Gloves are off for Palma's Superyacht Cup

by The Superyacht Cup on 21 Jun 2017 Interiors have been stowed, winches have been serviced, and cruising sails have been stored away for later use. Yachts are primed for action and crew members have been perfecting their sailing maneuvers, as well as picking the brains of local racing virtuosos. The heads of this year's participating sailors are in the game and set to race and win Palma's 21st edition of the Superyacht Cup.

Weather-wise the coming days are expected to face fairly light winds, so sailing will depend on Palma's trademark sea breeze, which normally builds daily from just before noon. Patches of 'softer breeze' are also anticipated, making for an added challenge for the yachts' tacticians. The menu for today's competitors that went out training served up a 6-14 knot sea breeze and good mid-afternoon sailing conditions.

The entrants in this year's fleet add up to a total of 362 metres of sailing enhusiasm, and range from newly-launched boats, such as the 34m Malcolm McKeon-designed sloop Ribelle (kitted out with a high-tech racing wardrobe) to the 32m German Frers-designed Bolero.

Built in 1991, Bolero is this year's most senior entrant, whilst the largest is the 46m classically lined Windrose of Amsterdam. This award-winning schooner has been out of the racing scene for a while; she last competed in 2009. Another former competitor and enchanting example of Dutch boat-building expertise is the 27.5m Atalante 1. This stunning Truly Classic, designed by Hoek and built by Claasen, is our smallest entrant this year.

The fleet's ten yachts, split into classes A and B, will race three challenging coastal courses, selected on the morning of each race. As in previous years, there will be a staggered start sequence at two-minute intervals, which will result in an exciting 'pack finish'. New for this 2017 edition are the Daily Race Awards (which will take place in the SYC tent) and will undoubtedly add a celebratory sparkle to 'regular' end-of-day cold drinks and catch-ups.

The Superyacht Cup's spirited social programme kicks off tonight with the 'Welcome Cocktail Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Astilleros de Mallorca', an apt opener which will be enhanced by Sheela Gathright's soulful voice. Silver sponsors Astilleros de Mallorca are renowned the world over for their refit and repair facilities which allow them to undertake work on yachts up to 70m in length.

As in previous years, Superyacht Cup racing will be in the safe and trusted hands of MedAire. Their experienced team will provide medical cover on-site and will be at the ready with emergency response.

Racing is scheduled to start at 13.00 tomorrow.