Since its inception in 1996, the Superyacht Cup Palma (SYCP) has been the most traditional superyacht regatta in Europe. The annual event, which is being held for the 29th time this year, brings together some of the largest sailing yachts in the world to sail against each other in the bay of Palma. The event combines competitive racing in a constant summer breeze with a colourful and relaxed social programme in the maritime heart of Palma, the centre of the Mediterranean superyacht scene. In addition, the exclusive event offers an attractive environment for informal networking in the Race Village, which becomes a meeting point for owners, guests and sponsors after the regattas.
If all the yachts taking part in this year's SYCP were lined up in a row, the total length would be 396.79 metres. The 59.30 metre long performance ketch "Maximus", which is making its Superyacht Cup debut, is particularly eagerly awaited. The Germán Frers design was launched last year by the Dutch shipyard Vitters and commissioned by an experienced owner who wanted "the most beautiful and fastest ketch in the world". According to the technical data, it looks as if the mission was a success. "Maximus" displaces 330 tonnes and carries a maximum of 3,980 square metres of sail laminate from Doyle Sails on its 65 and 48 metre high masts. So let the supersailing show begin!
Three J-Class yachts at the Superyacht Cup Palma
As in previous Superyacht Cups, three J-Class yachts will once again be setting course for Palma de Mallorca this year, including the 44-metre "Svea", the 39.50-metre "Velsheda" and the 39.89-metre "Rainbow", all of which will be crewed by a large number of professionals.
The 39-metre-long André Hoek design "Atalante" is also an old acquaintance on the SYCP entry list; the last time the Alu-Slup was on the starting line was in 2017.
"After taking a break for a few years, we are all the more looking forward to this year's event and the regattas," says Captain Michael Elias. "If we are in the Mediterranean at the time of the SYCP, participation is a must!"
YYachts shipyard boss Michael Schmidt himself at the helm
There is also a nice field of competitors in the 80-footer this year. The 25-metre Swan "Dark Horse" (ex-"Chessie") is sailing against "Umiko" and the 24-metre Wally "Rose", which dominated the races last year and is determined to defend its title. The competitive 80-foot quartet is completed by with "Calabash" the latest format from YYachts-Hallenwhich has an extremely experienced regatta sailor at the helm in the form of shipyard manager Michael Schmidt. Spectators can look forward to these races in particular.
"The Superyacht Cup Palma is a new event for us," says "Dark Horse" skipper Sacha Pace. "The regatta area is great, and of course we can't wait to experience the social side - the SYCP is known for its racing and fun on land."
The 39-metre "Cervo" (ex-"G2"), designed by Bill Tripp, and the similarly sized 128-foot "Vijorana", another Hoek design, round off the field of participants.
YACHT's sister magazine BOOTE EXCLUSIV is media partner of the Superyacht Cup Palma and will publish daily regatta updates from 19 to 22 June.
