Palma de Mallorca Welcomes 22 Competitive Entries for 20th Superyacht Cup

We're thrilled to say that for this momentous 20th edition of The Superyacht Cup, the second biggest event on the superyacht racing calendar, we've got no less than 22 of the fastest superyachts looking fresh on the dock in the already buzzing SYC Regatta Village. With yachts fully tuned and owners and crew fired up to show who's boss on the bay, the scene is set for three days of electrifying racing. With yachts like the new Vitters-built 45m Unfurled, - launched amid much fanfare and already a winner, (she not only claimed first at the St Barths Bucket, but also won both the World Superyacht Award in the Sailing Yacht 45m and above category, as well as the 2016 Sailing Yacht of the Year Award), and the award-winning and record-breaking 45m Mari Cha III, known to have slammed speeds in excess of 30 knots, competition is going to be tough and tight. What's more, four of last year's podium finishers are back to fiercely defend their title, like the 45m sleek Wally Saudade, the Baltic-built beauty Win Win -designed to dominate on the race course- and the 46m Ganesha. A regular racer: her regatta results include wins at St Barths, Sardinia and Palma.

A debrief on board the 35m ketch Sojana, a high profile regular on the regatta circuit. ©www.clairematches.com

Additionally, we'll be able to marvel at three freshly launched boats, all ready to be pushed hard in order to edge out their more seasoned competitors. The 39m Atalante, which hails from the acclaimed Claasen yard is the largest Truly Classic to date. She was launched last summer and recently won the World Superyacht Award in the category Sailing Yachts 30m to 39.99m. With her Neptune prize proudly displayed on board, she will be taking part with an extra spring in her step. Another first timer is the 32m Southern Wind Sea Wave, with a clean sweep of three firsts she recently triumphed at the Rolex Capri International Regatta, the first race for both the boat and her owner. Newest boat on the block is the 27m Firebird: she's been training hard to be able to show what she's made of on the race course tomorrow.

Besides newbie boats, this year's incredible get-together includes plenty of tried-and-true SYC veterans, like the 24m Heartbeat (Claasen, Huisfit), designed by sponsors Hoek Design Naval Architects. This 2013 winner will be competing for the fourth consecutive time. Another regular racer in Palma is last year's Class B winner, the 33m Vitters-built Inouï. This dazzling carbon rocket also posted second place in Virgin Gorda this year, so will be another one to watch out for.

Although racing doesn't start until Thursday, classic sailing fans and lovers of things ridiculously beautiful were already treated this afternoon to a show stealing scene and positively epic event. The three vintage schooners competing this year: Mariette, Germania Nova and Naema were joined by five other gorgeous classic schooners to take part in the Big Class Day Sail. This display of a different breed of boats, famed for their grace and good looks and admired for their racing prowess made for an exquisite get-together and a unique experience for all spectators on shore and on the water.

The Big Class Day Sail saw eight stunning classic schooners gather on the Bay of Palma. ©www.clairematches.com

Aside being able to look forward to three days of tight racing, expect a fun filled social scene with lots of lively parties playing out both in and outside the Regatta Village. There is, for example, Thursday's 20th Anniversary Dock Party, which boasts a highly original fancy dress theme: '20 Years of Rock', and the more private owners' dinner hosted at the stunning St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, on Friday evening. This lovely luxury resort is tucked in between the dramatic Tramuntana Mountains and Palma's beautiful, turquoise bay.

Tonight, owners, guests and crew from all participating yachts will be able to enjoy our Welcome Cocktail Party which will feature well-known flamenco virtuoso's Benjamín 'Habichuela' and Josue Heredia. Surely the soulful tunes of this dynamic duo will get those fingers snapping and toes tapping. Catching up with fellow sailors and old friends will also add to the excitement for tomorrow's racing, no doubt.

We are delighted to see silver sponsors ZIS return to the event this year. They have a quarter of a century of experience in providing marine, property and corporate insurance for some of the most discerning clients in the world. Regardless of the location of a yacht, crew, or business, ZIS has the global reach to provide optimum cover and to act precisely when needed.

As in previous years, Superyacht Cup racing will be in the safe and trusted hands of MedAire. Their experienced team will provide medical cover on-site and will be at the ready with emergency response.

The fleet will sail three challenging coastal races on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with racing scheduled to start at 13.00 tomorrow.

Connect with us through Twitter #SYC and Facebook (The Superyacht Cup) for real time updates of all the action on and off the race course and / or stay up to speed by following the race live via TracTrac.

Only one of the beautiful classic schooners that took part in the Big Class Day Sail today. ©www.clairematches.com

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