The yachts have kept Arlington “Puck” Baptiste busy for the past two weeks. Both of Mr. Baptiste’s Virgin Gorda business ventures — he’s a co-owner of Mahogany Car Rentals and a private chef — benefitted from two recent regattas organised by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda on VG.
The club’s third annual Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous, which ended Sunday, was preceded by the inaugural Rolex Swan Cup on March 11-15.
Mr. Baptiste said he’s glad the economic effects of the races are being felt beyond North Sound and YCCS itself.
“This is the first time that everything is trickling into the community,” he said. “It’s villa rental management guys, private chefs, car rentals, everybody,” Mr. Baptiste said.
For the Swan Cup — which drew more than 20 yachts over four days — the chef prepared barbeque and seafood lasagna for members of a participating yacht crew staying at Leverick Bay Resort. Both races also generated plenty of rentals for Mahogany, he said.
“It’s a good venture,” he said. “I hope it can happen three times a year, you know.”
See the March 28, 2013 edition for full coverage.