Top Level Racing and Champagne Conditions make for a Successful 19th Superyacht Cup

The Superyacht Cup has not only become the second biggest event on the superyacht sailing calendar but is also the longest running regatta of its kind in Europe. A thrilling four-day event which mixes good times with tight racing on the beautiful Bay of Palma, which because of it's particular shape is renown for bringing a blissfully consistent sea breeze.

This 19th Superyacht Cup has come to a close and after three days of exciting racing it was the 55m classic ketch Marie who claimed overall victory and managed to keep up her A game under yesterday's deciding- day pressure. The ravishing, carbon-rigged racer Inouï, who not only captured everyone's attention both on and off the race course, bagged a Class B win. In Class C it was new-boat-on-the block Maegan who triumphed. She'd warmed up in Porto Cervo, her first ever regatta and stretched her legs in Palma to fly home and take the top slot. As all 21 competitors were split across three classes, racing was close and resulted in fantastic viewing of a fleet filled with fast boats fighting tight battles.

The 25m newbie-boat Maegan, victorious in Class C. ©www.clairematches.com

With some of the speediest superyachts out on the race course, competition was going to be tough and tight. For example yachts like the high-calibre Visione, not as young as most of her rivals but still the boat to beat, and the fully optimised Open Season - fresh from winning both the Menorca Maxi and the Gaastra Palma Vela, were a hard act to follow. And although the 55m Vitters built Marie put up a powerhouse performance it was no mean feat to fight off the prowling 46m Ganesha and the 45m bone fide flyer Saudade. They'd both been pushing hard to hunt her down. On the final St. Regis race she got off to a dynamite start and managed to sail in clean air all day which secured her third bullet sealing her victory in both Class A and as the overall winner of the Superyacht Cup 15. Perfect timing for such a big win according to captain Wes Cooper as after her usual participation in five regatta's annually the mighty Marie will be backing of the racing scene. They'll compete in the St. Barths Bucket next year but that will probably be it. It will be sad to not see her return next year but we can certainly say she went out with a bang.

Apart from the competition which was fierce and fun also the wind gods consistently had our backs. The conditions were great; every day dawned with a picture-perfect Palma sky, and a good building breeze which meant the sailing was beautiful on each day of the event.

As every year, as important as the excitement on the water is our dock side social programme which saw the race crew of all 21 superyachts enjoy ice cold drinks and off board banter long after the sails had been packed away. Highlight was of course our disco-themed paella party which featured probably the world's largest paella and a full dance floor where especially team Tulip's moves made even the most serious sailors crack a smile and join in.

Some on board action with the iconic Palma cathedral as a backdrop. ©www.clairematches.com

And as the day came to a close, capping this year's 19th Superyacht Cup, we hope owners, friends, and race crew will be chatting about this past event in the days to come and taking home sunny memories of yet another exciting and fun-filled event.

On a final note we would like to thank our sponsors who have supported us in making also this year's edition another big hit. And while last year's winner, the stunning Claasen built Lionheart, is gearing up to take on the rest of the J Class fleet in Falmouth we say 'Hasta Luego' to another Superyacht Cup. We hope to be able to welcome ours sponsors, our fans and the magnificent J's back during our 2016 event, which will be even more special as it marks our 20th anniversary.

For high res images contact Claire Matches at mail@clairematches.com www.clairematches.com