Entries are open for The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024
by Daphne Morgan Barnicoat 7 Dec 2023 21:59 AEDT
19-22 June 2024
SY Halekai - The Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 © Sailing Energy
The Superyacht Cup Palma organisers have opened the doors to entries for the 2024 event, while looking ahead to a busy and potentially memorable Mediterranean sailing season.
The Notice of Race is now available for the 19-22 June regatta, which will mark the 28th edition of Europe's longest running superyacht festival of sail.
A regular feature of the Mediterranean season, The Superyacht Cup Palma will take place just weeks ahead of the America's Cup in Barcelona — the last occasion the America's Cup came to the Med in Valencia in 2007 SYC welcomed its largest ever entry of 52 superyachts.
"All the indications are it's going to be quite a season in 2024 and we are ready, willing and able to welcome back returning yachts and greet any and all newcomers," said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.
View official Notice of Race
Among possible first-time entrants are the 39.4m Hoek Truly Classic 128 yacht Halekai, returning from a world cruise.
"It will be a debut at The Superyacht Cup Palma for Halekai," said captain James Saddington, "but I did the regatta back in 2019 on Kealoha so I know what a wonderful and enjoyable event it can be with the professional racing and informal social scene — it will be great to be back."
Meanwhile there is also the prospect of a return of the Swan 100 Onyx and regular attendee Velsheda, in what would be a third successive appearance for the celebrated J Class yacht.
"Velsheda and The Superyacht Cup Palma seem made for each other as the many repeat visits indicate," said her recently appointed captain Will Gibbon, the yacht's former first mate.
"2024 looks like it could be quite a special year in the sailing community, so it will be good to be in the heart of the action starting in Palma next June," he added.
SYC organisers are also delighted to be able to again welcome back valued supporters in the shape of Preferred Hotel Partner St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca, Destination Partner New Zealand, Official Timepiece Jaquet Droz and Silver Partners Astilleros, Pantaenius, RSB Rigging, North Sails and Southern Spars, as well as official clothing supplier Marinepool.
Kate Branagh added: "It is also wonderful to be able to continue our long-standing partnership with the prestigious Real Club Náutico de Palma for a further year. They will be our host and base once again with more moorings available at the RCNP, which is a popular choice, so we advise early booking.
"As ever, all of us at The Superyacht Cup Palma are looking forward to the coming year and another gathering celebrating sailing and friendly, competitive racing — which is what it is all about."