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.
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| 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."
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| 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.
