Monday 5 December 2016

Superyacht Cup 2017 - a Tour de Force of Regatta Winning Potential

Even though we'll need to lie in wait for the 21st edition of Palma's Superyacht Cup, which will take place from the 21st until the 24th of June, the entry list is already shaping up to be a powerful tour de force of regatta-winning-potential! No less than eleven impressive superyachts have signed up so far, none of which are strangers to the big-boat regatta circuit. The 28m Reichel Pugh designed Kiboko Dos, for example, is a regular attendee and sailed a solid race during this year's event, taking third in Class C.

Another steadfast Superyacht Cup entrant is the 45m Wally Saudade. This seasoned racer will be participating for the fourth consecutive time. The 50m Borkumriff IV, designed by Dijkstra and built by the acclaimed Royal Huisman shipyard, blasted around the Bay of Palma during our 2014 edition. We're excited to welcome each of the above boats back on the race course in June 2017!

We're excited to welcome the Royal Huisman built 50m Borkumriff IV back next year. ©Roy Roberts
This next event will, once more, see an irresistibly varied fleet. For performance based boats there will be plenty of competition to keep the most talented sailors on their toes, and eager spectators on the very edge of their seats.

The 33m Baltic-built Win Win pulled out an impressive overall win this year, but whether this uncompromising carbon rocket will be able to hold on to her title for our next regatta remains to be seen. She'll be up against the likes of the 38m lion-like Perini P2. She was steered to victory three times this past year: during the Superyacht Cup with a 'not so shabby' three out of three wins. Another one to keep tabs on will be the recently launched 34m new-generation Nautor Swan built boat Highland Fling XV. She'll be taking part in this sailors' regatta for the first time.

Apart from Superyacht Cup sailing at its best, we'll be able to look forward to a lively social programme: expect to catch up with good friends old and new while enjoying great music, delicious food, relaxing happy hours and the epic parties regular SYC participants have become accustomed to.

As in previous years, race management will be in the expert hands of the prestigious Real Club NĂ¡utico de Palma. The new NOR, freshly updated for our 2017 edition, can be found online here.

As places are limited we advise competitors keen to take on next year's challenge to register early.

In A Class of its Own

The SuperYacht Racing Association (SYRA) has developed a brand new initiative: the Corinthian Spirit Class. This unique class focuses on fun low-key racing, through fewer regatta expenses, a streamlined handicapping process, and less preparations needed from the captain and crew in the lead-up to an event. This new class, which will also be implemented at the Superyacht Cup, aims to revive the atmosphere of the earlier Bucket regattas, making it foremost an enjoyable and friendly event. Additionally, it will be easier for owners to get their yachts 'race ready' which means they can 'just' turn up and sail while still being able to race competitively.

Returning Sponsors Astilleros de Mallorca and St. Regis Mardavall

We're excited to announce that one of the island's leading shipyards, Astilleros de Mallorca - builders of the iconic 65m three-masted schooner SY Adix - will be returning as silver sponsors. This well-known yard boasts having refit or repair work done on more than 120 yachts annually. Many of these have been seen slicing through the Superyacht Cup circuit, like the elegant 31m Gaia or the aforementioned previous event winner, Win Win. Additionally, the yard's been given prestigious awards such as Boat International's Superyacht Award for Best Refit.

We'll also be able to count on Preferred Hotel Partner, the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, to continue their on-going support. The St. Regis is a stunning resort framed by the Tramuntana Mountains, the luxurious marina of Puerto Portals and the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea. Perfect for a luscious and luxurious escape before or after an adrenaline-fuelled three days of racing.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please contact Jane Thompson at jane@thesuperyachtcup.com for more information.