Superyacht Cup Palma all set to celebrate its 25th anniversary
by Daphne Morgan Barnicoat 1 Jun 2021 13:52 BST
23-26 June 2021
Superyacht Cup Palma © Pedro Martinez / Sailing Energy
With less than a month to go to the start of Superyacht Cup Palma's landmark 25th anniversary, final detailed preparations are falling in to place to ensure the 2021 event will live long in the memory.
The celebration of Europe's longest running superyacht regatta from June 23-26 has been carefully planned to adapt to local pandemic restrictions in Mallorca.
As ever, the new-look event's primary focus will be on the action out on the Bay of Palma where a fleet including many of the world's most spectacular superyachts will enjoy competitive, safe, and fun racing.
With the clock ticking down to the start of the regatta, captains and afterguards can now access the full SYC Sailing Instructions online here.
Ashore, the centre of the Superyacht Cup operation has moved to the world-famous Real Club Náutico de Palma in the heart of the city. The increased involvement of the RCNP - SYC's long-standing race management collaborator - will allow flexibility with social events in the event pandemic restrictions are eased or lifted.
In any event the prestigious club will provide an elegant and historic setting for SYC's unique trademark brand of fun and informal gatherings.
"Superyacht Cup Palma has always put people first on and off the water, and never more so than at this anniversary event," said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.
"The success of Superyacht Cup Palma over the past 25 years is in large part down to our ability to react and respond to circumstances and the changing requirements of the superyacht community, including owners, captains, crews and our commercial partners, and we have had to pull out all the stops this year!
"We are confident 2021 will be a safe, enjoyable and above all stimulating return to competitive yacht racing."
The latest addition to the entry list is the elegant 46m Scorpione - last seen at SYC in 2018 - who will join another returnee the 34m Nilaya, who came second in Class A in 2019 to overall SYC winner Win Win, with both flying the flag for Baltic Yachts, a Friend of the Superyacht Cup.
Also making a welcome return to Palma are the awesome 47m Perini Navi creation Aquarius - currently the largest entry - the sleek 34m sloop Baiurdo VI, the stylish and powerful 46m Ganesha, and the elegant, low profile 33m Missy.
Set to join them are a trio of first timers comprising the striking 35m Frers-designed Shamanna and Swan 80 Umiko - both from the iconic Nautor stable - and the stunning 43m Ravenger (ex-Sea Eagle) from Royal Huisman.
"Superyacht Cup Palma's reputation for superb sailing and a great atmosphere is well known, and it's wonderful that Ravenger will be taking part this year," said her captain Lars Klische.
"It has been on the must-do list for a while and the fact this is a big anniversary year makes it a particularly special occasion. We can't wait to join the fleet out there."
Alongside returning superyachts SYC is also grateful for the continuing support of its many commercial partners, friends and suppliers including Destination Partner New Zealand - who have a special mention below - and an array of Silver Partners comprising Southern Spars, Rondal, RSB Rigging, Marinepool, Vitters Shipyard, Evolution Sails, North Sails, Pantaenius Yacht Insurance and Astilleros de Mallorca, the latter two now entering their third decade of support.
Racing will begin on Thursday 24 June with the Pantaenius Race Day, if all goes well, blessed by the Bay of Palma's reliable sea breeze, with the action continuing with the New Zealand Race Day on Friday. The final results will be decided on Saturday 26 June, with the prize-giving to follow at the Real Club Náutico de Palma.