Record entry at the 38th Oyster Regatta
by Sue Pelling 5 Oct 2016 21:13 BST
4-8 October 2016
A record entry at the 38th Oyster Regatta © Martinez Studio
A record entry of 43 boats and a total of 350 competitors at the Oyster Regatta Palma 2016 has created a big sensation round town. This stunning gathering of world class Oyster yachts that range from 45ft-100ft has taken centre stage at the Real Club Nautico de Palma (RCNP) for this unique, five-day annual event.
Palma is naturally a popular choice of regatta location for Oyster crews, but there is no doubt that Oyster's unique model that combines both club/family racers and professional race teams in what is affectionately known as the 'Oyster family', is the key to the event's success.
If the atmosphere and festival spirit at the Skippers' Briefing, and opening cocktail party at in the sumptuous setting at the RCNP is anything to go by, the Oyster Regatta Palma 2016 is going to be one to remember. Hundreds of guests enjoyed fine Oyster hospitality and there was a distinct air of excitement as teams of all abilities chatted about the prospects of their first day of racing.
While the likes of professional teams such as Firebird – on the sparkling new Oyster 885-07 sailed by Team Firebird Ocean Limited are keen to see how they perform in Class 1 after their recent second place at the Superyacht Cup, Hans Kampers Mareka of Holland – Oyster 49PH-33 said he was happy just to take part.
Kampers, who is sailing with his daughter Renne, plus their sailing Flatcoat Retriever – Ruby – hopes at least to win the Hot Dog prize! Kampers commented: "Ruby won it three years ago, so she is going for it again this year. She loves racing, and feels particularly safe with her doggie lifejacket."
The first of the four-race, three-to-count series began in the Bay of Palma on Wednesday 5th October.
After racing finishes for the day, crews and supporting teams are heading to the first grand social event of the week, a cocktail party and dinner at Son Termes. This is a historic finca founded by Oliver de Termes, knight of King James I in the 13th century. It is now a popular venue for Majorcan culture and fine cuisine.