Samurai and Farfalla join The Superyacht Cup fleet

by The Superyacht Cup on 28 Feb 2017 With this year's third superyacht regatta (Loro Piana Caribbean SuperYacht Regatta and Rendezvous) about to explode into action, it's evident we're in the thick of the 2017 racing season. In fact, before we know it, the world's most talked-about superyachts will be heading for the glittery waters of the Mediterranean, eager to take part in Europe's longest-running superyacht regatta: The Superyacht Cup!

During the upcoming event, we'll be able to see the 32m fast cruising yacht Farfalla (2015 World Superyacht Award winner) glide across the SYC start line for the very first time. This streamlined 'butterfly' hit an impressive 23 knots on her first delivery and is known to be nimble even in the lightest of winds. During the first superyacht regatta of the year, the New Zealand Millenium Cup, Farfalla ended up on equal points with second place finisher, the 40m Janice of Wyoming.

A completely different animal, also in the run for Cup supremacy, is the 43m on-water warrior Samurai. This record breaking racer was simply built for speed and as Mari-Cha IV did exactly this. She broke the trans-Atlantic record (smashed last year by super maxi Comanche ) the Guadeloupe to Antigua record, the Hawaii Pacific Ocean record, and won the Rolex Transatlantic Challenge, to name but a few. Even after her severe transition from stripped-out racing machine to superyacht, Samurai is 'still a weapon to sail', as said by her Captain. (1) Indeed, she's reached rip-roaring speeds of 36 knots, which is only five less than Mari-Cha IV's max. Samurai's conversion was carried out by silver sponsors Royal Huisman - chosen by the owner because of the Dutch yard's reputation and brand pedigree.

Another entrant comfortable on the podium is the 40m Royal Huisman built well-versed racer Maria Cattiva. During the 2012 edition of the regatta her jubilant owner and elated crew were awarded the coveted 'Big Bent Cleat'. The following year she pipped the 27m Claasen Classic Atalante to the post, finishing second in Class 2. Atalante, a beautifully lined icon of the Hoek-design drawing board, will also return this year -ready and revved to get her own back, there's no two ways about it!

Carbon fibre professionals Rondal are loyal SYC supporters, much like Royal Huisman, and have been sponsoring the regatta for many years. Apart from being bona fide racing enthusiasts, these spars and rigging experts have constructed the world's three largest one-piece carbon spars. These carbon virtuosos are currently working on Pink Gin VI's five spreader mast. This Baltic beast is, at 175ft, the world's biggest carbon fibre sloop.

(1) Quote originally appeared here

A different breed of boats

Surely, last year's participating sailors and race fans will remember The Big Class Day Sail, which added lashings of extra elan to what was already a spectacular event. We're very excited to announce that this next edition will again see a ravishing get-together of some of the most iconic vintage yachts. However, we'll be opening up this epic parade this year to more than just schooners, as we'll be inviting classics of all sizes to grace the Palma Bay as well. This will make for another fabulous viewing experience no doubt, either from shore or from the water.

One of the classics eager to return is the 55m Elena, built in 2009 by Factoria Naval de Marin as a meticulously re-built replica of the first Elena. Her predecessor finished in front at most of her early races against the crème de la crème of the American schooner fleet. The new Elena slices through the water with the grace reminiscent of a former era and, as a regular racer, has claimed victories on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Superyacht Cup is a Clean Regatta, which means we are part of the race to protect ocean health and actively push for a cut down on single-use plastic.