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| 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 Sadly, Ranger has withdrawn from The Superyacht Cup following the sudden death of owner John Williams.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.
