Entries are flooding in for the 2019 Superyacht Cup Palma

While the thoughts of many may be turned towards the end of year festivities, superyacht owners, skippers and crews have been planning ahead and registering for next June’s edition of the Superyacht Cup Palma.

The giant Athos will be back in 2019

No fewer than 14 of the world’s finest yachts have already expressed interest in the 23rd edition of Europe’s largest and longest-running superyacht regatta, with 19–22 June blocked out in their 2019 programmes.

As ever, the Superyacht Cup looks set to welcome back old friends while getting ready to make some new ones.

The 2018 champion Velsheda will be back to defend her trophy and will be joined in the always impressive J-Class by Topaz, who will be sure to give her venerable classmate some healthy competition.

Also back – and no doubt out to deny Velsheda a second consecutive victory – is the super-ketch Mari Cha III, Superyacht Cup runner-up on countback in 2018.

Velsheda will be back to defend her title

Atalante, the giant Athos, Freya, Nilaya, Sojana, Inoui and Win Win are all also making a welcome return, while Huckleberry and Kealoha are the new kids on the block with the Superyacht Cup experience to look forward to.

“It is very, very positive to have such a strong expression of interest at this time of year, so the signs are all good for another fantastic Superyacht Cup in 2019,” said Event Director Kate Branagh.

“As ever we will aim to deliver competitive racing alongside an informal and relaxed social programme – it is a mix that has proved a winning combination for over two decades now, and one clearly appreciated by the large number of returning owners, skippers and crews.”

Among regulars making a welcome return is round-the-world race legend and Volvo Ocean Race skipper Bouwe Bekking, who will be aboard the 34m carbon sloop Nilaya, itself returning after a class winning debut in 2011.

“Everything about the Superyacht Cup is just so well organised and set up, so the owners and the crews can just enjoy it,” said Bekking.

“And Palma is the perfect venue as well – when you go out on the water you can be sure of racing, and when you come back you can just soak up the really laid-back ambience on the dock with a fantastic backdrop to it all. It’s just a great time, guaranteed.”

Also returning in 2019 are many of the Superyacht Cup’s long-standing partners, friends and suppliers, including destination and hotel partners 100% Pure New Zealand and St Regis, Gold partner Baltic Yachts – the builder of entrants Nilaya and Win Win – and Silver partners Maffioli, Pantaenius and Astilleros de Mallorca, one of the event’s longest running sponsors.

And back in their vital and welcome role as post-race Happy Hour friends are both Southern Spars and North Sails.

Our preferred hotel partner, the St. Regis Mardavall in all its glory during the 2018 Owner's Dinner

Meanwhile the Notice of Race is now on the Superyacht Cup website for download at http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/sailingdocs.php with all the need to know conditions and details, along with a provisional programme of events – both afloat and ashore – laid out.

Entry forms are available from kate@thesuperyachtcup.com

There are a limited number of berths available within the Superyacht Cup village area in the heart of Palma, and prospective entrants are advised they will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Those in need of inspiration are invited to view the video at: https://youtu.be/381-D_E-So8

Save the date: The Superyacht Cup Palma returns for its 23rd edition in 2019

Save the date for the 23rd edition of the Superyacht Cup Palma! 19-22 June 2019

• Check out the highlights to relive this year’s festival of superyachting on the Bay of Palma
• And if you missed The Superyacht Cup Palma on The World Sailing Show, click here. 
• Or on CNN Mainsail, click here. 
• Exclusive 22nd Superyacht Cup clothing, luggage and accessories are available now in a half-price sale for a limited period of time, click here to get kitted out!

Don't miss out on the exclusive 22nd Superyacht Cup clothing, luggage and accessory sale!

Make sure to save the date for the 23rd running of Europe’s largest and longest-running superyacht regatta from 19–22 June 2019.

Our 23rd edition will again offer yacht owners, their friends, captains, crews and sponsors the opportunity to meet in an idyllic setting both on and off the water.

The successful 2018 event reunited old friends and rivals along with several newcomers among the 17-strong fleet.

The final outcome of the 2018 Superyacht Cup was in the balance until the final moments of competition. An absorbing final day concluded with two very different superyachts tied on points for the overall trophy, with the venerable J Class yacht Velsheda edging out the record-breaking Class B super-ketch Mari-Cha III on countback alone.

With racing across four classes several other magnificent superyachts also got a share of the limelight.

The lightweight carbon flyer Win Win repeated her 2017 Class A winning performance, while the impressive 50m ketch Silencio took Class C.

Another ketch, Q, emerged as winner of the newly added non-spinnaker Corinthian Class.

Planning is already well underway for the 2019 celebration of superyacht racing, with organisers again focused on constantly improving a regatta that has gone from strength to strength since it started in 1997.

“The Superyacht Cup has grown and evolved its own unique atmosphere over the years,” said Event Director Kate Branagh.

“It is a reunion event for many of our regular participants, and a real family gathering that offers a warm welcome to every member of the international superyacht community.

“As ever, the 23rd Superyacht Cup next year will offer competitive racing and an informal, relaxed social programme in equal measure. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back!”

Stay posted for the Notice of Race in December and entries opening in January – all information here: http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com

Click on the links above to catch up on all the action at The Superyacht Cup Palma on CNN Mainsail and The World Sailing Show

Velsheda takes dramatic overall victory in a close finish at The Superyacht Cup Palma

Velsheda stormed around the course to take the overall Superyacht Cup trophy - credit Claire Matches

A dramatic day on Palma Bay saw the final outcome of the 22nd Superyacht Cup hanging in the balance until the final moments of competition.

Once the spray had settled at the end of the deciding St. Regis Mardavall Race the overall trophy went narrowly but deservedly to the famous J Class yacht Velsheda after an inspiring performance over the three days of Europe’s largest and longest-running superyacht regatta.

The venerable Velsheda, built in 1933 and since lovingly restored and regularly optimised, took two wins from three races in Class B to finish level on overall points with the superketch Mari-Cha III, taking the class and the overall Superyacht Cup title on countback. Another well sailed ketch Sojana finished third overall.

“To be in the mix with all the guys in Class B and to able to hold our own was delightful, then to come out top overall is completely amazing,” said Lars Loftus, Velsheda owner’s representative. “It should be close racing and it was a tie with Mari-Cha before we got them on countback, but we will take it.

“To be able to come here and race against such a diverse fleet is really a hats’ off to the ORCsy rating, the way that they take the information that we give them and how they rate us shows that they are paying attention.

“This is a brilliant regatta and the social side is a great complement to what we do out on the water. A lot of the guys have been sailing on Velsheda for many years, so to come here and take the old girl out on the water and get a win is simply fantastic.

“An event like this, with the atmosphere and all the different classes, is really conducive to getting the owners involved and getting them out on the water and racing these boats. They have obviously got a passion for sailing, they are committed to it, and to be able to come out and do it in an arena like this is brilliant for them.”

Win Win lived up to her name with victory in a tightly contested Class A - credit Claire Matches

Another dazzling day out on the water in the spectacular conditions so often delivered on Palma Bay saw other class results and individual rivalries settled in the friendly competition that is such a hallmark of The Superyacht Cup.

Win Win repeated her Class A winning performance of last year – which itself followed an overall Superyacht Cup win in 2016 – after holding off strong challenges from both Saudade and Highland Fling 15.

Going into the finale with all three boats tied on points, the closest Class A race of the regatta saw Win Win eke out a narrow advantage to take the victory, immaculate boat handling and crisp manoeuvres perhaps the deciding factor. Saudade finished second overall with Highland Fling third.

Silencio took a race win on her way to victory in Class C - credit Claire Matches

Bolero won the final race in Class C, but Silencio’s second place to add to her earlier first and second saw her take the overall class win ahead of Bolero and Athos.

While the Corinthian Class D – making its first appearance at the regatta – were not in contention for the overall Superyacht Cup trophy, the two yachts involved raced hard, with Q taking the win ahead of Scorpione of London.

Moreover, the skipper of Scorpione of London reckons the more relaxed non-spinnaker category has a big part to play in the future of the event.

“The Corinthian Class is a nice idea to bring new owners into this event. It is a great entry level and if we can develop the Corinthian concept it will build the regatta for years to come,” said Clive Walker.

Event director Kate Branagh summed up the 2018 Superyacht Cup, saying: “Palma Bay delivered again as always, with some fantastic close racing across a range of classes, followed by relaxed and friendly times ashore.

“The owners and crews have had a memorable time and we look forward to welcoming many of them back again next year to the 23rd Superyacht Cup.”

Q wins first ever Superyacht Cup Palma Corinthian Class contest - credit Claire Matches

Bigger breeze brings Palma Bay alive as The Superyacht Cup anticipates final day decider

Biggest boat in the fleet, Athos, made the most of the big breeze to win her Class - credit Claire Matches

The Superyacht Cup Palma fleet returned to action today with an added ingredient – a shot of extra breeze which set Palma Bay alive.

Any early concerns over the wind evaporated as Palma’s ever reliable sea breeze kicked in to send the 16-strong fleet off to a flying start in a steady 10 to 15 knots.

The extra five knots of wind around the course added spice to an already indulgent feast of sailing, with the battle lines now firmly established on the route to deciding the contenders for winner of Europe’s largest and longest-running superyacht regatta.

That said, the close contest in Class A saw all three hard-charging boats in lockstep around the course. With the final results the exact opposite of yesterday – Win Win first today ahead of Saudade and Highland Fling – each yacht sits on four points with all to play for in tomorrow’s decider.

“The fact we are all tied on points shows that it is pretty close racing,” said Win Win’s skipper Ryan Taylor. “We were expecting it though, it is always tight racing with these guys, always a challenge.”
As former winners of The Superyacht Cup and class winners last year, the Win Win crew will be aiming for another strong result. Taylor added: “We are based here, so The Superyacht Cup Palma is a pretty special event for us.”

Mari Cha III, 21-years-old and still a stunning super-maxi - credit Claire Matches

In the diverse and competitive Class B, the largest class at the regatta, Mari-Cha III emerged the winner ahead of Sojana with Ganesha in third place.

After a second place yesterday the 45m super-ketch is poised ahead of the final day said race skipper Mike Sanderson, still buzzing after an exhilarating day on the water.

“It was amazing and Palma Bay turned it on once again – it is a very special place to sail,” he said.

“We had a reaching superyacht course and beautiful conditions. It was one of those days that was spectacular to watch as well, even from where we were sitting. If we have a good day tomorrow we are well placed – so fingers crossed.”

Velsheda second only to Mari Cha III in Class B - credit Claire Matches

Between the J Class rivals in Class B, the day went again to Velsheda, who finished fourth in the class, with Svea fifth just 14 seconds in arrears on corrected time.

Overall, Mari-Cha III leads Class B on three points, Velsheda is second with five, and Sojana third with seven.

In Class C, the majestic 56m Athos made the most of the bigger breeze to win the day. However, Silencio added a second place to her first day victory to lead overall from Athos and Bolero.

And it was a case of trading places in the two-boat Corinthian Class D, Q taking the win today ahead yesterday’s winner Scorpione of London – as in Class A the two are dead level on points and anticipating tomorrow’s winner-takes-all finale.

Once ashore owners, skippers and crews enjoyed the Southern Spars Happy Hour and expended any remaining competitive energy in the Pendennis Paddle Board Challenge, which was followed by the invitation-only Owners’ Mid-Summer Barbeque at The St. Regis Mardavall, one of The Superyacht Cup Palma’s main partners.

Racing at The Superyacht Cup Palma continues tomorrow with the final day of racing.

Team Athos dominated Pendennis Paddleboard Challenge - credit Claire Matches

The Superyacht Cup gets the party started as the full fleet goes into action

Highland Fling proves herself as a lightweight flyer - credit Claire Matches

The Superyacht Cup Palma got into full flow today as the Pantaenius Race heralded the start of fleet racing with a course around a sun-soaked Palma Bay.

Following a spectacular curtain raiser to Europe’s largest and longest-running superyacht regatta with the J Class yachts Svea and Velsheda in what amounted to match racing action yesterday, the entire 16-strong Superyacht Cup fleet took to the water.

Class winners last year and Superyacht Cup victors in 2016, Win Win got the party started, crossing the line bang on her allocated 1300 timeslot as part of a staggered starting sequence, heading out to the left-hand side of the course. The rest of the superyacht fraternity followed suit, starting at two-minute intervals in a light but steady breeze.

Velsheda takes another win against Svea in the J-Class needle-match, but also wins Class B - credit Claire Matches

Saudade was next up, opting for the right side to the first windward mark, with Highland Fling following in Win Win’s wake to complete the Class A contingent.

Bliss was the first of the seven-strong Class B – the largest at the regatta – to start racing, swiftly followed by the J Class twosome, uniquely starting together to maintain their race-within-a-race wrangle.

Class C and then the Corinthian Class D duo of Q and Scorpione of London joined the action, all heading for the first mark of the course, Silver Fern, so named in recognition of 100% New Zealand’s support for the Superyacht Cup.

While the staggered starts might eliminate the drama of a crowded start line, it does nothing to detract from the intensity and focus of the racing, with all the crews aiming to wring every ounce of performance from their yachts.

The ORCsy handicapping system aims to smooth out differences in size and design. So it proved in Class A with Highland Fling demonstrating her racing pedigree to win by almost a minute and a half on corrected time ahead of Saudade after two and a half hours of racing, with Win Win only 23 seconds further back.

“It was fantastic out there today, great conditions here in Palma with a nice nine to 12 knots sea breeze, and quite challenging at times,” said Cameron Appleton, Highland Fling’s tactician.
“I like this place it’s really special, the unique geography puts a bend in the wind you have to get right every time. We were fortunate to get past the right boat at the right time and pull away on the last leg to take first in our class. Timing was everything.

“The first race is always pretty key. We expect conditions to be similar tomorrow so we know what we have to do. Anything is possible.”

Closest contest of the day and a Class win for Silencio, a newcomer to the Superyacht Cup - credit Claire Matches

Closest contest though came in Class C, with Silencio getting the better of Bolero by just 12 seconds with Aquarius third.

“We actually thought we had lost it by 15 seconds, which was our guess,” said a delighted Ed Danby, helm on Silencio.

“We had a cracking last run coming in and got two really favourable shifts which helped a lot. We have got a great bunch of guys on the boat, and the owner’s wife and his children helping pull the spinnakers down, and that’s what it is all about.”

Scorpione of London cruised to victory in Class - credit Claire Matches

Scorpione of London took Corinthian Class D honours ahead of Q, while Velsheda not only got the better of Svea but also took the win in Class B ahead of Mari-Cha III in second, pipping Svea by just 28 seconds on corrected time.

“We got our start right, taking the right-hand side of the first beat,” said Velsheda tactician Tom Dodson.

“We weren’t a 100 per cent sure about it but we were pretty sure that side would work out, and then we saw a couple of the locals going that way, so we felt pretty good about that.

“I don’t expect any more races like that to be honest, our performances with Svea are pretty much identical. We are now racing the general fleet and not just Svea – we quite like the ORCsy format and the boats we are racing are all well sailed, and Svea is certainly one of those.”

After racing competitors celebrated a great day on the water and enjoyed the North Sails Happy Hour followed by the Paella Dock Party at Jack’s Club by St Regis.

Racing at The Superyacht Cup Palma continues tomorrow and Saturday.

J Class duo put on a spectacular show to launch The Superyacht Cup Palma

It was one race apiece on the opening day for the J Class with Velsheda taking the win in the second race - credit Claire Matches

As a curtain raiser to the 22nd Superyacht Cup it does not get much better than the sight of two of the superb J Class yachts strutting their stuff out on the vibrant blue waters of Palma Bay.

The opening races of the Mediterranean’s largest and longest running superyacht festival pitched Velsheda and Svea head to head against each other, a vivid reminder perhaps of the class’s distinguished match racing heritage.

The contest, which set the scene for a further three days of full-on Superyacht Cup fleet action, saw near ideal wind conditions under blue skies, only punctuated by the white clouds over Mallorca’s mountain backdrop.

And as perhaps an indicator of the open, even handed racing that lies ahead, the day finished honours’ even with each boat putting a victory on the board.

Svea on her way to a win - credit Claire Matches

“The Superyacht Cup could hardly have got off to a better start with Palma delivering the conditions it is renowned for and both our J Class stars taking a win each to launch the regatta,” said Event Director Kate Branagh.

“The whole fleet will be out in force tomorrow for three days of racing, followed by some equally enjoyable socialising and catching-up on shore.”

The fact that two yachts representing the full diversity of the J Class – from refitted original vessels like the 1933-built Velsheda to the new generation represented by Svea – can race and win is testimony to the sophisticated handicapping system used by the J Class Association, which was used in the opening act.

Powering downwind in perfect conditions - credit Claire Matches 

Race one saw the two yachts dramatically split tacks from the start, with Svea’s choice of the right side of the course paying off with a 30 second lead at the gate at the top of the course. It was an advantage they were able to maintain to the finish.

The tables were turned in the second contest, with Velsheda leading the way from the start and holding her advantage with some no doubt match racing inspired covering tactics both upwind and down on both circuits.

“We had a good tussle with Svea in both races,” said Velsheda’s tactician Tom Dodson. “They showed really good speed in the first race to cross ahead on the first beat. In the second it all worked for us, we got the cross and hung on.
“Both boats are owner-driver and sailed to such a high standard – if we get everything right we can still win races against the newer boats.”

And he added: “Palma and the Superyacht Cup is special – flat water is a big deal with steady, consistent wind. The atmosphere around the dock is also fantastic.”

It is a view fully shared by Svea’s tactician Charlie Ogletree: “Palma Bay is amazing, a fantastic background and great conditions with 10 to 14 knots of wind, with a few shifts around to be able to play the game.

“We are new and only just starting our second year of sailing, while Velsheda is a bit of a benchmark in the class and we all aspire to compete against them. It was match racing, though we backed off a little of course, the last thing we want is a collision, but we push it as hard as we can while staying safe.”

The friendly rivalry will be continued for the remainder of the Superyacht Cup, with Svea and Velsheda starting together as part of the timed starting sequence used by the whole fleet.

Racing continues until June 23rd, alongside a full social programme in the Superyacht Cup event village.

Last word to Charlie Ogletree: “We are looking forward to the rest of the week – it is going to be fun.”

All hands on deck on board Velsheda - credit Claire Matches 

Waiting is almost over as final countdown begins to start of The Superyacht Cup Palma

Final preparations are being made as the clock counts down towards the start of the 22nd Superyacht Cup with many of the world’s most impressive sailing vessels now gathering in Palma, Mallorca.

With racing set to begin in just a few days’ time on 20 June, yachts from all corners of the globe have responded to the enduring allure of Europe’s longest running and largest superyacht regatta.
Some – like Bolero, Bliss and Athos – have returned from the far reaches of Asia and the Pacific, with many others including Missy, Velsheda and Svea arriving from the Caribbean.

The already impressive fleet has been further boosted with the recent addition of the impressive 50m ketch Silencio. With performance to match her good looks, Silencio has shown previous regatta form in winning both the 2013 Perini Cup and 2015 Millennium Cup, so will be one to watch once racing gets underway. Launched by Perini Navi in 2001, Silencio (ex-Perseus) was extensively refitted in 2012.

With so many yachts returning to the Mediterranean for the Superyacht Cup, Palma has been delivering on its global reputation as the go-to place for outstanding maintenance, refit and repair facilities.

“The sense of excitement around Palma is growing with every passing day as the start of the Superyacht Cup gets closer,” said Event Manager Kate Branagh.

“We are ready and waiting to put on one of the greatest sailing shows on Earth, and I am sure all the owners, skippers and crews, some of whom have travelled long distances to be here, will have a wonderful time.”

Meanwhile, organisers have confirmed that the Superyacht Cup will this year include a Corinthian class, which will allow owners to share the thrills of racing without a spinnaker and with a smaller crew.

Q will be joining the Corinthian Class, image provided by Michael Kurtz, Pantaenius

Entries into this only slightly more relaxed category will include the 52m long-distance cruising ketch Q, and the elegant 46m sloop Scorpione of London, one of two yachts in the fleet from Baltic Yachts, a Superyacht Cup Gold Partner.

Confirming the Superyacht Cup’s international reach, the event’s Preferred Hotel Partner, The St. Regis Mardavall, has expanded its involvement to their global brand which encompasses more than 60 hotels worldwide. St. Regis will host the Paella Dock Party at Jack’s Club at the heart of the race village on Thursday 21 June and the Owners Mid-Summer Barbecue on the Friday.

St. Regis joins the Superyacht Cup’s Destination Partner 100% Pure New Zealand – which is hosting the Welcome Cocktail Party on Wednesday 20 June – in taking full advantage of the high-level promotional opportunity.

As part of the relaxed and entertaining shore side social programme running through all four days of the Superyacht Cup, event Gold Partners Pendennis will again be running their highly competitive Pendennis Paddleboard Challenge on Friday 22 June.

Yachts can continue their friendly rivalry out on the race course by entering one or more teams of four paddleboarders for a relay race off the Palma dockside!

The full programme of racing and shore events, along with the entry list and other information can be seen at http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/index.php The Sailing Instructions can be found at http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/sailingdocs.php

Excitement grows as the clock ticks down to The Superyacht Cup Palma

With less than two months to go excitement is growing ahead of the 22nd Superyacht Cup as yet more spectacular yachts join the already impressive fleet.

Svea © Carlo Borlenghi / J Class

Part of the last-minute rush to take part in Europe’s longest running and largest superyacht regatta are Missy, a 33-metre lightweight carbon fibre world cruising yacht, Q, the 52-metre long-distance cruising ketch, and the 46-metre sloop Scorpione of London.

Launched in 2016 at Vitters Shipyard in the Netherlands, the striking and elegant Missy is the first yacht to result from a collaboration between the yard and Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design.

Q – ex-Mondango 2 – was originally launched in 2009 and the Dubois designed blue water yacht has recently had an extensive refit with a Scandinavian theme courtesy of Reymond Langton.

The equally elegant Scorpione of London – ex-Pink Gin – is the latest entry to have been built by Baltic Yachts, one of The Superyacht Cup’s Gold Partners.

Meanwhile, Q and Scorpione’s participation also opens the door to a possible Corinthian class at the June gathering, allowing owners to experience the thrill of racing with a smaller crew and without spinnakers.

Missy, Q and Scorpione of London follow the 45m super-ketch Mari-Cha III and the 37m high-performance composite sloop Bliss as the latest high-profile additions to the exceptional superyacht gathering in Palma.

All five will join a fleet that also features the iconic and classic J-Class yachts Svea (44m) and Velsheda (38m). Sadly, Ranger has withdrawn from The Superyacht Cup following the sudden death of owner John Williams. Georgia-born Williams took delivery of Ranger in 2004, the first of the new modern replicas that have led the J-Class revival. “This is such a great loss to the yachting community,” said SYC event owner, Kate Branagh. “John Williams was a hugely powerful force in bringing the J-Class fleet together. He’s done the Superyacht Cup many times and will be greatly missed.”

Svea and Velsheda will open The Superyacht Cup on Wednesday 20 June, the first of four days of competitive racing. They will then be joined on the second and following days by the full fleet, including regular Superyacht Cup participants Inoui, Atalante, Saudade and the 33m Baltic Yachts built Win Win, who will be out to defend their 2017 Class A title.

Joining Missy and Q in the first-timer contingent are Aquarius and the 35.2m Highland Fling, aka the ultimate ‘performance Swan’.

The awe-inspiring fleet is currently completed by the giant 62m Athos, the largest yacht so far entered, last year’s Superyacht Cup winner Bolero, Ganesha, another Vitters graduate, and the 35m Farr ketch Sojana.

“The Superyacht Cup has always been a fantastic mix of returning friends and exciting newcomers, and 2018 will be no different,” said Kate Branagh. “We are delighted to welcome Missy, Scorpione of London and Q to the party and we are certain they will have a wonderful time both on and off the water.”

Also new to the 2018 Superyacht Cup are Silver Sponsors the Boat International Owners’ Club and NetJets, while Axopar Boats are providing the official spectator and press boats.

They will stand alongside returning Gold Partners Baltic Yachts and Pendennis, and existing Partners St Regis Mardavall and 100% Pure New Zealand.

A full and enticing social programme will run alongside the four days of Superyacht Cup racing from 19-23 June. 100% Pure NZ have extended their involvement to host the Welcome Cocktail Party on Wednesday 20 June, while St Regis is hosting the SYC Dock Party on Thursday.

The full programme, along with the entry list and other information can be seen at http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/index.php. The Notice of Race can be found at http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/sailingdocs.php.

Three Exciting New Entrants Join Superyacht Cup Fleet

At the time of writing 17 awe-inspiring superyachts will be taking up this year's challenge. Race enthusiasts will be able to look forward to a stellar fleet, not to mention tight racing and, as most entries will have been whipped into shape by virtue of the St Barths Bucket and/or Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, a showdown which will be all the more exciting. Take for example four of the world's most beautiful classic racing yachts: Svea (44m), Ranger (41m), Topaz (43) and Velsheda (38m) - Svea may have had the upper hand in St Barths, the upcoming Superyacht Cup will be Topaz and Velsheda's chance to turn the tables.

There's also plenty of excitement set for the superyacht classes. A new entrant bound to make this year's performance-based boats nervous is first-timer Highland Fling 15 (35m), and rightly so. Lauded as the ultimate 'performance-Swan', her plumb bow, wide stern and twin rudders scream speed, power and agility. That this speedster's bark is as bad as her bite is clear from her prior successes, like her class-win at last year's America's Cup Superyacht Regatta.

First-timer Highland Fling, the ultimate 'performance Swan'. ©Carlo Borlenghi, photo courtesy of Nautor Swan

The on-water warrior Mari Cha III (45m) has also set her sights on overall victory. Outmanoeuvring Mari Cha III will be no mean feat as sailing all-out is second nature to her. She beat the Transatlantic Record in 1998 and the Sydney to Hobart in 1999, hitting speeds in excess of 30 knots. Christian Lay, captain on board, commented: "We've made a big effort to reunite highly experienced pros with past and present permanent crew. Consistent winds, a great race committee and perfectly located with plenty of hotels and restaurants: The Superyacht Cup, for us, is the Mediterranean's premier superyacht regatta." 

The on-water warrior Mari Cha III has also set her sights on overall victory. @www.clairematches.com

Other yachts, such as our latest entry Bliss (37m), have been out of the racing scene for a few years. Bliss' captain Richard Allingham enthused: "We have been cruising the Pacific and SE Asia for the last four years so competing in The Superyacht Cup is a welcome return to the Mediterranean and, of course, an exciting way to experience Mallorca's finest."
Bliss' absence on the regatta circuit doesn't mean she's not a force to be reckoned with. This award-winning Dubois-design was just two points short of winning the last regatta she competed in: the 2015 New Zealand Millennium Cup.

Also new to the regatta are Axopar and Hartman, providers of this year's official spectator, press and hospitality boats, and Silver Sponsors Boat International Owners Club and NetJets. Boat International Owners Club delivers a portfolio of world-class events and experiences that entertain superyacht owners, their friends and family members. NetJets is the world's leading business aviation company, flying 700 aircrafts to 5,000 destinations worldwide.

We would additionally like to pay tribute to returning 'Destination Partner' 100% Pure New Zealand. With the regatta's reputation for attracting superyachts with a competitive edge, as well as a desire to push boundaries, it is the perfect match for New Zealand: an adventure playground for yachts wishing to explore further and expand their horizons beyond the traditional Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising grounds. The New Zealand team will be present during the event to introduce captains and owners to this world-class cruising destination.

Superyacht Cup Palma is off to a flying start this year

The New Zealand Millennium Cup, which concludes tomorrow, marks the start of the superyacht racing season, not to mention the beginning of the countdown to The Superyacht Cup Palma, one of the most hotly anticipated events on the superyacht sailing calendar.

Although racing is still six months away, this year's entry list already boasts some of the most legendary yachts on the regatta circuit. Moreover, first-time and veteran entrants are not only coming in quick but there are only 20 berths available in the Regatta Village. Captains keen to secure their slice of the action are advised to contact kate@thesuperyachtcup.com for an entry form soon. The 2018 Superyacht Cup Palma Notice of Race can be found on the event website here.

A number of the yachts returning to race in Palma are Hoek designs, distinctive with their trademark 'Hoek look'. These include, Atalante (38.8), competing for a third consecutive time, Svea, one of this year's illustrious J-Class competitors, and the mighty Athos. At 62m overall and 10.9m across, Athos weighs in at 370 tonnes. Her 1,980-square metre upwind sail area required Rondal to build what was their tallest carbon rig at the time of stepping. At least as impressive is the four-year world cruise Athos has just completed. During the epic journey this icon of the Hoek drawing board visited some of the tiniest and most remote Pacific islands.

The mighty Athos during the 2011 edition of the SYC. www.clairematches.com

Aside from welcoming back some incredible yachts we're proud to announce that insurance specialist Pantaenius, a passionate supporter of the regatta since day one, will return as a partner. What's more, the Pantaenius Race, the first of three superyacht races, will take place for the 7th year in a row.

Pantaenius boasts nearly 50 years of experience providing yacht insurance to owners from all corners of the globe. With almost 100.000 satisfied clients and twelve offices on three continents, the company is the top yacht insurance provider in Europe and a crucial key-player in the superyacht industry. The Pantaenius team will be on-site during the event to answer any questions.

Pantaenius have been supporting The SYC since day one. Photo courtesy of Pantaenius.

We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all other returning sponsors: St. Regis, 100% Pure New Zealand, Baltic Yachts, Pendennis, Astilleros de Mallorca, Claasen Shipyards, Gottifredi Maffioli, Reckmann, Rondal, STP and Happy Hour sponsors North Sails and Southern Spars.

Join the race to restore ocean health
The Superyacht Cup is the first superyacht regatta to engage crews and owners in joining the race to restore ocean health with Sailors for the Sea's Clean Regattas programme. Marja Kok is a Palma-based superyacht captain, she is already involved with protecting the waters we love and is interested in gauging crew habits, thoughts and awareness through this questionnaire. Please take a few minutes to complete her survey on behalf of the yacht you work on.