The 2026 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is set to welcome back New Moon, a 31-foot Carriacou sloop based in Antigua and renowned for her strong links to maritime heritage and youth training.
Built on Windward Beach in Carriacou from local wood harvested on a new moon, the vessel was launched in 2010. She was purchased in 2018 by Billy Gernertt and Charlotte Hooijdonk, who later relocated her to Antigua.
The couple went on to establish the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation, which works with Antiguan youth to help them discover opportunities through sailing. The programme promotes pathways to maritime careers while encouraging respect for cultural traditions and stewardship of the ocean.
A familiar presence on the regatta podium, New Moon has earned the John Leader Trophy for Most Respected Yacht and the Seahorse Studios Trophy for best exemplifying the spirit of the event. She has also won the Concours d’Elégance for traditional boats for five consecutive years.
Sailing with a crew of young Antiguan trainees, the sloop is easily recognised on the water by her distinctive blue and orange paintwork, symbolising both tradition and the future of Caribbean sailing.
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