The Superyacht Cup Palma 2025 (SYC) started its 29th edition on Thursday. In light winds of six to eight knots, 11 yachts between 21 and 42 metres fought exciting duels in the bay of Palma. The Pantaenius Race opened Europe's oldest superyacht regatta on time, with the 38.70 metre Hoek Truly Classic 128 "Atalante" being the first and slowest calculated yacht to cross the line. Her Hoek stablemate and class rival followed shortly afterwards "Vijonara"while the staggered start sequence continued to unfold.
"Cervo" triumphs with the big boys
In Group A, the 39 metre long but fast Tripp construction "Cervo" came out on top. She repeated her opening victory from the previous year, beating the 35 metre long Southern Wind 108 "Gelliceaux" in second place. Jens Christensen, tactician on the "Cervo", describes the course of the race: "We started with good wind on the first cross and had a good first downwind course, but then the wind dropped and the boats behind us caught up." Despite "Gelliceaux" taking the lead in the meantime, the "Cervo" crew was able to regain the lead on the last downwind leg and bring victory to the finish in a controlled manner. "Vijonara" completed the podium in third place.
"Open Season" wins the Café Racern
But it was not in a group of their own that the four Baltic 68 Café Racer. The 21 metre long Javier-Jaudenes constructions also had to face the defending champion "Rose" in Class B. Sven Wackerhagen and his crew fought hard on the first day, but were beaten by "Open Season", café racer construction number 2. The three other café racers - the third-placed "Ganesha", "Scorpione Hormar" and "Pink Gin Verde" - and the Y8 "Sveam", which was making its regatta debut, were also unable to pose a threat to "Open Season". Captain Loic Fabre explains the tactics that led to the day's victory: "We wanted to sail our own race today. We were a bit late at the start, but we were able to bring everything together up to the first mark and I think we sailed well."
New venue generates enthusiasm
The Superyacht Cup Palma 2025 will take place for the first time at the new venue, the Club de Mar-Mallorca. The short distance to the race course and the potential for future growth have been well received by participants. Kate Branagh, SYC Event Director, emphasises: "All the skippers I have met so far are delighted with the new location." The proximity between the berths and the SYC Race Village also fosters an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.
Outlook for the upcoming race days
Similar wind conditions to the opening day are expected for the next few days of racing. The classic sea breeze on the Bay of Palma promises further exciting races. With the brand new Truly Classic 128 "Linnea Aurora", which was unable to start on the first day due to technical problems, another participant will strengthen the field in Group A.
SYC results day 1:
Group A:
- Cervo (39m Tripp Design)
- Gelliceaux (35m Southern Wind)
- Vijonara (Truly Classic 128)
Group B:
- Open Season (Baltic 68 Café Racer)
- Rose (24m Wally)
- Ganesha (Baltic 68 Café Racer)
