Wednesday 19th
Copyright: www.clairematches.com
Copyright: Ian Roman
The first day of the Superyacht Cup proved to be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the powerful J’s. Conditions in the bay of Palma were predictably perfect with the early afternoon sea breeze averaging 15-19 knots and wave height of only 1.5m, a contrast to the last battle of the J’s in St Barths – teams today were anticipating that the flatter more protected sea would provide a more level playing field where tactics and team work would be paramount.
An all clear start at 1.05pm for a 3 lap windward leeward, with Lionheart taking the windward end of the line. The right hand side of the course seemed to pay off for the first beat, and indeed for most of the race. Those that headed towards the cathedral seemed to have the advantage.
Lionheart led Hanuman around the first mark, and it was a tight pack that followed with only boat lengths between the 5 J’s. At the first downwind gate it was neck and neck between Hanuman and Lionheart on the rounding, however on the second beat Hanuman gained a steady lead favouring the right hand side of the course.
Nearing the top windward mark Hanuman was nearly a full ten boat lengths in front of Lionheart, before Lionheart unfortunately had an issue with her jib enabling the rest of the fleet to catch up and give Hanuman the clear lead. Second around the mark was Velsheda, followed within seconds by Rainbow and Ranger; Lionheart was quick to rejoin the race although now at the back of the fleet.
The second downwind leg saw another movement in the positions, Hanuman still in the clear but Ranger again taking the preferred side of the course took second round the mark from Rainbow by a close 30 seconds. Velsheda, with a torn spinnaker meant that she was last through the gate. Up the last beat, Ranger kept a good four boat lengths over the remaining fleet, covering Velsheda as she tacked over.
At the last windward mark, Hanuman retained first, followed by Ranger four minutes later. The tousle was now on between Rainbow, Lionheart and Velsheda, who were covering tack for tack.
The last downwind leg was glorious, a true spectacle that all had come to be party to. It was a close race, after two hours all 5 J’s crossed the line within five minutes of one another.
On corrected time Hanuman won by one and half minutes, Ranger took second with the closest finish between Lionheart and Rainbow whose positions were reversed on handicap with Lionheart taking third by eleven seconds.
Tomorrow will see the first race for the 15 Superyachts, and the second windward leeward for the J’s.
JESUS RENEDO PHOTOGRAPHY
FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE SUPERYACHT CUP
Final preparations are well underway for The Superyacht Cup with the usual bustle of activity on the STP and Moll Vell docks as tents are erected for the event village and sponsors put the final touches to their stands. The event village will be open to participants as from registration tomorrow morning from 10.00, an all yacht obligatory safety briefing at 1800 followed by the Welcome Cocktail Party at 20.00 at the SYC Village.
This afternoon will see the arrival of the remainder of the 20 strong fleet, welcoming back a full entry list to this 17th year of the Cup.
The 5 J’s were seen out on the bay of Palma yesterday, the sun bringing in an early afternoon sea breeze of 18-19 knots. Today, a cloudy start as the J’s left the dock for their second practice day, so lighter and cooler conditions in which to perfect those all important start sequences and manoeuvres. The battle begins tomorrow for the first race of 4 for the J’s, with Hanuman, Lionheart, Ranger, Rainbow and Velsheda all competing again for the first time since the St Barths bucket in March and the first time 5 J’s have raced in the Med. Let the games begin!
COUNT DOWN TO THE SUPERYACHT CUP PALMA
With just over a week to go to the Superyacht Cup Palma the 20 participating yachts are gathering in Palma making final preparations for the four day regatta which starts on June 19 th . The event is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Superyacht regattas of the year with a truly world-class fleet including 5 of the famous J Class yachts.
The racing starts for the J Class on Wednesday 19 th with an exhibition race and the two Superyacht classes will start racing on Thursday 20 th . The final race for all will be on Saturday 22 nd June and the event will be brought to a close with a spectacular Prize Giving Evening at Es Baluard Muesum of Contemporary Art overlooking the yachts and the Port of Palma.
For the first time in Palma all the yachts will carry tracking devices which enable spectators and keen followers in any location to view the races live via the website www.thesuperyachtcup.com , the tracking has been kindly sponsored by Absolute Boat Care, Moll Vell Marina and UBS. The races will also be shown on a screen in the tent at the Race Village and can be watched via the website at any time after the race.
This year the grand tented bar and entertainment area, which is the focus for the social programme, will have a comfortable chill-out area with a cooling gin and tonic bar provided by Puro Beach. Hogan's will once again be managing the main bar and Nespesso will provide the morning coffee before racing. Music and Entertainment will bring everyone together each afternoon after racing in the usual informal Superyacht Cup style.
Jongert Yachts have just confirmed silver sponsorship and to celebrate the opening of their new office in Palma they will hold an inauguration cocktail party for their guests and clients on their stand on Friday evening.
Press please note : Due to high demand places on the Press Boats are provided only for Official Media Partners. If you wish to charter a RIB or join a group charter for viewing the racing please contact our Official Tender Provider: www.ribrally.com or email Brando on: info@ribrally.com
For further information and a full list of entries please visit our website: www.thesuperyachtcup.com or contact Kate@thesuperyachtcup.com
For images please contact clairematchesimages@gmail.com
SPONSORS ANNOUNCED FOR SUPERYACHT CUP PALMA AND 19 ENTRIES CONFIRMED
May 2013
The Superyacht Cup Palma, which will be held from June 19 -22nd, is very pleased to announce return of sponsors Claasen Shipyard, Marine Port Vell and Rondal. Now in its'17 th year, The Superyacht Cup attracts some of the most spectacular sailing superyachts in the world to an annual regatta in the Bay of Palma for four days of competitive sailing and a relaxed and informal social programme.
As builders of several of the participating yachts, Dutch yacht builders Claasen Shipyards are returning as Silver Sponsors for 2013. The yachts they have built competing in this years regatta include the stunning J Class yacht Lionheart , the F Class Firefly and the 27m classicAtalante . This impressive range of beautiful yachts highlights their world-class skills and craftsmanship.
Organisers offer a warm welcome to returning Silver Sponsors, Marina Port Vell. Located in the heart of the Spanish City of Barcelona, a favorite vibrant cosmopolitan destination for yachts of all sizes, the Marina is currently undergoing a huge transformation to create 162 fully serviced berths for sail and power yachts up to 180m. The significant investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure and new seven-star services will position the marina as one of the leading superyacht destinations in the world.
Based in the Netherlands, Rondal is a powerhouse of the superyacht industry, serving a global clientele. Modern engineering skills, excellent craftsmanship and a constant emphasis on ingenuity are the hallmarks of a company that believes above all in forward thinking. They have had a long-standing relationship in supporting the Superyacht Cup Palma and building relationships with their clients participating in the event.
The highly experienced race team at Real Club Nautico de Palma headed up by Gaspar Morey will again manage the all so important racing. The Superyachts will be using the new ISYR rating system, which was well received at the recent British Virgin Islands regatta and the St Barth's Bucket, whereas the J Class yachts will fleet race in their own class under their JCA rules.
The SYC Dock is now at full capacity with 19 entries and a few places remain for yachts who shall be accommodated in close proximity. As in previous years the yachts will be berthed stern-to at Moll Vell (formerly Pier 46) and STP and a central tented area will be the base for the post-race social programme. The Prize Giving Evening will be held at Es Baluard Museum overlooking the Paseo Maritimo and the yachts in the Port of Palma with live music from Groov Collectiv.
For information for yachts please contact Kate@thesuperyachtcup.com
For sponsorship opportunities please contact Jane@thesuperyachtcup.com
If you would like any assistance with hotel bookings in Palma please contact our official Travel Company: coral@iristours.es
HANUMAN HEADS TO PALMA MAKING IT
FIVE J'S FOR THE SUPERYACHT CUP
April 2013
When four of the J class yachts elected The Superyacht Cup Palma as their first European regatta of the 2013 season, Hanuman was scheduled to sail from the Caribbean to the Pacific, but following on from her spectacular performance in St Barth's at they have decided to head back across the Atlantic and on to the Mediterranean. This will be the first time 5 of these historic yachts have raced together in Europe ever.
Hanuman was built by Royal Huisman Shipyard and launched in 2009 for owner Jim Clark. Helmed by double Volvo Ocean Race winner Ken Read, they took 4 wins in in 4 races in St Barth's, an impressive result in this highly competitive fleet. The racing was tactical, close and intense, where every maneuver showed gains and losses between the boats. In preparation for their 2013 racing Hanuman underwent a full optimization programme directed by Read and is now listed for sale with Superyacht Cup sponsors YCO http://www.ycoyacht.com/yacht/hanuman/
Palma this year will have a tremendous fleet of yachts, combining the most competitive and experienced campaigns with the more Corinthian cruising sailors, "Our boss just loves the Palma regatta, he invites all his friends and family, they have fun out on the water enjoying the beautiful sailing in the Bay and admiring the other yachts, then they all join in the fun in the beer tent straight after racing, what can be better!" commented one of the Captains returning for the 3rd year.
There are currently 18 registered entries so it is likely there will be two classes for the superyachts in order that the more similar yachts sail against each other. In the early years of the Superyacht Cup all the yachts raced together but now with such vast ranges of designs and speeds of these yachts it is far safer and more fun for yachts to be in smaller groups to race each other. More trophies hopefully means more happy owners!
For more information on The Superaycht Cup please visit: www.thesuperyachtcup.com
For information on entering please contact Kate Branagh: kate@thesuperyachtcup.com or m: +34 620 103 958
For information on Sponsorship Opportunities please contact Jane Thompson jane@thesuperyachtcup.com or m: +34 605 223 202
If you would like any assistance with hotel bookings in Palma please contact our official Travel Company: Coral@iristours.com mob: + 34 670 840 156
J Class Lionheart at SYC 2011 www.clairematches.com
EXTRA DAY RACING FOR J CLASSHOEK DESIGN RENEW SPONSORSHIP
March 2013
The provisional entry list for the 2013 Superyacht Cup is currently up to 18 yachts, an eclectic mix of different size and designs from all over the world. As usual there is a combination of competitive performance orientated yachts and corinthain cruising yachts out to enjoy fabulous sailing in the Bay of Palma. Several marine industry sponsors have already confirmed their support and recently Hoek Design renewed their agreement for the third consecutive year, "It is a great opportunity for us to meet with many of our yacht owners and see our designs compete on the water. The performance aspect of our designs is very important to us and we are always pleased to see our yachts do well on the race-course. We want to support these regattas and hopefully see more Hoek designed yachts racing. Presenting the Hoek Trophy to the highest scoring Hoek designed yacht has been very popular and adds another element of competition amongst our fleet. Palma is a wonderful place to sail, everyone enjoys the relaxed social environment on the dock and the first-class prize giving evening at Es Baluard Museum." Commented André Hoek.
There has been a revival of the J class over the past few years and this year is the first time to incorporate a J Class regatta into The Superyacht Cup Palma. Hoek Design have been very involved with the J's come back and are currently working on four different J Class yachts;
Lionheart J H1
, the J class yacht
J8
, presently under construction at Holland Jachtbouw and the J class yacht project
"Svea
" that is presently in design stage, as well as design elements for
Enterprise
which is currently on-hold.
Andre Hoek presents the Hoek Trophy to Atalante
The J Class Association which represents the owners' interests requested an extra day racing and a fleet start for the four boats;
Velsheda, Ranger, Rainbow
and
Lionheart
. The J's will therefore race on 19
th
, 20
th
, 21
st
and 22
nd
June whereas the rest of the fleet will race the traditional 3-day regatta, 20
th
, 21
st
and 22
nd
June. They are sure to be a spectacular sight and add a new dimension to this popular superyacht regatta.
http://www.jclassyachts.com/
For information on entering please contact Kate@thesuperyachtcup.com , places are limited so please register early.
Sponsor opportunities are still available, for more information contact: Jane@thesuperyachtcup.com
Photo: www.clairematches.com |
2013 off to a good start
January 2013 Palma, Mallorca is preparing for a full line up of 20 entries this year and with the confirmation of the J Class yachts the spaces are being taken up fast. Last year saw numbers in Palma reduced as several yachts made the decision to head to the UK for the London Olympic celebrations and the Superyacht Cup Cowes, but this year the focus will once again be on Palma. The Notice of Race is now available on the website http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/palma/ and entry forms can be obtained from kate@thesuperyachtcup.com The Palma fleet so far includes several boats who will have competed in the Caribbean, such as the 35m sloop P2 (Briand/Perini), Athos (Hoek/Holland Jachtbouw 62m) as well as Velsheda (Nicholsons/Dykstra/Camper & Nicholsons, 38m), Ranger (Burgess & Stephens/Dykstra/Danish Yachts, 42m) and Lionheart (Hoek/Claasen Jachtbouw 42m). The latest yacht to register is the new modern-classic 26m Tulip, designed by German Frers and built by K&M Yacht Builders in Holland. Tulip was launched in the Autumn 2012 and with her lightweight interior and carbon rig is likely to be a competitive entry. |
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Photo: Avena Clarke |
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Long-term Superyacht Cup sponsor Pantaenius have generously purchased 40 Nikon Rangefinders to help ensure safe racing at SRYA (Superyacht Racing Association) sanctioned regattas. All SYRA regattas are sailed under the Racing Rules of Sailing 2013-2016 and the recently approved Appendix SY (see SYC NOR). The changes to the RRS through this appendix are all based on the fundamental need to keep appropriate distance between superyachts and 40 meters is the designated minimum separation. Thanks to Yacht Insurance provider Pantaenius the range finders will be used by the on-board Safety Officers to assist safe racing practice. Sponsorship packages are still available, for more information contact: Jane@thesuperyachtcup.com |
The Superyacht Cup Palma Team up with Real Club Nautico de Palma for 2nd Year, www.clairematches.com
The Superyacht Cup Palma Team up with Real Club Nautico de Palma for 2nd Year
November 2012
The Superyacht Cup in Palma are once again teaming up with The Real Club Nautico de Palma (RCNP) to manage the on-water aspects of the annual Superyacht regatta, which will be held June 19th -22nd at the Muelle Viejo. RCNP's experience running large international regattas each year and the Race Officers' immense knowledge of the Bay make them the obvious choice to set the courses and oversee the 3 days of racing. The regatta will be using the new International SuperYacht Rule (ISYR) for handicapping, which by June 2013 will have been used at several superyacht regattas in other locations around the world..
With 20 -22 yachts expected, the fleet will be broken down into separate classes to provide the most competitive and fun racing. As the size and design of the majority of the participating yachts is so varied, smaller class size and even different course options add to the possibilities for making the racing as exciting as possible. The J class yachts are likely to have a fleet start as they are more closely matched and enjoy the close competition of fleet racing, whereas the other classes are most likely to have close staggered-start procedures.
"There have been many initiatives put in place over the past two years to enhance safe superyacht racing and to address the issue of rating these vastly disparate yachts so that it is a fair competition" commented SYRA'S Executive Director, Peter Craig. "Working hand in hand with the Event Organizers, we will continue to evaluate what rule or variation of a rule works best at regatta sites with very different prevailing conditions. One of our goals is to convince the rule authorities to make their rules as transparent and fair as practical, so that the yacht owners can maximize their enjoyment and the rest of the sailing world takes in close racing between these extraordinary cruising superyachts at some of the most spectacular sailing venues in the world."
Yachts are continuing to register their interest for next June; this week the 58m sloop Kokomo (Dubois/Alloy Yachts) signed up as well asDrumfire (Hoek/Bloesma) and Highland Breeze (Frers/Nautor Swan) . Drumfire won the Superyacht Cup in 2011 and was the only boat to compete in both SYC Palma and SYC Cowes in 2012.
Sponsor update
One of the longest Superyacht Cup Palma sponsors, The Rolling Stock Group , has committed their support for the 2013 regatta. For many years the well-known Palma based yacht service company have been involved with SYC, often providing support and last minute chandlery items delivered to the dock to ensure yachts can go racing. Recently launched, Rolling Stock LITE is a new paint service specially focused on providing economical finishing and refinishing solutions for vessels under 30m as a compliment to all their other divisions. For more information visit; www.rollingstock.es
Reckmann Yacht Equipment , supplier for high quality sail handling systems, have been celebrating their 120th anniversary this year, and have renewed their silver sponsorship for the Superyacht Cup Palma 2013. The Company has a long history of innovative product development and continues to lead the way with new furling designs. One of the most spectacular recent developments is the Superyacht code sail furler. Its' innovative gear design allows high torque furls and high-speed furling even for very large code sails, a fast and safe option for racing superyachts. For more information visit Reckmann: www.reckmann.com
PLEASE NOTE : The number of participating yachts will be capped, and berths on the SYC Dock are limited, to secure your place please register early by contacting kate@thesuperyachtcup.com or tel: +34 971 708 795
The Notice of Race will be available at the end of November: www.thesuperyachtcup.com
Ranger and Velsheda racing in the Caribbean, www.clairematches.com
SUPERYACHT CUP PALMA REGISTRATIONS OPEN
THE J-CLASS YACHTS CHOOSE PALMA
The organisers of The Superyacht Cup in Palma have confirmed that the next regatta will take place from June 19th -22nd 2013 at Muelle Viejo in the centre of Palma. It will be the 17th year for this Mediterranean event which combines competitive racing and a fun, relaxed social programme each evening - a not to be missed regatta in the European season.
After a busy racing season in 2012, the J Class Association have elected Superyacht Cup Palma as one of three regattas for the forthcoming year where the yachts will line up against each other for intense, competitive, high-stakes racing. The J´s expected in Palma for 2013 are Ranger (Burgess & Stephens/Danish Yachts) , Velsheda (Nicholsons /Camper & Nicholsons), Lionheart (Hoek/Claasen Jachtbouw) and Rainbow (Dykstra & Partners/Holland Jachtbouw).
It will be the first time ever to have four racing J class yachts in Palma and judging by the excitement generated in the UK this year it will provide a spectacular sight for other competitors and observers.
As well as the J´s, there has been a great response from regular superyacht visitors to Palma, indicating that the entry limit of 22 yachts will be reached quickly. The 62m schooner Athos (Hoek/Holland Jachtbouw), who had her racing debut in Palma in 2011 will be returning as well as the stunning F class sloop, Firefly (Hoek/Claasen Jachtbouw).
The Superyacht Racing Association (SYRA) which has been very active in the past two years assessing the important safety issues for Superyacht racing, as well as developing a fairer rating system, have brought together the key superyacht regatta organisers and agreed on uniform racing rules and procedures. In addition all the regattas will adopt the new ISYR rating system. The International Superyacht Rule (ISYR) will replace the Bucket Rule and will be used in Palma for 2013 as well as at the Antigua Superyacht Challenge, the Caribbean Superyacht Rendezvous in the BVI´s and at St Barth´s Bucket. (For more information on SYRA see http://www.superyra.com )
Returning sponsors already signed up for The Superyacht Cup Palma are Gaastra, Pantaenius, Astilleros de Mallorca, Rolling Stock, Elvstrom, ZIS, Pendennis, Reckmann and Y.CO
The Superyacht Cup will follow the traditional programme, opening with a Welcome Cocktail on June 19th, followed by racing on three consecutive days and culminating with an elegant Prize Giving Evening at Es Baluard Museum on Saturday June 22nd.
SYC Village berths are limited and entries will be capped, to reserve your place please register early: kate@thesuperyachtcup.com
For sponsorship enquiries please contact Jane@thesuperyachtcup.com
** DATES ANNOUNCED FOR 2013 - THE SUPERYACHT CUP PALMA JUNE 19 - 22nd **
MARIA CATTIVA WINS SUPERYACHT CUP PALMA 2012
Palma, Mallorca 25 June 2012 – A jubilant owner and crew of the 40m Royal Huisman Maria Cattiva celebrated winning the overall Superyacht Cup Palma 2012 as the event drew to a close over the weekend. Overall in Second place was Atalante and in third place another Dutch entry, Highland Breeze.
Taking the stage at the prize giving ceremony on Saturday evening, Owner of Maria Cattiva Edwin Rijsterborgh and his crew were awarded the coveted ‘Big Bent Cleat’ and thanked their fellow competitors for a fantastic week promising to return next year to defend their title. The yacht was also presented with a beautiful hand crafted 3D nautical chart of Mallorca supplied by event sponsor Latitude Kinsale.
The final race of the event on Saturday was delayed to a complete shift in wind direction from a northerly to southerly direction. The fleet finally crossed the line as the staggered start sequence commended just before 1400. Both classes headed upwind to the first mark in the center of the bay, after which the faster boats in Class 1 also had to complete an extra reaching leg before rejoining the Class 2 fleet on the final downwind leg to the finish.
The breeze peaked at 17 knots but remained consistent at around 12-14 knots. It was regatta winner Maria Cattiva that held their position to cross the line first followed by Atalante and Highland Breeze flying their prominent GAASTRA spinnaker.
David Glenn, Editor of Yachting World magazine was also sailing aboard This is Us finishing 3rd in class and 6th overall for the regatta;
"Despite an understandably smaller fleet this year, SYC Palma was as enjoyable as ever and blessed with near perfect sailing conditions. Owners and crew warm to this regatta because the conditions ashore and afloat are conducive to enjoyment for all. What I was particularly keen to hear was owners expressing their desire not only to return next year but in years to come, some with firm plans for new and larger yachts."
The event closed with the spectacular prize-giving ceremony on the terrace of the Es Baluard Museum overlooking the bay of Palma. The event also presented a cheque of €6,000 to the long running event charity Joves Navegantes who are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. Guests enjoyed a magnificent spread of local food and live music as the sunset drew a close to the 2012 regatta.
For some, however, the racing season continues as they prepare for the first Superyacht Cup Cowes due to take place from 22-25 July in the UK being held this year as a celebration of the London 2012 Olympics. Currently a 13-strong fleet are expected in Cowes including the 62m Holland Jachtbouw Athos and the Dykstra/Pendennis 55m Adela, both competitors at the Palma Superyacht Cup 2011. HRH The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will also be visiting Cowes on 25 July with a planned parade of sail by the Superyacht Cup fleet.
For more information, visit www.thesuperyachtcup.com
Results - Superyacht Cup Palma 2012
Day 3, 23 June 2012
Class 1
1. Highland Breeze
2. Firefly
3. Saudade
4. Scorpione dei Mare
5. Ganesha
6. Ivanka
Class 2
1. Maria Cattiva
2. Atalante
3. Ithaka
4. Drumfire
5. This is Us
6. Reesle
Overall Results
Overall Winner
1st Maria Cattiva
2nd Atalante
3rd Highland Breeze
Winner Class 1 - Highland Breeze
Winner Class 2 - Maria Cattiva
Yachting World Performance (best starts) – Ivanka
RCNP Seamanship Award - Saudade
Hoek Award – Atalante
Best Fancy Dress – Ivanka
For more information, please contact info@thesuperyachtcup.com
For high-resolution images, please contact mail@clairematches.com or tel +34 629813423
About the Superyacht Cup
Now in its 16th year, The Superyacht Cup is the longest running superyacht regatta in Europe and the Mediterranean. The event has become a favourite with owners, friends and captains around the world that visit Palma de Mallorca annually for the 4 day Palma regatta. Famed for its central location and reliable wind conditions in the Bay of Palma, the Superyacht Cup provides an ideal combination of professionally managed racing with a relaxed and fun atmosphere ashore. http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com
