Svea and Topaz Collide in Antigua

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J Class sailing yachts Svea and Topaz have been involved in a serious collision at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua.

A video circulating on social media shows 43.6 metre Svea riding over the stern of 42.6 metre Topaz, forcing a member of crew overboard in the process.

According to the J Class Association, the incident occurred just before the start of the first race on March 12. In a short statement, the association said two crew members were injured and have received medical attention. Both boats sustained damage and had to immediately retire from the race.

As a result of the incident Svea and Topaz have both withdrawn from this year's Superyacht Challenge Antigua. The dramatic footage was captured on board fellow J Class yacht Velsheda.

Both Topaz and Svea are race veterans and have competed against each other in a number of international sailing regattas, including the St Barths Bucket and the Superyacht Cup Palma.

Built by Vitters, Svea was launched in 2017 making her the newest member of the J Class fleet. Topaz is also a modern J Class, and is based on an unbuilt 1935 Frank Paine design. She was delivered by Holland Jachtbouw in 2015.

by Holly Overton