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 9:23 AM (UTC-4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Oct 24, 2024 at 11:38 AM (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.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
$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.
Related
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.
With a dual English and French degree and NCTJ diploma, Amelia began her career doing award-winning writing and editing for titles and brands spanning Women's Health, the Telegraph, Boots, and Vitality. Amelia joined the SB Media family in September of 2023, bringing her expertise in SEO and reader takeaway. As Lead Editor, her superpower is translating technical jargon about the mechanical workings of a supercar into a shareable story.
