All systems go as Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 starts to take shape
by Daphne Morgan Barnicoat 27 Jan 2022 04:57 NZDT
29 June - 2 July 2021
Velsheda and Topaz - Superyacht Cup Palma © Sailing Energy / The Superyacht Cup
Just a few weeks into the new year and plans for the highlight of the Mediterranean superyacht season - Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 - are already well advanced.
Numerous prospective entries from both newcomers and SYC regulars have been received, joining the trio of confirmed J Class entries Topaz, Ranger and Velsheda at the June 29 to July 2 festival of sail, with a 12-15 strong fleet expected.
And as a further sign that it is all systems go for Superyacht Cup Palma 2022, SYC's long-standing race management partner the prestigious Real Club Náutico de Palma will again provide the elegant setting for the shore base following the success of the venue last year.
"We were able to celebrate our 25th anniversary last year in some style, and we are looking to build on that longevity going forward," said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.
"As previously announced, we have made a small change to the dates to welcome the J Class, and we are receiving a lot of early interest from across the superyacht world from both prospective new entries and returning old friends - 2022 is looking set to be a great way to start our second quarter-century."
Among the first timers planning to join Europe's longest running superyacht regatta are the 43m Vitters-built La Belle and the 38m Oyster 1225 Archelon.
Meanwhile previous attendees actively planning a return include the streamlined 33m Vitters-built sloop Missy, the 34m Gilles Vaton designed Baiurdo VI - which took a podium place in Class B at last year's event - and the ultra-competitive 108-foot Baltic built Win Win, an SYC overall winner in both 2019 and 2016.
"Racing at Superyacht Cup Palma has always ticked all the boxes for Win Win - the competition is fierce but fair and friendly, and Palma is such a fantastic world class venue, there is nothing not to like," said captain, Will Glenn.
As in previous recent events the SYC offers owners, captains and crews of modern high-performance superyachts the option of competing in a Performance Class, with a separate mass start and bespoke racecourse.
The Performance Class completes a trio of options alongside the long-standing Superyacht Class and the non-spinnaker Corinthian Class, which has itself proved popular since being introduced in 2017.
As ever, off the water the social side of Superyacht Cup Palma will continue to be a major attraction with networking and informal meetings sitting alongside post-racing happy hours, dock parties and the celebratory prize-giving that concludes the regatta.
Superyacht Cup Palma will open with superyacht registration and the captain's briefing on Wednesday 29 June 2022, followed by three days of racing concluding on Saturday 2 July.