super yacht cup

Superyacht Cup Palma gets off to a great start among rookies and prominent veterans

Superyacht Cup Palma is looking forward to summer 2024 with great enthusiasm. In fact, the 28th edition of Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta has already announced that it has welcomed an interesting trio of first-time entrants. The event, scheduled June 19-22 in Palma de Mallorca , is experienced and celebrated as a veritable festival of sailboats: in fact, the Superyacht Cup Palma sees the return of the same wonderful boats every year, alongside those making their debut on the highly contested race course in the bay of the Balearic archipelago island. Established in 1996, the Superyacht Club Palma attracts some of the world’s largest and most prestigious sailboats in a highly competitive regatta held in reliable sea breeze conditions and a relaxed and fun atmosphere. In addition, the event provides a private and informal social environment for networking at the Yacht Club Race Village, which for a few days becomes the focal point for owners, guests, sponsors and sailors. The exclusive Real Club Náutico de Palma was chosen as the venue for the 25th anniversary of the Superyacht Cup in 2020 and has remained the event’s new home ever since.

Rookies at the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024

Among the newcomers to the 2024 edition, as mentioned, the organizers of the Majorcan regatta have recently announced the registration of some outstanding teams. These are a pair of Hoek designs-the 32-meter Namuun (ex-Simba) by Turquoise Yachts and the 40-meter Hoek Truly Classic Halekai, built by Pendennis-alongside the striking 28-meter ketch Tawera (ex-Catalyst) , a Ron Holland Design by Alloy Yachts NZ.

“ We have been aware of the Superyacht Cup Palma for many years and were looking forward to being able to participate in what is clearly a great regatta “, stated Mike Mahoney , owner of Tawera. “ Now that we are here in the Mediterranean, it is simply too good an opportunity to pass up, so see you in June on the starting line! “.

Participants in the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 will have to compete with the cup holders, Team Rose aboard the 24-meter Wally , which has also already confirmed its entry. Among the fiercest opponents will then be the Swan 100 Onyx , a former runner-up in 2023, and the J Class Rainbow : the latter participated in its last Superyacht Cup Palma in 2014, but has just emerged from a major refit that makes it particularly fearsome.

Another important participant of superyachts making his welcome return to the Palma regatta is finally Pendennis Shipyard , which returns as a Gold Sponsor. “ We are excited and pleased to return to support the Superyacht Cup Palma ” said CEO Toby Allies. “ It’s great to see a significant number of yachts participating this year that were built or repaired by us at our shipyard in Falmouth, UK, or at Pendennis Vilanova’s technical service center in Spain “.

Spain heart of the 2024 regattas

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Superyacht Cup Palma: stunning fleet assemble

• Toby Heppell
• June 17, 2022

An eclectic mix of superyachts, which includes four J Class, should ensure a prize Superyacht Cup Palma, writes Toby Hodges

While it may have been a slightly subdued 25th anniversary last year for the Superyacht Cup Palma , held during socially distanced times, organisers are confident the Mediterranean’s longest running superyacht regatta will be back to its spectacular best this year. And when you have four yachts from the world’s most revered sailing class lining up, that’s all but guaranteed.

The return of the mighty J Class yachts is a huge draw for an event which was put back a week especially to accommodate them (from 22 June to 29 June start). Ranger is back to her best and Svea , the newest J recently under new ownership, is Palma-bound.

Her entry will make it four Js. “To have Ranger and Svea both with new owners is great,” enthuses event director Kate Branagh. “I think it will put some new life into the class, which could soon even get back up to five or six boats – it’s nice to have a change of dynamics.”

Blue skies and fantastic breeze makes for some great racing. Photo: Sailing Energy/SYC

The Superyacht Cup has always welcomed an eclectic mix of classes. From a regular band of modern classics such as the Hoek Truly Classic fleet, to five Js in 2013 and 2014, and an unrivalled collection of seven schooners for an exhibition race to help celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary in 2016, this event has always showcased the beauty and skills of big yacht racing at its best.

Location and reliable weather help enormously. During the long, late June days Palma is typically bathed in blue skies. As clouds build over the mountains to the north, a metronomic-like afternoon breeze begins to build at a socially acceptable post-lunch hour, and ideal windspeeds in the mid to late teens typically materialise over the flat, deep blue water of the expansive bay.

For the competitors it’s a short motor out from the city’s protected marinas, and holding it within walking distance of the atmospheric old town and its lively apres sailing tapas bars will always get the seal of approval from the participants.

Branagh, who has guided the growth of the regatta over two decades, confirms that all bar one of the main Superyacht Cup Palma sponsors have returned this year. The event also welcomes a new official timekeeper sponsor in Jaquet Droz, the first yachting endeavour for this Swiss watchmaker founded in the 18th Century.

Rockstar crews on the J Class. Photo: Sailing Energy/SYC

J Class at the Superyacht Cup Palma

The regatta has long been run over three days of 20-30 mile courses, using a staggered start, pursuit racing format. The Js will have a slightly different racing format this year. While they’ve always had an extra day before the other superyachts to make it a four day series, this year they’ll have their own fleet start before the rest of the superyachts set off in the normal sequential intervals. The idea is that they’ll effectively be sailing the same course as the other yachts.

The first day of J racing will be for its own trophy, but the following three days will form part of the Superyacht Cup, hence a J can win the overall trophy, Branagh explains. “I like the idea of incorporating them, which we can do as a matter of points while still using the J Class rating.”

Quite how that will play out will depend on the class breaks, which are only decided shortly before the event. Branagh predicts there will be an A and B fleet as well as the Js, the former for the performance yachts such as Win Win and Kiboko Tres , and the latter for the larger, higher displacement boats including the 20-year old 43m Dubois La Belle .

Stunning Palma provides the perfect backdrop. Photo: Nico Martinez/Martinez Studio

Both these superyacht classes will race as usual under the ORC SY handicap format. There are other options for class breaks too, including Performance and Corinthian divisions. “For me it’s much more important for the owners to be happy with what class they’re in,” thinks Branagh, who says she’s also had pressure recently to include multihulls too.

The move from the event’s decade-long base in STP/Moll Vell to the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) is being repeated following its success last year.

RCNP has been responsible for the professional race management for the Superyacht Cup Palma for over 10 years. Its yacht club in the heart of Palma can fit five or six entrants on its fuel dock. The remaining yachts will either return to their own docks or be berthed in the surrounding Palma marinas that are a short dinghy ride away.

“It’s a shame not having everyone together because you lose some of the spectacle,” Branagh concedes, “but the boats have got bigger and deeper and the marinas haven’t! The Js in particular used to struggle with depth issues on the dock at Moll Vell.”

Superyacht Cup excitement

With this in mind, the social programme has been kept simple – collective post-race drinks in the yacht club before crews head to their own team dinners in the city.

The exception will be the owner’s barbecue on the penultimate night in the exclusive venue of preferred hotel partner St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort. The Saturday night prizegiving will also be held at the RCNP yacht club. “It’s the first time of having a proper Superyacht Cup and clubhouse and being back to having sponsors and an event programme,” says Branagh. “It’s all the excitement around the event that we couldn’t do last year. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Superyacht Cup Palma entries

Photo: Sailing Energy/SYC

Archelon 37.6m/123ft Sloop Design: Humphreys Yacht Design Build: Oyster/Pendennis 2019

This project began life at Oyster on the banks of Lee-on-Solent as the first 1225 and was later fitted out by superyacht specialists Pendennis in Falmouth, Cornwall. This will be the first regatta for the boat and owner, but the predominantly British crew is led by the experienced skipper James Micklem. Archelon is a modern, powerful 155 tonne twin rudder design, but her form is unknown – expect a cautious outing.

Ganesha 46m/151ft Sloop Design: Dubois/McKeon Build: Vitters 2014

Ganesha is well versed in superyacht regattas, but after a break from racing (cruising around the world), she returned last year, with the owner saying it would be his last event. After coming 2nd in class… they are back again this year! Easy to spot in a fleet thanks to her bright orange spinnaker with Hindu deity motif, she is always well sailed. Crewed largely by sailors who reside in Mallorca, under the direction of long term skipper Alex Pamment, Ganesha makes a safe bet for more silverware.

Photo: Jesus Renedo/Sailing Energy/Southern Wind

Kiboko Tres 32m/105ft Sloop

Design : Farr Yacht Design Build: Southern Wind Shipyard

The third and largest Southern Wind for this owner, Kiboko Tres is a carbon performance machine. Palma is her home and she is well sailed by an experienced Spanish skipper and crew. The owner raced his previous SW94 here in 2015 and 2016, but this latest model is a much more powerful contender. Kiboko , Swahili for hippopotamus, was a name chosen to reflect speed and power – certainly two of the most dominant impressions I had when I was lucky enough to helm her in 2019.

Expect a ruthless hunt for home spoils.

La Belle 42.9m/140ft Sloop

Design : Dubois Naval Architects Build : Vitters Shipyard 2002

Built in aluminium for bluewater cruising, this Dubois design competed many times under her former names including Koo and Red Dragon . She was sold two years ago to a new owner who has yet to race her which, together with a new crew and Greek captain, makes her form a little unknown. However, with Doyle Sails’ MD David Duff putting together the race crew, expect a competent showing in the higher displacement class.

Pattoo 33m/108ft Sloop

Design: Malcolm McKeon Build: Vitters Shipyard 2016

Formerly called Missy , this striking McKeon design was conceived for cruising, complete with a formidable glazed decksaloon, but her owner quickly got the bug for racing. A bowsprit and suit of racing sails were soon added and she has competed many times on both sides of the Atlantic since. She came 2nd in class last year, but her original skipper Matt McKeon has now left so we are yet to know crew details. No doubt Pattoo ’s owner will be going for gold this year.

Ranger J5 41.6m/137ft Sloop

Design: Burgess/Stephens/Studio Scanu /Reichel Pugh Build: Danish Yachts 2003

The first of the modern generation of replica Js, Ranger is the heaviest, the only one built in steel (subsequent models are aluminium). She is easily identified by her snub nose and spoon bow and has always been fast in flat water. Following the passing of long term owner John Williams four years ago, she has a new American owner and has undergone an extensive refit. She showed real potential at the St Barths Bucket in March, beating Hanuman and Velsheda . Her crew includes an afterguard of John Kostecki, Jordi Calafat and Jules Salter. A joy to see one of the stalwarts of the modern J generation competing again.

Rose 24.0m/80ft Sloop

Design : Farr Yacht Design/Luca Bassani Build: Wally Yachts 2006

Hull number five of the successful Wally 80 line, Rose may be the smallest entrant this year but lacks little in potency. She has a strong, light pre-preg carbon build, and was the first cruiser racer to feature a full-width main saloon glass ceiling. Under her former owner and name, Tango , she raced heavily. New skipper Ben Potter says her current owner, who bought her two years ago, races with keen friends and plans on doing lots of regattas including the Maxi Worlds this year.  

Savannah 27.4m/90ft Sloop

Design : David Pedrick Build: Concordia 1996

Shorter but arguably as pretty as the Js with her flush teak deck and skylights, sweeping sheer and elegant, long overhangs that are reminiscent of classic yachts from a century ago. However, Savannah is a modern classic in that she is built in carbon, kevlar and glassfibre composite by Concordia in the US in the mid 1990s to a David Pedrick design and has a fin keel and tall fractional carbon rig. Flying the white ensign and RYS insignia, this UK-owned and crewed yacht is normally based and raced out of St Tropez.

Photo: Jesus Renedo/Sailing Energy

Svea JS1 43.6m/143ft Sloop

Design : Tore Holm/Hoek Design Build: Bloemsma/Vitters 2017

The most modern of the J Class fleet, Svea was modified by Andre Hoek from an original 1930s Tore Holm design that was never built. She is an ultra clean beauty, with a low, single doghouse and vast diameter wheel. Svea was heavily campaigned around the America’s Cup J Class regatta in Bermuda 2017 but hasn’t raced since her collision with Topaz two years ago. Still skippered by Paul ‘PK’ Kelly, she has since had a huge refit at STP in Palma and is now under new Swedish syndicate ownership. Her race crew will include the tremendously experienced Bouwe Bekking. A tantalising prospect.

Topaz J8 42.7m/140ft Sloop

Design: Frank Paine/Hoek Design Build: Bloemsma/Holland Jachtbouw 2015

Topaz succeeded Ranger as the biggest J afloat on launch, with the longest LWL and smallest wetted area at the time. She has kept a very consistent team under skipper-helm Peter Holmberg, the Olympic and America’s Cup veteran from the US Virgin Islands, and made steady incremental gains each season. The supreme Francesco de Angelis is calling tactics in Palma with local legend Nacho Postigo as navigator – what a combination!

Velsheda JK7 39.2m/129ft Sloop

Design: CE Nicholson/Dykstra Build: Camper & Nicholsons 1933

The most regularly campaigned J in the modern generation and the only original one actively racing. Identified by her iconic dark blue hull, sharp bow and comparatively busy deck layout – as well as her classic blue, white and red kite. Her Dutch owner-driver is in his third decade of hard racing and cruising Velsheda and retains a loyal long term crew, led by affable skipper Barney Henshaw-Depledge. Her skilled helmsman and experienced crew work (including a wily afterguard back to full force) always make her the one to beat, whether amongst Js or superyachts – indeed they were overall SY Cup winners in 2018.

Win Win 33m/108ft Sloop

Design: Javier Jaudenes Build: Baltic Yachts 2014

Designed by Mallorcan local Jaudenes, this black and electric green carbon Baltic rocket competes most years and has lived up to her name by winning the SY Cup overall twice, including in 2019. Always well sailed, she is now in the hands of skipper Will Glenn, son of Yachting World ’s former editor David Glenn. Can she be the first in 25 years to lift the trophy three times?

Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 calendar of events

Wednesday 29 Jun e

Superyacht registration and J Class races 1 and 2

Thursday 30 June

Pantaenius Race Day & J Class Race 3 North Sails & Southern Spars Happy Hour RCNP terrace

Friday 1 July

New Zealand Race Day & J Class Race 4 North Sails Happy Hour & prizegiving RCNP Paddleboard Challenge Owner’s barbecue at St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort

Saturday 2 July

St. Regis Race Day & J Class Race 5 Prize giving RCNP   terrace

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By SuperyachtNews 24 Jan 2023

Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 opens for business

The superyacht cup palma, established in 1996, is the longest-running superyacht regatta in europe  ….

Over a dozen prospective entries have declared an interest in joining the superyacht festival with racing on the Bay of Palma, including a trio of J Class yachts. Alongside likely 2023 returnees Velsheda and Svea is Lionheart, last seen at SYC in 2014 when it took three race wins – including a dead heat finish – on the way to the top of a five-strong J Class fleet.

"It's been a while since we last raced at Superyacht Cup Palma but you never forget a great event with terrific sailing conditions, so we are all looking forward to a long overdue return visit," said Lionheart's skipper Toby Brand. "Having won the last time we were there we've clearly got a lot to live up to, but I know the owner and the crew can't wait for the challenge ­– not to mention the great social side ashore as well."

Lionheart's unusual history started in the 1930s originally as a Burgess and Stephens design which was not proceeded with, before finally seeing the light of day after being revisited by Hoek Design and launched in 2010. Along with Svea, Lionheart is a shining example of Hoek Design.

Other superyachts potentially returning – several for a second successive year – include Archelon, Pattoo and Kiboko 3, the latter pair only separated on countback at the top of a hard-fought Class A in 2022, with the 33m Pattoo edging the win. Meanwhile, Superyacht Cup Palma welcomes the prospect of greeting a first-timer in the shape of the Swan 100 Onyx (ex-Aquarius Alfa, Flying Dragon II).

"This will be a Superyacht Cup Palma baptism for Onyx, but an event we are all expecting will be one of the highlights of our season," said skipper Sam Forbes. "The regatta has a well-deserved reputation for delivering great racing and I have no doubt this will be another memorable year." Onyx faces the possibility of competing against a Nautor Swan stablemate Jasi (ex-Odin), a prospective SYC entry which has just successfully completed the 2023 RORC Transatlantic Race.

"As ever one of the pleasures of being involved with Superyacht Cup Palma as we go into its 27th year is welcoming newcomers and greeting old friends once again,"said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh."We are also delighted that we will be returning to our base at the prestigious Real Club Náutico de Palma, our long-standing race management partner."

Branagh also welcomed a new addition to the SYC family in the shape of the worldwide yacht management company Hill Robinson which is joining as a Silver Partner. "The Superyacht Cup Palma has earned an excellent reputation in the sailing world for gathering a rich array of the world’s premier sailing yachts to race head-to-head. Hill Robinson was forged by the founding partners, Nick and Niall’s passion for classic sailing yachts; a love for the sea that we still retain today. So, we are genuinely excited by this opportunity to be involved with this prestigious event," said Paul Cook, Chief Operating Officer of Hill Robinson.

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12 yachts racing at the 2022 Superyacht Cup Palma

The Superyacht Cup gets underway this week in Palma, marking a significant occasion as Europe's longest-running superyacht regatta and one of the first racing events of the Mediterranean season. The four-day regatta runs from June 29 to July 2 and will see a fleet of high-performance sailing yachts put through their paces around the shores of Mallorca.  Leading the charge out on the water are the quartet of  J Class yachts - Topaz , Ranger , Velsheda and Svea - who will be joined by bluewater cruisers, modern classics and high-performance carbon flyers. Take a look at this year's lineup...  

Length : 46m Builder: Vitters

Named after the Hindu deity representing the Lord of Good Fortune , Ganesha   was commissioned by an experienced yachtsman as the successor to his 38.9-metre Fitzroy sailing yacht by the same name. This time Dutch shipyard Vitters , with the help of Dubois Naval Architects , was chosen to bring the owner's vision to life. The sloop was delivered in 2013. Ganesha 's lines were inspired by the beam-to-length ratio and the low freeboard of the J Class yachts and she flies a bright orange spinnaker with the depiction of the Hindu god. She finished second in her class at last year's Superyacht Cup and will be returning to fight for first.

Length : 43.6m Builder : Vitters

Svea is the largest and newest member of the J Class fleet, hitting the water for the first time in 2017. The original lines for this Super J were designed by Tore Holm in 1937 but the yacht was never built. Hoek Design Naval Architects were called on to revive the 75-year-old drawings and bring her into the 21st Century with an aluminium hull and 53.75 metre carbon fibre main mast. She will be racing under new ownership after changing hands in April 2022 . 

Length : 43m Builder : Vitters

Another Vitters-built competitor racing at this year's Superyacht Cup Palma is La Belle , an aluminium sloop designed by Dubois Naval Architects Design . She was delivered in 2002 to an owner looking for a bluewater cruiser and has completed two circumnavigations in her lifetime. During her time in Auckland in 2019, she was extensively refitted with work including the installation of a new rig. This will be La Belle 's first time racing at the Superyacht Cup.

Length : 42.7m Builder : Holland Jachtbouw

Topaz is based on an unbuilt 1938 design by Frank C Paine, the son of the three-time America’s Cup winner General Charles J Paine. The modern aluminium incarnation measures 42.62 metres and was launched by Dutch yard Holland Jachtbouw  in 2015. Hoek Design Naval Architects, who styled Topaz inside and out, describe her as “a good all-round performer”. She was the longest J by waterline length at the time of her launch but was later dethroned by Svea .

Length : 41m Builder : Danish Yachts

Ranger was the first J Class sailing yacht to be built since the 1930s heyday of the original fleet. She is a replica of the 1937 America's Cup winner by the same name, built with a steel hull and delivered in 2004 by Danish Yachts. She has had several refits since her launch to make her more competitive. Work included swapping out her rod rigging for modern composite EC6 and the addition of a carbon boom. 

Length : 39.5m Builder : Camper & Nicholsons

Velsheda has competed many times at the Superyacht Cup Palma and even took overall win in 2018. After losing out on the win to Ranger in the St Barths Bucket by a single point, all eyes will be on the J Class battle at this year's regatta. Built in 1933 for the owner of Woolworths, Velsheda is one of the few Js still racing on her original bottom. She was the second J Class designed by Charles Nicholson and is the only original to be sailing that was not built specifically for the Amercia's Cup.

Length : 37.45m Builder : Pendennis

The 37 metre Oyster sailing yacht Archelon will be making her Superyacht Cup debut this year. The Oyster 1225 was built to a design by   Humphreys Yacht Design Ltd and completed in 2020. For easy sail handling, she is fitted with a Southern Spars in-boom furling system, hydraulic furling inner forestay, and a mainsail arranged to take a third reef along with a dedicated storm trysail track on the mast. In 14 knots of true wind she climbs upwind at ease at 11 knots and almost matches the wind speed on a reach. Meanwhile, in stronger breezes of 20 to 25 knots she will sit happily at 14 to 15 knots. Twin rudders were chosen for performance and efficiency.

Length : 33m Builder : Baltic Yachts

Following a two-year hiatus, Win Win is back in Palma and hoping to live up to both her name and her regatta record, after winning both her class and the overall title at the Superyacht Cup in 2019. This racer-cruiser leans ever-so-slightly towards the racing side with a carbon-fibre construction, lifting keel and a retractable propulsion system (RPS) to minimise drag and maximise speed. She has been designed to take a square-topped racing main and has a bolt-on bowsprit that allows her to fly powerful kites. In 12 to 13 knots, she sits comfortably at 11.2 knots close-hauled. She was designed by Javier Jaudenes and finished in carbon grey and a racing green stripe.

Length : 33m Builder : Vitters

The Vitters-built Missy is returning to the Superyacht Cup under a new name, Pattoo after a change in ownership earlier this year. She was developed in collaboration with Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design and is the first project from the studio. The owner's brief was for a carbon-fibre performance cruiser and resulted in her slim 7.5 metre beam, generous sail plan and lifting keel that extends from 3.75 metres to five metres. She has a carbon-fibre mast is from Southern Spars (with ECsix carbon rigging) and carries a sail wardrobe from North Sails.

Kiboko Tres

Length : 32m Builder : Southern Wind

Kiboko Tres is the third Southern Wind built for an experienced yachtsman after upgrading from his SW94. The brief was for a sailing yacht built for regattas, but also for family cruising. Kiboko was the second hull in the SW105 mini-series and is optimised for performance with a larger sailplan than its sisterships, three tonnes more lead in the fixed keel and twin rudders.

Length : 27m Builder : Concordia

Classic wooden sailing yacht Savannah was designed by celebrated Newport designer David Pedrick and takes inspiration from some of the finest classic yachts on the water such as Halloween by Fife and J Class Endeavour by Charles E. Nicholson . The brief was to “build the most beautiful classic yacht conceivable” and her build team did just that. Her classic styling is deceptive, though, as it conceals her integrated modern systems and engineers. 

Length : 24m Builder : Wally

Rose was delivered as Tango G in 2006 and is the work of Wally , Farr Yacht Design , Luca Bassani and Lazzarini Pickering Architetti . She is a three-cabin Wally80 design with a flush deck, carbon rig and 3DL self-tacking jib for simple handling. Her four winches are mounted aft of the cockpit which keeps the sailing and social areas of the boat separate when cruising. 

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Entries have opened for Superyacht Cup Palma, the highlight of the Mediterranean superyacht calendar, with the  Notice of Race  now available for the 21-24 June celebration of sail.

2023 Superyacht Cup Palma teaser

Over a dozen prospective entries have declared an interest in joining the superyacht festival with racing on the Bay of Palma, including a trio of the awe-inspiring J Class yachts.

Alongside likely 2023 returnees Velsheda and Svea is Lionheart, last seen at SYC in 2014 when she took three race wins – including a dead heat finish – on the way to the top of a five-strong J Class fleet.

“It’s been a while since we last raced at Superyacht Cup Palma but you never forget a great event with terrific sailing conditions, so we are all looking forward to a long overdue return visit,” said Lionheart’s skipper Toby Brand.

“Having won the last time we were there we’ve clearly got a lot to live up to, but I know the owner and the crew can’t wait for the challenge ¬- not to mention the great social side ashore as well.”

Lionheart’s unusual history started in the 1930s originally as a Burgess and Stephens design which was not proceeded with, before finally seeing the light of day after being revisited by Hoek Design and launched in 2010. Along with Svea, Lionheart is a shining example of Hoek Design, a Friend of the Superyacht Cup.

Other superyachts potentially returning – several for a second successive year – include Archelon, Pattoo and Kiboko 3, the latter pair only separated on countback at the top of a hard-fought Class A in 2022, with the 33m Pattoo edging the win.

Meanwhile Superyacht Cup Palma welcomes the prospect of greeting a first-timer in the shape of the Swan 100 Onyx (ex-Aquarius Alfa, Flying Dragon II).

“This will be a Superyacht Cup Palma baptism for Onyx, but an event we are all expecting will be one of the highlights of our season,” said skipper Sam Forbes.

“The regatta has a well-deserved reputation for delivering great racing and I have no doubt this will be another memorable year.”

Onyx faces the possibility of competing against a Nautor Swan stablemate Jasi (ex-Odin), a prospective SYC entry which has just successfully completed the 2023 RORC Transatlantic Race.

“As ever one of the pleasures of being involved with Superyacht Cup Palma as we go into its 27th year is welcoming newcomers and greeting old friends once again,” said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.

“We are also delighted that we will be returning to our base at the prestigious Real Club Náutico de Palma, our long-standing race management partner.”

And Branagh also welcomed a new addition to the SYC family in the shape of the worldwide yacht management company Hill Robinson which is joining as a Silver Partner.

“The Superyacht Cup Palma has earned an excellent reputation in the sailing world for gathering a rich array of the world’s premier sailing yachts to race head-to-head. Hill Robinson was forged by the founding partners, Nick and Niall’s passion for classic sailing yachts; a love for the sea that we still retain today. So, we are genuinely excited by this opportunity to be involved with this prestigious event,” said Paul Cook, Chief Operating Officer of Hill Robinson.

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Top-level yacht racing is set to go ahead at Superyacht Cup Palma (SYC) 2021 with a new-look event adapted to local pandemic restrictions.

Organisers have put the focus firmly on the racing in the Bay of Palma from 23-26 June, with the shoreside venue relocating to Superyacht Cup’s long-standing race management collaborator Real Club Nautico De Palma (RCNP).

With an encouraging level of interest from owners and skippers, organisers are optimistic the 25 th anniversary of Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta will attract a competitive range of entries.

Adding to the appeal, 2021 will see the debut of the Superyacht Cup Performance Class. Featuring a competitive fleet start and racing on a separate course, the new Performance Class will join the long-standing original Superyacht Class and the non-spinnaker Corinthian Superyacht Class, which itself proved immediately popular when introduced in 2017.

“We know there is a yearning for competitive sailing after what has of course been a challenging time for everyone,” said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.

“By keeping the focus out on the water, we know we can meet all local pandemic restrictions, keep owners, skippers, crews and our partners safe, and deliver exciting superyacht racing on what will be our 25 th anniversary at the home of Mediterranean superyacht sailing.”

Branagh also welcomed the “incredible” support for the 2021 regatta from SYC’s partners, friends, suppliers and collaborators, not least the RCNP, which is also making a few berths available for visiting competitors on a first come, first served basis.

The president of the Real Club Náutico de Palma, Emerico Fuster, is delighted with the agreement reached with the Superyacht Cup: “We have been collaborating with the Superyacht Cup Palma for years, contributing our organisational experience at sea, and we are proud to expand this support to offer our facilities and hospitality to the yacht owners and crews participating in the event. The partnership that we are launching this year benefits both our club, which has increased the calendar of its prestigious events, and the SYC, which joins its name with that of a world-renowned entity.”

The range of racing options has attracted early interest across the diverse superyacht world, with the 46m Dubois designed Ganesha looking set for a return in the Superyacht Class, while the lightweight 30m WallyCento Magic Carpet3 is a possible contender in the Performance Class.

Also eyeing a return is the 40m modern classic ketch Huckleberry, whose Superyacht Cup Palma debut in 2019 was rewarded when they received the inaugural North Sails Trophy, the Boat of the Day award dedicated to the memory of North Sails founder Lowell North which will be awarded annually.

“We had a great time at our first ever Superyacht Cup Palma and we have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to repeat the experience,” said Huckleberry captain Carlos Potier.

“This year the event will of course be a bit different, but the sailing weather is reliable and the racing out in Palma Bay is always outstanding, so we are counting the days to the start.”

In addition, entries from the J Class fleet are seen as a distinct possibility, with owners, captains and crews perhaps inspired by the venerable Velsheda’s narrow but fully deserved overall SYC Palma victory in 2018, when they held off a determined challenge from the superketch Mari-Cha III. Should three or more J Class yachts compete they will be given their own racing class, further adding to the Superyacht Cup’s broad offer.

To register your interest or request an Entry Form for the 2021 Superyacht Cup Palma please contact [email protected]

The Notice of Race is now available at: https://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/en/sailing-documents

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Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 - Day 2

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Superyacht Cup Palma 2023

Entries have opened for Superyacht Cup Palma, the highlight of the Mediterranean superyacht calendar, with the  Notice of Race  now available for the 21-24 June celebration of sail.

Over a dozen prospective entries have declared an interest in joining the superyacht festival with racing on the Bay of Palma, including a trio of the awe-inspiring J Class yachts.

Alongside likely 2023 returnees Velsheda and Svea is Lionheart, last seen at SYC in 2014 when she took three race wins – including a dead heat finish – on the way to the top of a five-strong J Class fleet.

“It’s been a while since we last raced at Superyacht Cup Palma but you never forget a great event with terrific sailing conditions, so we are all looking forward to a long overdue return visit,” said Lionheart’s skipper Toby Brand.

“Having won the last time we were there we’ve clearly got a lot to live up to, but I know the owner and the crew can’t wait for the challenge ¬- not to mention the great social side ashore as well.”

Lionheart’s unusual history started in the 1930s originally as a Burgess and Stephens design which was not proceeded with, before finally seeing the light of day after being revisited by Hoek Design and launched in 2010. Along with Svea, Lionheart is a shining example of Hoek Design, a Friend of the Superyacht Cup.

Other superyachts potentially returning – several for a second successive year – include Archelon, Pattoo and Kiboko 3, the latter pair only separated on countback at the top of a hard-fought Class A in 2022, with the 33m Pattoo edging the win.

Meanwhile Superyacht Cup Palma welcomes the prospect of greeting a first-timer in the shape of the Swan 100 Onyx (ex-Aquarius Alfa, Flying Dragon II).

“This will be a Superyacht Cup Palma baptism for Onyx, but an event we are all expecting will be one of the highlights of our season,” said skipper Sam Forbes.

“The regatta has a well-deserved reputation for delivering great racing and I have no doubt this will be another memorable year.”

Onyx faces the possibility of competing against a Nautor Swan stablemate Jasi (ex-Odin), a prospective SYC entry which has just successfully completed the 2023 RORC Transatlantic Race.

“As ever one of the pleasures of being involved with Superyacht Cup Palma as we go into its 27th year is welcoming newcomers and greeting old friends once again,” said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.

“We are also delighted that we will be returning to our base at the prestigious Real Club Náutico de Palma, our long-standing race management partner.”

And Branagh also welcomed a new addition to the SYC family in the shape of the worldwide yacht management company Hill Robinson which is joining as a Silver Partner.

“The Superyacht Cup Palma has earned an excellent reputation in the sailing world for gathering a rich array of the world’s premier sailing yachts to race head-to-head. Hill Robinson was forged by the founding partners, Nick and Niall’s passion for classic sailing yachts; a love for the sea that we still retain today. So, we are genuinely excited by this opportunity to be involved with this prestigious event,” said Paul Cook, Chief Operating Officer of Hill Robinson.

by Daphne Morgan Barnicoat

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Superyacht Cup Palma 2022

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By Katie Scott

Renowned for being Europe's longest-running regatta, the Superyacht Cup Palma will return to the Balearic waters for four days of racing action this June.

With its sparkling social programme, idyllic weather conditions and thrilling off-shore racing scene, the Superyacht Cup Palma is one of the most hotly-anticipated events for the Mediterranean sailing community.

Taking place around the Bay of Palma, the event invariably attracts some stellar superyachts eager to be crowned the victor of this prestigious regatta. Last year, Baltic Yachts' 33m/108ft sloop sailing yacht WinWin lived up to her name when she was awarded the winning title.

What to expect from the Superyacht Cup 2022

Organised by the Real Club Nautico de Palma, the fixture will see a day of J-Class racing before the superyacht fleet take to the waters for three days of action-packed competition.

The line-up of competing sailing yachts vary in size yearly, but this year we can expect around 15 yachts with an average length of 35m, or 115ft. 

Mallorca enjoys pleasant temperatures around June, which are complemented by a light sea breeze that will ensure the yachts can reach their top speeds as they slice through the water. 

Away from the races, competitors and spectators alike expect a fabulous shoreside programme for 2020. The fixture is known for its glitzy awards ceremonies, cocktail parties and dockside events, which all aid in creating a social and convivial ambience that's in keeping with the regatta spirit of camaraderie and teamsmanship.

The Superyacht Cup Palma is hosted in Muelle Viejo, a charming little marina just a stone's throw from Palma's history-steeped Old Town. Whether you are interested in participating in the Superyacht Cup as part of a regatta charter , or you'd rather watch on the sidelines from the comfort of a luxury superyacht, this marina is well-served to suit your needs. 

On top of this, those in town for the regatta can also soak up everything this blissful Spanish island has to offer. Dotted in the Balearic sea, Mallorca is home to pristine beaches, cultural sites and a thriving food and drink scene. 

If you'd like to learn more about any of the competing yachts, please reach out to your preferred yacht charter broker .

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Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern all want Alonso. Who'll get him?

Shaka Hislop debates whether Xabi Alonso is better suited to Liverpool or Bayern Munich. (1:34)

It's accurate to say that Xabi Alonso is in a position that is unique across the entire history of organised professional football.

Big statement, but demonstrably true.

Never before has a coach who has still to complete his first full senior season been the No. 1 target for three of the biggest clubs in the world (with 26 European Cups/Champions Leagues between them) in three different countries. Those clubs are Bayern Munich , Liverpool and Real Madrid .

His other love, Real Sociedad , had him and let him leave -- they'll have to wait a long time now. Does that mean we should already feel huge sympathy for his current employers, Bayer Leverkusen , for whom he'll seal their first Bundesliga title if his team wins just 15 of the remaining 24 points available this season?

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

Well, hold your horses -- not necessarily. We'll come back to Bayer 04 in a minute. This is a fertile time for Spanish coaches. Again.

Two of Europe's "Big Five" leagues will definitely be won by LaLiga exports -- Ligue 1 by Paris Saint-Germain and Luis Enrique, plus, I'm promising you, Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen. But that number could easily be three ... or four, should the Premier League be won by either Arsenal or Manchester City ... and if Xavi's Barcelona stage what would admittedly be a minor miracle in LaLiga itself.

Of the 24 clubs left in UEFA competition (Champions League, Europa League, Conference League) seven are coached by Spanish managers -- more than any other nationality. All that notwithstanding, the 42-year-old Basque who played for Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Madrid and Bayern stands out.

Bayern Munich are facing competition from the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool for the signing of Xabi Alonso, according to honorary president Uli Hoeness 😯 pic.twitter.com/Ka2QesZtbD — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 21, 2024

There have been more precocious coaches than Alonso: Pep Guardiola won the treble aged just 38, but by the time Manchester City and Bayern Munich (five European Cups/Champions League between them at the time) were the only two slugging it out for his signature, not only had he taken a year's sabbatical, he'd been coaching at the senior level for four seasons and he was 42. Another of Alonso's mentors, Jose Mourinho, was 41 by the time he took charge of Chelsea , having won UEFA trophies with Porto, but he'd been assistant coach to Sir Bobby Robson and Louis Van Gaal, or head coach at three different Portuguese clubs, for well over a decade by then.

The speed of Mourinho's ascent isn't comparable, nor was being sought by Chelsea (wealthy, but zero Champions League titles at the time) comparable to this Spanish World Cup winner currently being the No. 1 pick for Bayern, Liverpool and Madrid. What's more, Mourinho was made to audition for the job (on Roman Abramovich's yacht) up against Didier Deschamps. Alonso is Número Uno everywhere he surveys.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who could easily be held up as the most successful and powerful football club manager ever, was nearly 45 by the time he joined Manchester United from Aberdeen, had been coaching clubs for well over 10 years and had turned down opportunities at Rangers, Spurs and Wolves.

Hardly Bayern, Liverpool or Madrid. Enough examples for contextual comparison.

Go through all the greats, as far back as you wish, and you will not find a manager who was still to finish his first full senior season but had become the "must-sign!" guy for three such mighty clubs across three wholly different football cultures. It's astonishing.

What's that? You'd like to know what his choice will be? OK, join the queue -- so would Bayern, Liverpool and Madrid.

Alonso is a strict, sometimes stern, but ultra-disciplined guy. There is no way on earth he was going to let speculation, negotiation or career-choice deliberation get in the way of his Leverkusen team lifting all three trophies that are still available to them (Bundesliga, German Cup, Europa League). That simply isn't how he's constructed.

Meaning that in recent months, since this situation was catalysed by Jurgen Klopp announcing his decision to leave Anfield in June and then Bayern and Thomas Tuchel revealing that they would consciously uncouple , Alonso scrupulously refused to engage in either media jostling on his story or firm negotiations with the suitor clubs. Any other such reports are nonsense.

However, the recent international break, while only a brief respite from 100% intense club duties, gave him and his long-term entourage time to nudge the decision-making process forward. A little clarity seems to have emerged.

Alonso, from before he signed up to rescue Leverkusen in October 2022, has been crystal clear in his own mind where it is he'd like to deploy his talents over the next 20 years or so -- he just didn't realise that all these opportunities would drop simultaneously.

For example, in summer 2022, he was approached by Marseille 's Spanish president, Pablo Longoria, with the offer to take over France's sleeping giants. Alonso had just left Real Sociedad's B team and was free.

Longoria told So Foot: "Xabi turned down the Marseille job with the same elegance he had as when he was a midfielder striking a 40-metre pass. I should have been furious to be rejected but it was all so gentlemanly that I almost thanked him for the experience! He was quite clear on the four teams he wanted to coach and was perfectly prepared to wait for them."

Those teams were, and still are, Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern. The pecking order, right now, is: Madrid (meaning he'd stay at Leverkusen for at least a season) very narrowly ahead of Liverpool and ... Bayern drifting.

Bayern Munich have their noses pressed at the shop window. They know what they want, they hunger for it, the money is burning a hole in their pocket -- but they look increasingly likely to have to accept they're at the back of the queue to such a degree that they might well move onward to others on their list of candidates ... and do so soon.

The fact that Alonso is on the verge of achieving something unparalleled in Bayer Leverkusen's 120 years -- making them German champions -- means he and his employers have a symbiotic relationship. Alonso would not naturally want to enforce a brutal move to the champion-elect's nearest rival -- Bayern Munich. Not when he has three other options: staying, Liverpool or Madrid.

He owes president Fernando Carro, the club, his squad and the fans too much. Not his style.

Bayern's honorary president, Uli Hoeness, told Ran Sports last week: "There are hardly any coaches like Alonso, who've proved they can handle a big club, but who don't have a job or who are on sabbatical. It's not so easy to persuade someone under contract, who may well be having great success, that FC Bayern is the 'be-all-and-end-all!'"

Genuinely, how stark it is for someone who lives and breathes FC Bayern to have to admit that. Last time the Bavarians set their sights on a Spaniard they, admittedly, elbowed Manchester City out of the way and hugely frustrated Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano in managing to hijack what they thought was a guaranteed move for Pep Guardiola to come directly to England. Can they replicate that against-the-odds action with Alonso? Outside bet.

It's partly explained because of how Alonso feels about his current employers -- who extended his contract (until summer 2026) only last August. When that news was revealed, Leverkusen's sports director, Simon Rolfes, said: "Us appointing Xabi is getting great applause right now but when we chose him there was skepticism. He was world-famous ... yet a coach without experience of leading an elite club. But I was convinced of his ability."

Leverkusen acted so firmly last August, long before the magnificence of their current season even began to take shape and suggest that Alonso needed rewarding, because they were positive that Real Madrid would sign and seal their former midfielder to take over as coach this summer. It was a wholly understandable precaution.

Xabi Alonso's masterclass with Bayer Leverkusen so far this season 🪄 pic.twitter.com/qpklskAgZ1 — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 8, 2024

In August 2023, the Brazilian CBF was ruled by Ednaldo Rodrigues, who had made it quite clear that he wanted the brilliant veteran Italian Carlo Ancelotti to take over the national team as soon as possible, if not sooner. Ancelotti was out of contract at Madrid in June 2024 -- his move to Brazil looked a shoo-in.

Rolfes reacted with supreme anticipation and precision -- ensuring that Alonso was contracted for almost three more years with the implication that either they'd keep the vibrant young Spaniard or be paid damn good compensation if he left. They knew that even securing him in the mid-term didn't automatically ensure that Alonso would be irrevocably locked in.

Leverkusen's Spanish CEO Fernando Carro has already explained to Marca: "We didn't need to have a release clause in writing with Xabi. We have a great relationship and he knows we're a serious club.

"We won't insist on keeping anyone who doesn't want to be here. There's nothing on paper but a verbal agreement is still an agreement. If he requires to do something in the future then we'll talk. I only hope we don't have to because he's happy and he wants to stay."

Madrid are in pole position because, long before this was a three-way auction, they specifically built him into their succession plan. Immediately as Ancelotti's Brazilian dream looked as if it were crumbling, with Rodrigues being removed from his post (only briefly it proved) by the Brazilian government last December, Florentino Perez neatly stitched in his preferred segue by renewing Ancelotti until summer 2026.

Absolutely zero coincidence that this was in harmony with when Alonso would be guaranteed to be free from his Leverkusen deal. The result: a Madrid squad beautifully built, stadium renewed and ready to earn huge new revenue, steady-hand Ancelotti tied up for two more years and Cool-Hand Xabi waiting to take over.

Meaning that Liverpool have quite some work to do in order not to join Bayern Munich with their noses pressed to the window -- seeing the candy, wanting the candy, but not being allowed in.

Alonso's ties to the city, to the club, his awareness that Liverpool, too, have renewed and fortified their squad and the residual ache, about which he's spoken, that the Premier League was the only national title he didn't win in the three countries he graced, can all, feasibly, combine to draw him away from the Bundesliga and to ask Florentino Perez for a little extra time before coming home to Madrid.

And what has the prospect of Leverkusen playing Liverpool in Dublin for the Europa League title in what might be Klopp's last game in charge of the Reds done for the pending drama -- whether Alonso wants to take over or has other plans?

It has hyped that drama right up, is what it's done. As it stands, however, Liverpool are not yet in the box seat.

Leaving the prospect of Leverkusen, who've been so smart, so visionary, so brave and so successful in prising their way into Alonso's dream career trajectory, potentially reaping the benefits of at least one more season if moving to Madrid in due course, rather than Anfield, is what he ultimately chooses.

Meantime, get geared up for Leverkusen, who have only one domestic trophy in these 120 years of history, tilting very hard indeed at winning three of the damn things in the next 60 days. And then partying.