From Superyachts to Start Lines: A Big Week on the Water in Annapolis

Jon Van Drent brings a unique blend of hands-on sailing experience, global business expertise, and a lifelong passion for the water to his role as a yacht broker. Raised sailing on San Francisco Bay and experienced in offshore racing, he pairs real-world seamanship with a strong professional background that includes bush flying in Alaska and over a decade in international shipping and sales management. His career has equipped him with the skills to navigate complex transactions, negotiate effectively, and guide clients with confidence. As an active boat owner and sailor, Jon offers a practical, informed perspective that clients can trust throughout the buying and selling process.

Jon Van Drent
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About Jon Van Drent

Norn Mega Yacht Turns Heads on the Chesapeake

One of the standout sights on the Chesapeake last week was the 90-meter superyacht Norn. Built by Lürssen and delivered in 2023, she’s widely seen as the successor to the iconic Skat and carries forward a bold, modern design vision from Espen Øino.

With sharp, angular lines, a reverse bow, and distinctive geometric windows, Norn has a purposeful, almost naval look that sets her apart from more traditional yachts. While interior details remain largely private, she’s believed to feature a highly modern layout, including a transformable pool and outdoor cinema.

After appearances across Europe, Norn has now made her way to U.S. waters, with recent sightings in the Chesapeake Bay drawing attention from local boaters. At 90 meters, she’s a striking reminder that even in a sailing hub like Annapolis, there’s always something extraordinary passing through.

Helly Hansen Regatta Delivers Competitive Weekend Racing

At the same time, Annapolis hosted the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series, bringing over 200 boats to the Bay for a weekend of varied and challenging conditions.

Top honors went to the Cal 25 Fahrvergnugen, sailed by Shane Zwingelberg and Alisa Finney. The team excelled in a demanding distance race marked by shifting winds and strong gusts, using precise sail handling and smart positioning to pull ahead of the fleet and secure both their class win and overall title.

Consistent performance and strong starts were key to their success, allowing them to break free early and maintain control throughout the weekend. Their win also earned them a spot in the Helly Hansen Caribbean Championship later this year.

Racing across other classes was equally competitive. Large fleets like the J/105s and J/70s saw tight mark roundings and strategic battles in current and breeze, while classes such as the J/29s, J/88s, and Viper 640s showcased the depth of Annapolis racing talent. Some fleets sat out the strongest conditions on Sunday, while others thrived in the breeze.

With multiple racecourses managed by local yacht clubs, the event once again highlighted Annapolis as one of the country’s premier sailing venues—where world-class racing and standout waterfront moments often happen side by side.