Superyacht Cup Palma makes flying start to 2024 with a trio of first-time entrants
by Daphne Morgan Barnicoat 26 Jan 2024 05:29 NZDT
19-22 June 2024
SY Halekai - The Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 © Sailing Energy
Superyacht Cup Palma has made a bright and flying start to 2024, with the 28th edition of Europe's longest running superyacht regatta already happy to welcome a trio of first-time entries to the benchmark event.
The Mallorcan festival of sail — this year from 19 to 22 June — has always celebrated the return of regular repeat entries alongside those making their debut on the Bay of Palma racecourse.
And for 2024 Superyacht Cup Palma organisers are delighted to greet a pair of exquisite Hoek designs — the 32m Namuun (ex-Simba) from Turquoise Yachts and the Pendennis-built 40m Hoek Truly Classic Halekai — alongside the striking 28m ketch Tawera (ex-Catalyst), a Ron Holland Design from Alloy Yachts NZ.
"We have known about Superyacht Cup Palma for many years and have looked forward to being able to be a part of what is clearly a great regatta," said Tawera's owner Mike Mahoney.
"Now that we are here in the Mediterranean it is simply too good an opportunity to miss out on, so we will see you on the start line!"
Meanwhile confirming their interest in a return visit are defending Cup holders Rose, with the 24m Wally again likely to face stiff competition from the Swan 100 Onyx, her class runner-up in 2023.
Also set for a rematch are rivals Velsheda and Svea, while Rainbow is another J Class looking set to join the party. Rainbow was last seen at SYC in 2014 and recently emerged from a major Dykstra refit which included an optimised deck layout. The William Starling Burgess design successfully defended the 1934 America's Cup.
Another significant superyacht participant making a welcome SYC return is Pendennis Shipyard, back as a Gold Sponsor. "We're excited and pleased to be back and supporting the 2024 Superyacht Cup Palma. It's fantastic to see a number of yachts taking part this year that have either been built at or refitted by us at our Falmouth, UK yard or technical service centre in Pendennis Vilanova, Spain," said Toby Allies, Managing Director.
With the America's Cup starting nearby in Barcelona just a few weeks after Superyacht Cup Palma, the western Mediterranean is clearly the place to be in 2024. Based in the heart of the Mallorcan capital, Superyacht Cup Palma has set its enduring offer out in good time with dates confirmed, the Notice of Race already published and berthing available on a first-come first-served basis at the prestigious Real Club Náutico de Palma, SYC's long-standing race management partner and event host.
"It is going to be a special year for sailing in this part of the world, and we are all set to play our part in making it one to remember," said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.
"As ever all are welcome, old friends and new, and a warm Mallorcan greeting is guaranteed, as is the ever-reliable breeze out on the Bay of Palma."
Alongside the return of Pendennis Shipyard, SYC organisers are again able to rely on the valued support of Preferred Hotel Partner St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca, Official Timepiece Jaquet Droz and Silver Partners Astilleros de Mallorca, Marinepool, North Sails, Southern Spars, Pantaenius and RSB Rigging Solutions.