative use of space – custom wine racks and drinks cabinet, full size chart draws and even a spice rack that holds 60 spices! The interior has been re-designed to provide more space and comfort as a classic charter yacht, but remain in keeping with the original John G. Alden layout.

Classic Style

From the innovative storage spaces to the high-tech specs on board; Stuart and Julia have carefully considered the smallest detail, to ensure that staying on Desiderata is an absolute pleasure. The colour theme and fabrics perfectly complement the classic design and style. Desiderata now has a stunning elegance that is coupled with functionality at sea.

Clarke’s Court Bay Marina Party

Sincere thanks go to Bob and the team at Clarke’s Court Bay Marina, for providing a great setting to hold the open day and ensuring a good party! Stan and Cora were a lively hit in the evening with their fabulous band. Julia provided hilarious entertainment in the form of the “Desi Dance”. Big thank you to Ricky, from De Big Fish, for cooking a delicious hog roast to feed the hungry crowds. Most of all, thank you to the skilled craftspeople on Grenada who have worked together to refit this truly striking classic charter yacht.

Watch this space for our new interior photographs coming soon. For now, please enjoy our End of Refit Party photos!

S/Y Desiderata in the Press – Caribbean Compass

S/Y Desiderata in the Press – Caribbean Compass

October’s issue of the Caribbean Compass magazine is out! Read all about the major refit that S/Y Desiderata undertook in Grenada this summer.

Caribbean Compass October 2013 Issue P.29

Caribbean Compass S/Y DesiderataOur thanks to everyone involved in this amazing project – Desi is so close to being finished now! Don’t forget that we have an open day at Clarke’s Court Bay Marina on the 19th October 2013. Starting at 1400hrs, everyone is welcome to come and have a look at all the fabulous work that has been completed on Desi.

Watch this space for upcoming news of our new Desiderata t-shirts!!