The Superyacht Cup Palma (SYC) began with conditions that are typical for this time of year. A sea breeze of between 8 and 10 knots set in in the afternoon for the Pantaenius Race Day, with which the nine yachts started with a time delay. Four participants registered for Group A, but two very similar yachts promised exciting duels: between the two 33-metre designs by Malcolm McKeon, "Ribelle" and "Pattoo", and the J-Class yachts "Velsheda" and "Svea". The latter entered the race as the defending champion and two minutes behind JK7. While "Velsheda" made up ground at the first windward mark, "Svea" reduced the gap downwind before her rival regained time on the rest of the course and crossed the finish line first with her spoon bow and a lead of over six minutes. She was followed by "Pattoo" ahead of "Ribelle". The race summary from "Velsheda" tactician Tom Dodsons was: "We had a great first day, the free start allowed us to position ourselves well on the course. The boat has just had a major refit and it was a real machine on the wind today. And the crew sailed really well."
Class B was dominated by a former Superyacht Cup winner, the Wally 80 "Rose". She was the last yacht to start and finished the course in first place after just over two hours. She took the class win with a lead of two minutes on corrected time ahead of the Swan 100 "Onyx", which was sailing in the SYC for the first time, and the Swan 80 "Umiko". The Dubois duo of SYC debutants "Miss Silver" (36 metres) and "Lady M" (39 metres) followed in second place. "We had a great day, it was quite choppy and sometimes hard to decide which way to go, but we did well as a team and won our class today," said Jesper Radich, tactician on "Rose".
The daily prize-giving ceremony took place at the organising Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP). Two more race days are scheduled, the results are available here.
Also interesting:
Sören Gehlhaus
Stellvertretender Chefredakteur BOOTE EXCLUSIV
