Caribbean Multihull Challenge 2020: the countdown is on
The countdown for the second annual Caribbean Multihull Challenge is on, and an eclectic fleet of catamarans and trimarans are starting to feel their collective need for speed. Eighteen yachts, ranging in size from 28- to 70-feet, have already entered the Caribbean’s best and only dedicated regatta for racing and cruising multis. The CMC will commence in just a little over a month, and is scheduled for February 14-16 in the wind-swept waters off Sint Maarten. It promises to be epic.
One of the primary reasons for the excitement is the highly anticipated match-up of a pair of the world’s fastest, boldest one-design trimarans: the MOD 70s Argo, skippered by American Jason Carroll, and Maserati, whose captain is the one-and-only Giovanni Soldini, the vastly experienced Italian globetrotter. Argo and Maserati will be using the CMC as a tune-up for the upcoming Caribbean 600, a strategy employed by last year’s CMC winner Fujin to great success. The match race between the powerful 70-foot tris should be nothing less than classic.
One of the most alluring aspects of the CMC, however, is that it’s not just for Grand Prix thoroughbreds: it’s an equal opportunity, all-inclusive event for all boats with multiple hulls. And there’s a host of excellent, dual-purpose racer/cruisers coming back for their second CMC to prove that point. Among them are Bernard “Appie” Stoutenbeek’s lovely, classic Newick trimaran Tryst, which earned the regatta’s Style & Grace prize in 2019. Another set of returning local craft are Petro Jonker’s Seaduction and Ian Martin’s Spellbound, popular Leopard catamarans from the renowned South African builder Robertson & Caine. Spellbound, sailing with a crew of young islanders last year, took top honors in Class C, and will be looking to defend their title in February. The catamaran Arawak - Island Water World will defend his title as well, last year the crew won all the races in his category.
Calendar races :
