While the pandemic influenced the decision to cancel last year’s event, the Superyacht Cup Palma is on schedule for this summer. Marking a major milestone, it additionally has attracted interested competitors, including ones for a new race class.
The Superyacht Cup is the longest-running regatta of its kind in Europe. This year’s dates of June 23 to 26 are the 25th edition, making potential participants even more eager to join in the racing and camaraderie. Specifically where Palma de Mallorca, Spain is concerned, the conditions are consistently good, too.
Kate Branagh, the event director, notes that last year’s cancellation and the pandemic are both driving interest. “We know there is a yearning for competitive sailing after what has of course been a challenging time for everyone,” she says. She adds that the Real Club Nautico De Palma, the longtime race-management collaborator, is hosting shoreside activities, plus offering slips. “We are proud to expand this support to offer our facilities and hospitality to the yacht owners and crews participating in the event,” confirms Emerico Fuster, the president of the yacht club.
The racing and on-land programs will follow local regulations for safety. Another major change is the addition of the Superyacht Cup Performance Class. The entrants will follow a separate course, under a competitive fleet start. Furthermore, the J Class fleet may compete. Specifically, race organizers say if at least three Js sign up, they’ll get their own racing class.
Regardless, you’re likely to see the longstanding racing include the likes of the 131-foot (40-meter) ketch Huckleberry. “We had a great time at our first-ever Superyacht Cup Palma, and we have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to repeat the experience,” says her captain, Carlos Portier. No wonder: Huckleberry took the North Sails Trophy, a “boat of the day” award, during her race debut in 2019. Furthermore, expect yachts like Ganesha to return, too.
Check the Superyacht Cup Palma website for the Notice of Race, and how to register interest in participating.
Superyacht Cup Palma thesuperyachtcup.com
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