yacht filip balcaen

Nilaya is First In Class at the 2019 Superyacht Challenge Antigua

Antigua_TransparentAntigua (February 3, 2019) – The ninth edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua kicked off the 2019 superyacht regatta season and featured four races for six 24 to 44m yachts all racing under the superyacht rule ORCsy.

The Reichel/Pugh-designed 112’ Nilaya, helmed by owner Filip Balcaen , took 1st place in Class C: Corsairs. Nilaya was built by Baltic Yachts and launched in 2010.

Seven-time Volvo Ocean Race veteran, Bouwe Bekking, called tactics on Nilaya and previously explained that, “the team on Nilaya has been together for a number of years, so I think that allows us to sail a superyacht like a smaller boat and that does make a difference. This regatta is very much in the style of gentleman’s racing, which produces a great atmosphere. Personally I like to race to win but I believe that the owners of the yachts really enjoy this style and that is great.” Bouwe commented this year that, “This is a really good [season] kick-off regatta. The sailing is important but the fun also helps put your team together, which is good for the owners and the crew because we have a good time, and that is what it is all about. Speaking to my owner he is really keen to do a Round Antigua Race, even if it is not part of the regatta. It would be nice to have a Superyacht Trophy and have a go at the record. Nilaya has sailed around the island at record pace but that was unofficial.”

The 2020 Notice of Race for the 10th edition was announced with the 2020 edition moving to a new date 11-15 March, just before St. Barths Bucket when many superyachts are in race mode.

About The Superyacht Challenge This ninth edition of the regatta is still proving popular with six Superyachts taking part, in two different classes. Designed to be solely for the pleasure of superyacht owners, their guests and crew, the fleet takes part in four days of close racing, using the International Superyacht Racing Rule. 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.

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About the Builder Baltic Yachts

Nilaya Photo © Claire Matches

Tags: Antigua, Balcaen, Nilaya

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The 11th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua has attracted ten magnificent superyachts, all set to race in the fantastic waters around Antigua. Ideal conditions are forecast for the regatta with blue skies, trade winds and Caribbean swell. As always, the Superyacht Challenge Antigua is designed to be solely for the pleasure of superyacht owners, their guests and crew. The magnificent fleet take part in five days of spectacular racing under the ORC Superyacht Rule. All of the boats and sailors racing at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua come from North America, Europe, Australasia, and the Caribbean Islands. Winners at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua receive barrels of rum, suitably filled. The Gosnell Trophy is the only trophy awarded and goes to the yacht, who in the opinion of the competitors and race committee, has competed in the Spirit of the Regatta, both afloat and ashore.

The 121ft Dyksra sloop Action, will be skippered by Josh Gilchrist. Returning after their debut in 2020. Action was built at the Royal Huisman Shipyard in the Netherlands. Action features naval design by Dykstra Naval Architects with an interior created by Rhoades Young. Farfalla

The 102ft Southern Wind sloop Farfalla, with Sam Laidlaw at the helm, will be skippered by Richard Chadburn. This will be Farfalla’s debut at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. Built by the South African shipyard, Southern Wind and from the drawing board of Farr Yacht Design. Freya

The German Frers Designed Swan 90 Freya will be skippered by Joph Carter. This will be Freya’s third regatta having made the podium in 2014 and 2016. Built by Nautor’s Swan in Finland, Freya is familiar sight on the East Coast of the USA and in the Caribbean. Hetairos

The 218ft Dykstra/Reichel Pugh ketch Hetairos, is skippered by Graham Newton, and will be making their debut this year. Despite her classic looks with a plumb stem and sweeping counter, she is a thoroughly modern high-performance yacht built in carbon composite by Baltic Yachts. Hanuman

The J-Class Hanuman is a 138ft sloop designed by Charles E. Nicholson, skippered by Josh Luckhurst, and will be making their debut this year. Hanuman is a regular on the regatta circuit and is one of the most successful winning J-Class yachts on the water. Built by Royal Huisman shipyard in the Netherlands. Kamaxitha

The 180ft Dykstra ketch Kamaxitha, is skippered by Tim Urwin and making their debut this year. The Spirit Of Tradition ketch was built at the Royal Huisman Shipyard in the Netherlands. Designed by Dykstra Naval Architects, with a beautiful interior by Rhoades Young. Kawil

The 112ft Sparkman & Stephens sloop Kawil, is skippered by Robert Lloyd and taking part in their fourth regatta this year. Kawil’s debut was in 2015 and was a class winner in 2017 and 2019. Kawil was built by Derecktor Shipyards, South Florida USA. Nilaya

The 112ft Baltic Nilaya, with Filip Balcaen at the helm, is skippered by Rom Loopik. This will be Nilaya’s fifth regatta having won class in 2016 and 2019, as well as class runner up 2017 and 2020. Nilaya has been one of the most successful high-performance sailing boats launched by Baltic Yachts, particularly on the race course. Nilaya is designed by Reichel/Pugh and an interior from Nauta Yacht Design. Rebecca

The 140ft German Frers ketch Rebecca, is skippered by Rob Foxell with Grant ‘Fuzz’ Spanhake at the helm. This will be Rebecca’s sixth regatta including winning class at the 2012 edition and The Gosnell Trophy in 2019. Built at the Pendennis Shipyard, Cornwall, UK. Her eye-catching looks were designed by German Frers with an interior from Robin Black. A unique feature is the sole, made from antique Heart Pine salvaged from a North American mill built in 1711.

John McMonigall’s Oyster 82 Zig Zag, is skippered by Carl Raynes. This will be Zig Zag’s sixth regatta in a row, including winning The Gosnell Trophy at the last regatta 2020. From the drawing board of Humphreys Yacht Design. Zig Zag is the smallest yacht at the regatta but renowned for racing as hard as any of the largest

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RP112 NILAYA

September 9, 2017

RP112 NILAYA – Filip Balcaen’s Reichel/Pugh and Nauta-designed Baltic 112’ Nilaya won first place in Class A, 1st Overall and the Boat International Media Trophy for overall victory at the 2017 Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta in Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. for the third time in the past four years. At the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup this year she finished a close 3 rd in the Supermaxi Class – Porto Cervo, Italy.