A Club Yachting Life Rally in Ibiza
by Merijn de Waard, Super Yacht Times on 25 Jun 2011
Club Yachting Life Rally in Ibiza in 2011 Merijn de Waard
A rally is a rally is a rally, but some cruising rallies really are special, and among them are the Club Yachting Life Rallies. Merijn de Waard recently participated in one, sailing on the yachts Passe Partout and Mayflowerof the Spanish island of Ibiza, and here is her tale:
(Photos in this article are by Merijn de Waard, C. Benaglio & R. Schweizer)
Earlier this month I participated in the Club Yachting Life Rally in Ibizia; a spectacular sailing event organised by superyacht broker Dahm International. Fourteen sailing yachts, including eight superyachts with a length up to 42 metres, took part in the 24th edition of the Club Yachting Life Rally.
The newly opened Marina Ibiza was the home base for the sailings yachts participating in the event and on the first evening we were welcomed by
Dahm International in the new captain’s lounge.
120 Participants, Yacht owners with their friends, families, captains and crew, enjoyed the amazing views over the old town of Ibiza from the new terrace.
The following morning, the long leg of the Pantaenius Race Day started with changing winds, calms and rain showers. For the Race Day, I boarded the 42 metre superyacht Passe Partout, captained by Romke Loopik.
With a lack of wind, the sailing conditions for the 265 tonnes Passe Partout were not ideal,
however at the turning point near Formentera the wind started to pick up and on our way back we managed to reach a speed of nearly 12 knots.
From the Passe Partout I had an excellent view on all the other participating sailing yachts. Although she had a disadvantageous starting position at first, the fighting Swiss crew of the 22 metre Jongert Toro Del Mar managed to move far ahead of her sister ship, Herbert Dahm’s Inspiration, in the regatta class of the sloops.
Thanks to Toro Del Mar’s home berth being on Ibiza, the Swiss crew knew their home waters best. Taking advantage of the
good winds near the coast, they passed the turning point first.
The British Marmalade of Manchester, a 21.35 metre Nordia 70, whose crew had still been working on their tacks the day before, overtook two competitors and won second place.
A streak of bad luck put the Dutch sailing professionals of Icarus a step behind: Strong gusts and heavy rainfall caused the spinnaker to rip. Icarus came third, while owner and crew were very happy about receiving the award for Best Crew which they received for their good team spirit.
The 42 metre Sir Robert Banden
Powell was in position at the turning point, so owners Karsten Börner and Karin Volkening could have the best view of all the participants, their crews and the action.
In the ketch division, the Spanish had a successful 'homerun': The owner of the smaller 17.3 metre Agarimo IV won with his crew ahead of the Jongert yacht of his father, the 21.6 metre Agarimo V.
On board for the first time, the owner of the recently sold superyacht Black Molly was very happy about third place. The first place crew got prizes for their victory throughout the night. Celebrations were held in the Asian garden of the Casa Colonial restaurant and prizes included unique 3D nautical charts of Ibiza hand crafted by Latitude Kinsale for first place, sailing jackets by Slam for second place and Slam bags for the third place winners. In this celebratory atmosphere the Club Yachting Life crew enjoyed amongst other things the 'Filet John Dory with champagne sauce' and a view of the valley below.
After the intense first race day, the team of Dahm International had organised a more relaxed and casual cruising day on Saturday. At the end of the morning 14 sailing set sail to the South of Ibiza to anchor in the spectacular and legendary rocky bay. In the beautiful sunlight, the Club Yachting Life fleet anchored in the bay, while owners and crew enjoyed fresh Paella and Sangria in the El Carmen restaurant.
Herbert Dahm received an applause and standing ovations as he later returned to the group with his broken arm. Some relaxing time in the sun and the sea saw to a perfect afternoon before the fleet sailed back to the new Marina Ibiza.
On the third and final day I joined the Jongert 2200S Mayflower and on a beautiful and sunny day, we set course for a two hours course to the beach club Amante. After a delicious Mediterranean meal with a stunning view of 14 luxury sailing yachts in the picturesque bay, it was time for the farewell. Herbert Dahm gave his sincere thanks to the partners of the 24th Club Yachting Life Rally for their support, the new Marina Ibiza as partner as well as Pantaenius and Slam as official sponsors.
Next year will be the 25th Jubilee of the event and I am sure Herbert Dahm and his team will again organise an unforgettable event!
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