NEWS
RECORD ENTRIES FOR SUPERYACHT CUP PALMA, 2006
Thursday, 20 July 2006
The Superyacht Cup Palma is expecting an impressive line up this year, with up to 20 superyachts taking part. The event is celebrating its' 10th Anniversary this year and will take place from October 11th – 14th hosted by Marina Port de Mallorca in the centre of Palma.
Entries are still officially open, but the limit of 20 yachts looks like being reached earlier than ever before as interest in the Superyacht Cup events grows, “Each year the event has had a slightly new element added to it, many of the yachts are returning year after year and we have aimed to maintain the same atmosphere, yet every year it has developed in a slightly different way” commented Patrick Whetter, Director of The Superyacht Cup. "It is often hard to predict the numbers with changing schedule's for yachts, but it is good to see that this year we shall welcome back many returning yachts, as well as new entries coming for the first time."
Returning again is the Alloy Yachts built 'Victoria of Strathearn' (Langan 39m), 'Windrose of Amsterdam' (Dijkstra & Partners 46m) , 'Sojana' (Farr 35m) and 'Unfurled' (Frers 34m)and with new yachts such as the Briand 35m 'Hamilton II' the sailing should be close and exciting.
The Superyacht Cup has grown from its' early days as a gathering of yachts waiting to cross the Atlantic, into the biggest superyacht event in the Mediterranean. Started in 1996 by Patrick Whetter and Spike Thompson, the event has attracted more entrants and even bigger boats over the years but the atmosphere has remained a unique mix of informal social functions and competitive sailing of a different nature to the grand prix circuit.
The pursuit racing format always adopted for The Superyacht Cup ensures that boats of all sizes and designs can sail against each other. The aim is to have the racing as close as possible for the final day, where the points are weighted to leave the overall results open to the end.
Critical to the success of The Superyacht Cup has been the support of the sponsors. “We have supported The Superyacht Cup for many years, it provides us the opportunity to meet the yacht owner’s, guests, and captains as well network with other marine industry representatives. We want to show what Palma can offer as a central service point for yachts in the Mediterranean.” Comments Diego Colon of Astilleros de Mallorca, the Yacht Service Centre has offered great support for several years.
A new event for this year, The Superyacht Cup Antigua will be held December 13th - 16th in Nelson's Dockyard. The Superyacht Cup Palma 2007 incorporating The New Zealand Millennium Cup, will be held June 16th -19th.
Sponsors for The Superyacht Cup Palma 2006:
Fortis Yacht Group, Astilleros de Mallorca, Events Clothing (Line 7), Marten Spars, Alloy Yachts, Robinson Marine Interiors, High Modulus, Future Fibres, Vitters Shipyard, Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, Holland Jachtbouw, Merrill Stevens Yachts, Nordic Mast.