A new regatta for big yachts is born: Ibiza JoySail 17th - 20th June 2021

Les Voiles de Saint - Tropez Wally Class © Nico Martinez

STP Shipyard Palma, Europe's main hub for sailing yachts' refit & repair, and Marina Ibiza, one of the most exclusive marinas in the Mediterranean, have joined forces to create the Ibiza Joysail Regatta. This is the first regatta for superyachts to include a 70-mile race between the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, and the very first of its kind to be organised between Ibiza and Formentera.

The Ibiza Joysail Regatta is set to become a fresh benchmark in the world of high-performace regattas and promises a thrilling four-day competition bringing together superyachts from the Maxi and Superyacht classes. The event has also recently decided to accept teams with boats measuring under 80 feet in line with technical criteria; this amendment will shortly be published in the Notice of Race and will be applied on a case by case basis.

Following a challenging year for the sailing world, the Ibiza Joysail Regatta, created by an international team together with the Club Náutico de Ibiza - the second oldest port on the Balearic islands - includes the very first offshore 70-mile race course for superyachts between Mallorca and Ibiza. The racing programme is matched by an eclectic social agenda - both on the water and onshore - for the owners, crews and guests. The four-day event, which will follow a strict health protocol to ensure the safety of all those involved, marks a welcome return to big yacht racing in some of the most exciting and entertaining sailing destinations in the world.

Nicolás González, captain of the immaculate and elegant 90ft Swan S/Y NEFERTITI - designed by German Frers - which has already registered for the regatta, highlights the great appeal of this new event and the extraordinarily beautiful settings of the racing in Ibiza and Formentera:

"Last summer, we spent 45 days sailing in and around Ibiza and Formentera, and they really are places of paradise. Together with two other Maxis we went around Formentera to Port and Starboard on different days, as well as a tour around Es Vedrá. It really was one of my most beautiful sailing experiences aboard Nefertiti. This is why we believe that the Ibiza JoySail regatta is such a good initiative and an excellent way to start the 2021 season in full swing! Hopefully we can sail and have fun with a few Maxis and superyachts."

The excitement around the event continues to grow, especially with entries from boats such as the extremely competitive 107ft S/Y Open Season Wally, skippered by Hugo Ramon, who at the age of 20 crossed the Atlantic solo in the 2005 Mini Transat. His extensive racing experience will no doubt be a driving force in the high levels of adrenaline and competitive spirit of this new regatta.

According to Sebas Vidal, Lead Regatta Coordinator at the Club Náutico de Ibiza, "The Club is really looking forward to being a part of this event and wants to encourage all Maxi and Superyachts to come and enjoy what will no doubt be a fantastic competition within a truly unique environment."

The regatta programme will start on Thursday June 17th 2021 from the STP Shipyard in Palma de Mallorca, with an offshore race from the Bay of Palma to the island of Ibiza, and will continue on the following three days with coastal races in the waters of Ibiza and Formentera. At the end of each day's racing, an exciting line up of social activities will get under way showcasing the island's warm and unique hospitality, with a focus on eco-friendly practices and adherence to the latest health and safety procedures in place.

The Pitiusas Islands will have the chance to display all the charms they have on offer, and no doubt reaffirm their position as an ideal destination for sport, sailing and unparalled entertainment. Marina Ibiza will also offer participants and guests a personalised concierge service, and boat owners and crews will have access to all the facilities they may need, whether nautical or social, to help make this event an unforgettable experience, and one to no doubt be repeated year after year.

Daniel Marí, Managing Director of Marina Ibiza says, "For us, this project is a unique opportunity to show off our little paradise and provide those who are passionate about the sea with the very best experience of our islands. As an ancient land of fishermen and privateers, we are great sea and sailing lovers, and we are convinced that this event will allow boat owners to rediscover waters where it is truly wonderful to sail, but also enjoy an unlimited array of top-end services, leisure and entertainment."

The unique and picture-perfect views from Marina Ibiza are certainly proof of this, located right in front of the old walled city and in fact declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The event's initiative has also been very well received by STP Shipyard Palma, the technical repair hub where most of the teams are preparing their boats for the competition. Joan Rosselló, Manager of the shipyard, was initially drawn to the event by its key differentiating factor:

"In Mallorca there are many - and very important - regattas, but there are none that included a 70-mile crossing race between one island and another. From what some captains have been telling us, this is a really interesting and valuable addition of the Ibiza JoySail format. STP is usually the repair base for many racing teams, and we even host some regattas with a long international history, so we decided to support the idea from the beginning."

From the enforced confinement which so many people across the world have withstood over the past year, there is now a deep hunger to get back to living life to the full, to return to being out on the ocean, explore new waters, and share experiences with others. The Ibiza JoySail offers the opportunity to do just that, with the perfect blend of lifestyle and sailing in a unique and safe destination, offering too all the benefits and complementary services such as accommodation, transport and/or any other requirements that owners or crews may have.

Want to get involved or find out more information? Please check out the website below register before it's too late!

For more information visit www.ibizajoysail.com