PHOTOS: clairematches
While some yacht owners are planning their New Year’s getaway, others are marking their calendars for next June. The Superyacht Cup Palma is six months away. It’s set for its 23rd anniversary, too. Already, 14 superyachts want to vie for line honors.
The Superyacht Cup Palma, set for June 19 to 22, is the biggest as well as the longest-running superyacht regatta in all of Europe. The setting is, of course, a big draw. Palma de Mallorca enjoys good breezes and comfortable summertime temperatures in June. But, weather isn’t the only draw. Matching the competition is healthy camaraderie, which—in true superyacht regatta fashion—is engendered by several social events (below) over the four days.
The combination brings competitors back year after year. For example, Superyacht Cup Palma organizers say Sojana (top), Win Win, Mari-Cha III, Inoui, Nilaya, Freya, Atalante, and Athos are all returning. Bouwe Bekking, a renowned captain who has participated in the Volvo Ocean Race, among others, is returning, too. He helmed Nilaya back in 2011, the first year she competed. (On a side note, in case you’re wondering, she won.) “Everything about the Superyacht Cup is just so well organized and set up, so the owners and the crews can just enjoy it,” he enthuses. He adds that Palma’s relaxed atmosphere makes it all the better.
Perhaps the owners and crews of Huckleberry (ex-Victoria of Strathearn) and Kealoha will feel the same way. These two yachts are entering their first-ever Superyacht Cup Palma. Regardless of how they perform, they may delight in seeing some super-famous superyachts on the race course. Next year, the Superyacht Cup Palma is welcoming two J Class racers, Velsheda and Topaz. In fact, Velsheda is a returning competitor, having won earlier this year.
Another reason to appreciate the Superyacht Cup Palma: It prioritizes ocean protection. The organizers participate in the Clean Regattas program, which certifies the race has a reduced environmental impact. This extends to eliminating plastics as much as possible, for example, as well as garbage management.
Berths are still available in the race village. Check the regatta website for details, as well as the official notice of race.
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