And let’s hope this new year allows us all to continue resuming more of our sport, travel, and normal living.

My final event of 2021 was the Les Voiles de St. Tropez on TOPAZ. It was one month after the Rolex Maxi, and another chance to go up against our rivals on the J Velsheda. Our team did an incredible job of identifying issues we had in the previous regatta and making improvements. We sailed a solid regatta, in everything from light to scary winds, and beat Velsheda in every race and also won first in our Class. So a fantastic way to end the year and a season of racing.

Now looking ahead at 2022, my first event will be here in the Caribbean onboard the Superyacht Hyperion at the St. Barths Bucket. This is one totally unique event, combining luxury and glamor on the best administered island in the Caribbean, with the incredible task of trying to race a 50meter yacht around a bunch of unmarked rocks and amongst 25 other difficult-to-maneuver yachts trying to do the same thing. As fun as this event can be, it has also been some of the scariest racing I have ever done!

Next on my latest calendar is a summer of racing in the Mediterranean on the J Class Topaz. This year marks the return of two more J’s back to the racing fleet, Hanuman and Ranger, so we could see up to four of the mighty J’s dueling at a few regattas in Europe. I regard the J’s, with their 30 crew and 43m length, as one of the most difficult boats in the world to sail, and that challenge and the reward is what makes it one of my all-time favorite boats to sail. In a world where everything is going faster, it is incredibly satisfying to race these beautiful yachts.

Wishing everyone a healthy and enjoyable year ahead, peter