Ibiza JoySail 2026: Superyachts against the backdrop of the Balearic Islands’ idyllic scenery

In mid-September, owners and crews gathered at Marina Ibiza for the sixth edition of Ibiza JoySail. The programme included coastal cruises around Ibiza and Formentera. On the first day, Thunderstorm clouds over the scheduled races; only then was the fleet able to compete in races. The venue and the up-and-coming regatta had YACHT was featured as early as its second issue.

Three days of racing, five class winners

The race committee divided the 19 yachts into five classes. On the final day, the fleet sailed a course of around 16 nautical miles off the coast of Ibiza. The large, high-performance yachts split up across different sections of the course; windward-leeward legs posed a challenge to the tacticians, as did coastal navigation. According to the Final report from the regatta committee ‘Moat’ won the Performance Class for the sixth time. The other class victories went to ‘Winwin’, ‘Cervo’, ‘Point Counter Point’ and ‘Nostromo’. Additional trophies were awarded, amongst others, to yachts skippered solely by their owners.

What is remarkable about this format is the variety of course options available in the race area. In 2026, the fleet also took to the water off the coast of Formentera. ‘Moat’ tactician Cole Parada highlighted the variety of courses and the consistent winds in the organisers’ press release. An honest assessment from the crew’s perspective.

48 nautical miles against the clock

The organiser has also announced the return of the Perpetual Trophy in 2027. This is not another leg of the Coastal Regatta, but a separate record-breaking sail between Mallorca and Ibiza. The route runs from Punta Cala Figuera on Mallorca to the island of Tagomago off Ibiza and covers around 48 nautical miles. Teams will be able to make their attempt within a 30-day window prior to the start of the regatta. The Call for proposals for 2026 explicitly described this ranking as a separate competition; the rules for 2027 have therefore not yet been finalised.

The 2026 event naturally centred on the races, but the camaraderie on the jetties and the evening events are also what make the growing number of superyacht regattas so appealing. What could be better than indulging in your hobby amongst like-minded people?

Book recommendation

Regatta sailing By Malte Philipp, this book covers strategy and tactics, from preparing for a race through to decisions on the course and the subsequent analysis. The book explains the tactical basics step by step, supplemented by illustrations and a checklist for race day. Anyone who, after looking back on the Ibiza JoySail, would like to understand the reasoning behind a crew’s course and manoeuvre decisions will find a practical introduction here.

What makes a good regatta for you: is it just the races, or is it also the friendly atmosphere on the jetties and at the yacht club?