NEWS
HYPERION WINS SUPERYACHT CUP 2006
With 17 superyachts taking part, three days of excellent sailing and some memorable parties, the Superyacht Cup 2006 was deemed a huge success by all. Marina Port de Mallorca provided the perfect central location for all the boats to moor up as well as the popular after sailing dock parties.
Day 1, sponsored by Fortis saw some exciting sailing with varied conditions and plenty of action for the crew. Over the distance of the course the positions changed several times as the slower smaller yachts who started first, were caught up by the larger faster ones. The Bruce King designed 47m Scheherezade rounded the last mark first but was overtaken by Virago (Nautor 29.9m) and Metolius (Frers 25m) in flukey conditions up the final leg. With the breeze decreasing and good tactics paying off, the well sailed Virago owned and helmed by Stuart Townsend crossed the finish line first, followed by Metolius and Scheherezade just 4 seconds apart. With plenty of stories being exchanged the yacht owners, crews, guests and sponsors all attended an excellent party on the dock hosted by Fortis with typical Spanish Tapas and Mallorcian wine provided by the Balearic Government, 'Semilla'.
For the second day of sailing, 'New Zealand Day' the yachts were all presented with 'goodie bags' containing various New Zealand products. As the fleet left the dock the lack of breeze could have dampened spirits, but with some quick thinking by event founder Patrick Whetter, competitions and entertainment proved to be heavily contested as the fleet motored around the Committee boat. Supporting the New Zealand sponsors, awards were given to the best sheep impression, and photographers and film crew had perfect sunny conditions to cover the various crew antics. Scheherezade's deck-hand displayed wake boarding at 14 knots behind the yacht and one of Yanakee Too's crew performed a traditional Maori skill with 'Pois' as she and all the crew sat along the booms of the 35m ketch.
As the wind picked up the fleet got off to a great start and headed out in breeze of 8 -10 knots on a beat to 'New Zealand', a mark in the south of the Bay.
The breeze then became variable with frequent 50 to 60 degree wind shifts and the tricky conditions changed the order of the fleet. Reaching across to Isle de Sech the wind decreased once again. First to round the island was Anny (Baltic 26.5m) followed by the Vitters Shipyard built 43m Aphrodite A. As the wind died off, the remaining yachts were left with a frustrating task to round the island and head downwind to the finish. Displaying a determined performance, Anny crossed the line first to win 'New Zealand Day' followed by Virago in second and Peter Harrison's Sojana (Farr 35m) in third place.
On arrival back at the dock in Marina Port de Mallorca the Kiwi BBQ kicked off with a display of the Haka by Maori performers which was enthusiastically assisted by many kiwi crew from competing yachts. The spectacular selection of food, wines and beers, flown in from New Zealand especially for the event was greatly appreciated by the international participants.
The final day was sponsored by Pantaenius and with brilliant sunshine and a good breeze of 15/16 knots all the yachts sailed across the line on a tight reach to the Ulysse Nardin mark. Powering down the reach, Gliss (Briand 32m) and Sojana performed a spectacular luffing match. The ketch rigged Sojana with full sail up sailed through Gliss to gybe round the mark ahead. As the fleet headed towards Isle de Sech, the wind shifted to the west, allowing the leading boats to carry kites almost to the mark, while the rear of the fleet were left with a decreasing breeze and a beat to get round the island.
Yanakee Too seized the opportunity to pull away and stay in the new breeze as the rest of the fleet found it tough to find enough wind to fill any sails, Yanakee Too had left their best performance to the end, having been in 17th place at the end of day 2, they headed up the bay in to the new breeze to cross the line first place and rapturous applause from the committee boat. A few minutes behind, after sailing an excellent race, came the Frers 47.4m Hyperion followed by Metolius and Atalanta (Judel Vrolik 24m) consistently well steered by the 13 year old Owner's Son.
With three days competitive sailing and achieving the highest accumulated points, Hyperion took the overall prize for The Superyacht Cup 2006, and the 'Bent Cleat' award presented at the spectacular gala dinner at the Cases de Sa font Seca in Bunyola. "The Superyacht Cup has brought together yachts, crews, guests and yacht owners from all over the world for great sailing and excellent parties, we want to thank the sponsors and organizers for a fantastic three days," commented Andy Barry the Captain of Hyperion.
A new prize for the 'Spirit of the Event' voted by all the participating Captains, was presented by Marzio Villa of Ulysse Nardin to the owner of the yacht Bolero (Frers 32m). The prize, a Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marina Chronometer delighted the Spanish Owner, a keen supporter of the event, he has taken part in every Superyacht Cup over the last 10 years and vowed to be back for the 'Big One' in June 2006.