Ibiza JoySail's Corinthian focus confirms it as one of the Mediterranean's 'best kept secrets'
by Ibiza JoySail 1 Jun 00:35 AEST
18-21 September 2025
Ibiza Joysail fleet moored at . Photo: @ © Sailing Energy
Ibiza JoySail, one of the Mediterranean's most exemplary regattas, has been welcoming skippers and crews from across the sailing world for the past five years and is increasingly regarded as one of the key events marking the end of the Mediterranean season.
Based at Marina Ibiza, the well-run, friendly yet competitive racing, and a busy onshore social programme, is an attractive proposition for both professional and Corinthian sailors alike.
Nacho Postigo, the event's Race Director, explains: "The fact that we welcome Corinthian entries has become one of the main attractions of this event. Very simply owners do not need to optimise their yachts to participate - you can 'come as you are' and there will be a class for you to race in.
"We welcome yachts from high-spec racing to full-on cruising, or those owners who just want to dip their toe into racing in this beautiful part of the Mediterranean."
He continues, "At the first Ibiza JoySail five years ago, we had four entries, and one of those, Dark Horse, had never taken part in a regatta before. This strong Corinthian spirit continues and underlines what we set out to do right at the start of Ibiza JoySail as, for some owners, taking part in some of the bigger superyacht events can be very daunting."
While there is no separate Corinthian division, boats that comply with the requirements compete for the Corinthian Trophy in each one of the classes. To race in Corinthian mode, as well as a few limitations on sail configurations and the requirement to sail in fully cruising mode, only up to four professional sailors are allowed, in addition to the permanent crew.
For 2025, the invitation-only event has twenty-two yachts registered for this year, which will be held from the 18-21 September 2025 at the exclusive Marina Ibiza. This is the maximum number of entries due to space and the wish to ensure the highest levels of service for all competitors.
In the 2024 Ibiza JoySail over half the fleet sailed as Corinthian entries, and seven of the fifteen podium positions went to Corinthian entries. Daniel van Starrenburg, owner of the 100ft sloop Aurelius, describes Ibiza JoySail as one of the best-kept secrets on the yachting calendar. He will be back to defend his title again this year.
The 2025 fleet has yet to confirm whether they will be sailing in Corinthian mode, but with a fleet ranging in size from the competitive Y-Yachts, Shambo and Viento, both back racing again, to Cervo, the 128ft Vitters-built sloop, racing promises to be equally competitive, whether you are a Corinthian or a professional sailor.
Moat, the Swan 115, will be back to try and defend their four class wins from their four Ibiza JoySail events. While she will not be racing in Corinthian mode, her owner Juan Ball embraces the informal atmosphere of the event: "We are a bunch of friends who respect each other, we help each other, and we have a good time," he commented at the end of the 2024 event.
Ibiza JoySail is much more than a regatta, it has a family and friends atmosphere that, as well as spectacular racing, offers a calendar of social activities for both sailors and supporters alike.
This combination of an exciting day of racing and a vibrant life ashore has a strong appeal, making it regatta of reference in the Mediterranean superyacht circuit.