The Superyacht Cup Palma is one of those summer events that combines sporting ambition with Mediterranean ease. Against the backdrop of Mallorca, superyachts, mostly experienced owners and a community that values competition but also cherishes socialising, come together. In this setting, YYachts has made a remarkable mark this year: for the first time, the German shipyard took part in this long-established event with its own class and was also the manufacturer with the most yachts on the starting line.
A class of its own, a new level of visibility
With the YYachts Class, the brand was given its own platform at the Superyacht Cup for the first time. Six yachts competed in the new class, forming, according to the shipyard, one of the strongest fleets ever seen at Europe’s oldest superyacht regatta. The move was also interesting because it highlights a trend that puts YYachts itself in the spotlight: a growing group of owners who do not merely own their yachts, but also want to actively sail them themselves with their families.
Six yachts, a clear picture
On the water, the full range of the fleet was on display, from the new Y7 to the Y9. YYachts emphasises lightweight carbon construction, elegant proportions and deck layouts designed for small crews and active owners in its models. In Palma, this philosophy was vividly showcased: the focus was not on technical opulence, but on boats designed for performance and manoeuvrability.
“Beati” sets the sporting benchmark
The newly unveiled Y7 ‘Beati’, designed by Judel/Vrolijk won all three races, securing the first victory in the YYachts Class. “Distancia” finished second, whilst “Calabash”, the Y8 skippered by company founder Michael Schmidt, completed the podium after three days of racing. In sporting terms, the fleet’s performance was therefore a resounding success; what is more interesting, however, is what lies behind it: YYachts showcases its models not only in the showroom, but also in action on the water. Nautor does the same with its Swans, as do Baltic Yachts and Oyster, although the latter two rely on their own events.
The actual story also took place on land
Just as noteworthy as the results is the atmosphere described by the marina in its review. Owners were at the helm themselves; families sailed together; and on the pontoons, between races, there were conversations about cruising in the Mediterranean, Atlantic crossings and upcoming voyages. As a result, the event in Palma took on a quality that went beyond traditional regatta marketing: it felt like a meeting place for a community less interested in symbols of prestige than in a particular way of sailing.
A moment of significance for Michael Schmidt
For founder Michael Schmidt, Palma also held personal significance. Moored in the marina were two yachts – the “Peregrin”, still known to many as the “Cool Breeze”, and the “Makai” – which, according to YYachts, were pivotal to the shipyard’s history. One began as a very personal project, whilst the other confirmed that something more could come of it. Looking back, the fact that an entire fleet is now competing together in a prestigious regatta lends further significance to this development.
Palma as a sign of things to come in the coming years
At the gala dinner at the newly opened Club de Mar-Mallorca, Schmidt was already looking ahead. According to the shipyard, nine YYachts were represented in Palma this year, six of which lined up on the starting line. He even believes it is possible for this number to double by 2027. It remains to be seen whether this figure will be reached. However, following this performance, one thing is clear: YYachts has not only achieved a good regatta result in Palma, but has also cemented its position as a major player in the high-performance owner-operated yacht segment.
“Nine YYachts were on display in Palma this year. I am confident that we can double that number by 2027,” said Michael Schmidt
The shipyard behind the name
A look at the brand’s history explains why this launch is more than just a nice snapshot for YYachts. Michael Schmidt founded his new shipyard in Greifswald in 2015, initially under the name Michael Schmidt Yachtbau. The starting point was the construction of the Brenta 80 DC ‘Cool Breeze’, an uncompromising carbon-fibre project with high standards of performance, comfort and usability. This initial venture later developed into the YYachts brand, which by that time had already delivered 41 yachts ranging from 70 to 90 feet. The company’s presence at Palma can therefore also be seen as a continuation of a shipyard history that, from the very beginning, has been strongly focused on lightweight construction, sailing expertise and entrepreneurial independence.
The YYachts Cup on video
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