Borkumriff IV Returning to Palma

Royal Huisman´s Borkumriff IV, Image Roy Roberts

The spectacular schooner Borkumriff IV recently confirmed they will join the impressive line up of yachts for this year's Superyacht Cup in Palma. Designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and built by Royal Huisman, she was launched in 2002 from their yard in Holland. At 51m overall and with a displacement of almost 300 tons, Borkumriff IV is the largest yacht taking part this year.   Her Rondal aluminium plate masts are over 50m tall (166ft) and carry Rondal carbon fiber booms and gaffs, towering over her vast deck. Borkumriff IV last took part in the Superyacht Cup in Palma in 2007 where for the first time she raced against her sister ship Meteor who had been launched just weeks before the historic Superyacht Cup (which incorporated the Millennium Cup),  where an unbeaten record fleet of 52 superyachts raced in the Bay of Palma.

Many of the fleet have undergone refit work over the winter months, Astilleros de Mallorca in Palma have been working with two of the J Class yachts, Velsheda and Ranger.  Velsheda (Dykstra/Camper & Nicholsons) at 38m is the smallest of the J´s, she has been out of the water undergoing keel remodeling and deck structure modification while her rival Ranger 42m (Burgess & Stephens/Dykstra Design/Danish Yachts) has undergone a special survey, shaft overhaul and engine alignment.

Out of the five Js participating in Palma, only Rainbow 40m (Dykstra & Partners/Holland Jachtbouw) has been racing in the Caribbean over the winter, the others have all stayed in Europe.  The competition will be closer than ever this year, everyone looking for improved performance and an edge on their stable mates. The photo below shows the sleek lines of all five J's but the size difference is highlighted from this birds eye view.

Five J Class Yachts at SYC Palma 2013 - Image Jesús Renedo

After the successful 2013-season including her impressive win at the Superyacht Cup, Heartbeat 24m (Hoek/Claasen Shipyard) returned to Royal Huisman´s Huisfit in Vollenhove for an interior and exterior cosmetic upgrade over the winter. The work included the production and installation of various new interior sections to re-locate the aft owner's suite to the fore ship. Additional portholes were installed providing extra daylight in the forward part of the yacht and she will return to Palma to defend her title in June.

 Complete Marine Freight return as the official logistics partner to the Superyacht Cup, providing shipping and storage services for the event and their partners. With a large warehouse close to Palma and office facilities in the STP yard, Complete Marine Freight´s experienced team are a great asset to the regatta as well as providing logistics support to many of the participating yachts in the fleet www.completemarinefreight.com. Complete Marine Freight are also an active supporter of the Superyacht Cup´s official charity, Joves Navegants www.thesuperyachtcup.com/palma/media/official-charity/index.php.  A recent dock party at STP organized by CMF and the crew of the yacht Aglaia raised over €31,000 for three local charities including Joves Navegants. This year's Superyacht Cup is aiming to raise a further €11,000 which will help disadvantaged young people of Mallorca, giving them the opportunity to learn to sail, a life changing experience for many.

Full Line up for Palma

The Caribbean season is drawing to a close and focus is now switching to the upcoming Mediterranean circuit where interest is as high as ever. With 22 entries already confirmed for the regatta the STP and Moll Vell docks that play host to the Superyacht Cup Palma are close to full capacity.  Real Club Nautico de Palma (RCNP) and STP are assisting with plans for additional entries to find berths in close proximity to the SYC Village.

Palma has always been a popular choice for yachts returning from the Caribbean, preparing for charter, racing and cruising throughout Europe.  The facilities at STP are some of the best in the world, incorporating the latest technology with the quality and experience of specialist companies for repair, refit and maintenance. Long term SYC sponsors Rolling Stock and RSB Rigging Solutions are located within the STP yard and many of the international shipyards including Royal Huisman and Vitters Shipyard have satellite teams based in Palma ready to assist with warranty and regular service work.

Perini Navi 45m Clan VIII - photo www.clairematches.com

The latest entry to confirm and a first time participant at SYC Palma is the 45m sloop Clan VIII, built by Perini Navi and launched in 2011. Captain Dave Evans and his wife Fiona will have the yacht beautifully prepared for her debut visit. Another new yacht for 2014 is the Nautor Swan 100 Munzuni, recently sold to a new owner by SYC sponsors Y.CO.

New Entry Swan 100´ Munzuni

Reckmann and Rondal have confirmed silver sponsorship for 2014 and join the impressive line up of the biggest names in the superyacht industry. Reckmann´s functional and reliable reefing systems and hydraulics are used by the majority of the superyacht fleet.  Rondal is internationally recognised for quality and advanced design engineering of its custom superyacht solutions, designing and manufacturing spars and rigging, winches, hatches and deck equipment. Both companies are key suppliers to the superyacht industry worldwide and work closely with the partner shipyards of SYC.

STP´s facilities in Palma

Racing will be managed by internationally renowned yacht club RCNP, they will coordinate the J class fleet racing and the staggered start superyacht classes. All yachts will be fitted with Trac Trac GPS units so that racing can be viewed live on the internet. Additionally all yachts will carry Pantaenius Range Finder to help measure boat-to-boat distances. Pantaenius have been a long-standing sponsor and supporter of the Superyacht Cup Palma and will host a race day, awarding Pantaenius Trophies to the winners of the superyacht classes on Thursday June 19th.