These guys risked everything to try navigate a $70M superyacht through the world’s most dangerous bridge
- Superyacht captain navigated the world’s most dangerous bridge
- It’s located on the island of St Maarten in the Caribbean
- Considering it’s a $70 million vessel, the stakes are high
Published on Oct 23, 2024 at 5:23 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Oct 24, 2024 at 7:38 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
In a truly nail-biting spectacle, this superyacht captain navigated through one of the world’s most dangerous bridges on the island of St Maarten in the Caribbean.
The world-famous Simpson Bay Bridge has got the better of some of the most experienced sailors.
The deck team sailed through the narrow opening as they dropped off their 2023 season’s first charter.
Did they make it? Let’s find out.
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$70M superyacht vs. the world’s most dangerous bridge
The crew of the 221-foot luxury motor yacht, Loon, arrived at Simpson Bay in St. Maartin.
Available for charter for up to 12 guests in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Bahamas, it offers ‘7* superyacht service, spectacular indoor-outdoor living spaces, and an exceptional water sports program’.
Ahead of dropping off their 2023 season’s first charter, the crew prepared to navigate the tight space between Simpson Bay Bridge.
It’s a notoriously challenging task for any superyacht captain.
Speaking on challenging maneuvers, this Boeing 747 captain tackled extreme crosswinds during landing.
The nailbiting narrow passage
First, Captain Paul Clarke briefs his crew on the strategy for passing through the bridge.
He emphasizes that careful positioning and the use of fenders on one side are key to preventing damage to the valuable vessel.
As the yacht approached the bridge, the captain monitored clearance closely.
Off the back of his observations, he adjusted the vessel’s angle and communicated with the crew to ensure safe passage.
With the entire crew breathing a sigh of relief, the superyacht clears the bridge without incident.
Plus it’s certainly worth the effort, as the lagoon is a natural Hurricane Hole surrounded 365° by land.
That means it’s a ‘really nice protected harbor’.
Meanwhile, this 400-foot-long $360 million superyacht owned by a sports billionaire drew some major attention on the River Thames in London, England.
The Kismet is so big that the vessel could dwarf an entire football field.
London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.
