149 yachts, competing in 17 classes set sail for four days of competition in the windswept waters off St. Maarten. Swan yachts racing this year included Swan 48 Avocation, Swan 48 Montana, Swan 66 Enigma VIII, and Swan 80 Umiko, fresh from her 600 mile race in the RORC Caribbean 600.

Umiko obtained 2^nd place in CSA 1 Class. Sean McCarter, Umiko’s skipper, has shared with us the crew’s experience:

“Umiko crossed the pond once again this winter racing the ARC Transatlantic – she’s the ideal boat to be competitive on the racecourse whilst maintaining those home comforts and luxury expected from a superyacht.

Upon arriving in the crystal waters of the Caribbean, she didn’t have a chance to slow down, going straight into sumptuous New Year charter mode where she treated guests to Pina-coladas and palm trees whilst anchored off golden sands.

Not long after, she slipped back into her racing sails and took part in the Caribbean 600 where despite lighter winds this year, we flew around the islands in good time.

That brings us to this season’s Heineken Regatta in St Maarten where she achieved second place in her class and was the perfect week to showcase her speed and a pleasure to be onboard for an unforgettable experience.” Captain Sean McCarter adds, “Umiko’s second Heineken regatta in as many years was a blast. Although missing Selene, our Swan 80 sister-ship and sparring partner from last year, we had great competition from Fra Diavolo and the legendary girls on Maiden.

With Philip Rann on strategy and tactics, we improved constantly throughout the regatta as a team. Our next big goal is a result in the Swan Cup in Porto Cervo this September. “

Facebook and Instagram page – @umikosailing