I am not an astrologer and don’t even pretend to be one, but magic can happen when the stars align. Even during these strange times when the world has been in lockdown, some good stories are coming out. Here is one that should brighten your day. It’s a great story of camaraderie in the times of COVID-19.
It all began when the Southern Wind Shipyard built Aragon (formerly Windfall) decided to compete in the Superyacht Challenge in Antigua. Her new owners were moving up from a smaller performance sailing yacht and were looking forward to competing in the event for the first time. They had plans to set off on an around-the-world cruise right after the regatta in Antigua. As chance would have it, there were four other Southern Wind Shipyard built yachts in the area at the same time. SW105 Wolfhound (formerly Satisfaction) was there as was SW96 Sorceress, the SW100 Padma (formerly I-Sea), and Freebird (formerly Mrs. Marietta). What better occasion than to get them all together for some friendly competition?
This was all decided in “ordinary” times, before COVID-19 hit, and countries started to close their borders. The regatta management team at Southern Wind Shipyard, who had been planning the event, were preparing to go to the Caribbean when they got the news that Italy and Italians were in total lockdown. Respectful of the Italian government’s directives and committed to preserving everyone’s health, the Southern Wind Team reluctantly remained in Italy. It seemed like the event, like so many others in these times of troubles, would have to be canceled. Or would it? Much of the groundwork was already in place. They had already hired a photographer who was onsite. The restaurant had been reserved, and the competitors were in place.
Southern Wind Shipyard has always prided themselves on being “family.” The family extends beyond their employees to their customers who, in turn, regard other Southern Wind Shipyard boat owners as extended family. So when they all got together in Antigua and realized that the team from Italy would not be joining them, they decided to organize the regatta themselves. After a quick consultation and some frantic rescheduling, Aragon’s owners and crew became the Southern Wind Shipyard ambassadors in Antigua, working closely with the team back in Italy, and the show did go on.
Jim Schmicker, Vice President of Farr Yacht Design and the naval architect of numerous Farr/Southern Wind collaborations, stood in for the shipyard. Wolfhound’s captain Nelly organized the photoshoot and helped in many other ways while the yacht’s stewardess, Emma, coordinated a sumptuous dinner. The whole thing was a huge success, but more importantly, it reinforced the strong bond between Southern Wind Shipyard and their extended family of customers.
Andrea Micheli, Southern Wind Shipyard’s Commercial Director, was moved. “In times like these, we need positivity more than ever,” he said. “It’s extraordinary to see how a shared passion for sailing brought everybody together and galvanized our spirits. The values that bind us as sailors such as teamwork, a spirit of collaboration, and a real sense of camaraderie, turned a disappointment around and transformed it. This was not just an event anymore. It was a heartfelt demonstration of support and friendship. It was fantastic to have this new confirmation that Southern Wind Shipyard is more than just a brand; it’s a real family.”
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