Entry interest has been early and very promising with 20 boats already registered and several new yachts making their debut in Palma. The newcomers include two stunning launches from Vitters Shipyard, the 46m sloop Ganesha designed by Dubois and the 33m bright green hulled Inoui designed by Briand. Both owners are veteran Superyacht Cup participants with their previous yachts and will be returning from the Caribbean with their new boats tuned and tested ready for Palma. Another first time entrant is the Royal Huisman built sloop Twizzle (Dubois Yacht Design) which at 57m is the largest yacht to register so far. Holland Jachtbouw will be represented by the exceptional J Class Rainbow (Dykstra & Partners) as well as the 43m ketch This is Us (Hoek Design). The winner of the J Class 2013, Hanuman, built by Royal Huisman has recently confirmed she plans to be back to defend her title, the competition amongst the famous five is likely to be the closest seen yet.
The location of the regatta village will be greatly enhanced this year as the newly reformed Muelle Viejo and Moll Vell Marina will be completed. The deck terraces and restaurants of the new building adjacent to the SYC dock will provide spectators with prime views of the event village and the superyacht fleet. The Superyacht Cup is one of the few regattas on the circuit to have such a convenient, central city location with a huge range of hotels, restaurants, shopping and first class service facilities within walking distance as well as being only 15 minutes from an international airport, all adding to making team logistics easier. The Bay of Palma provides the perfect sailing arena with typical Mediterranean afternoon sea breeze conditions, warm turquoise waters and the backdrop of the Cathedral, City and Tramuntana mountain range in the distance.
