With the final day challenge of Superyacht Cup Palma 2022, decided on countback, the tension could not have been greater. Anticipation was high as race results were announced, and final outcomes saw Class B Ganesha and Class J Svea finishing with matching score lines and level points. However, the Lord of Fortune, Ganesha, smiled upon the aptly named yacht, and the 46m sloop was crowned the overlall winner, with Svea coming a close second.
Ganesha’s skipper, Alex Pamment, noted that it was an extremely close run race and attributed their final victory to the crew’s expert tactical calls to navigate the weather, adding: “It was a bit of a surprise win, and we certainly weren’t expecting it.”
In a four-day event that tests the navigational and performance capabilities of 11 superyachts in Class A, B, and J, the Palma Cup challenges the sailing expertise and the talents of each yachting crew. The event takes place in the capital of the Balearic Island of Mallorca in a series of challenging inshore and coastal races.
This year’s longest-running the Superyacht Cup Palma kicked off in style with four J-Class yachts sailing in near-perfect conditions on the bay of Palma. Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 enjoyed a stunning first day with an impressive spectacle of close-quarter racing, Topaz, Velsheda, Ranger, and Svea. With tactical decision making and adept crew work, the fight for the lead position shifted and changed rapidly. In a hotly contested battle for first place, with each crew vying for the lead, the stringent level of in-class competition was palpable.
After being forced to recross the start line, Ranger made a strong and determined fightback to regain position, chasing Svea, Velsheda, and Topaz, who sustained a narrow lead. The action didn’t let up for a second, and by the end of an exciting first lap, Topaz and Svea were sailing neck and neck. However, a quick tactical decision from Svea gave her a clear lead, and she was able to snag the first day’s race win. As a first-time team, the race win was a happy surprise for Svea’s crew.
Day 2 saw the Bay of Palma become a challenging waterway that presented tactical difficulties owing to a north-easterly wind and an opposing sea breeze that created difficulties in navigation and management for some crews. The modern classic Savannah was becalmed in the bay by the unpredictable weather systems, making a dramatic turnaround from her pole position start in class B race and victory over Ganesha on the previous day.
Amid brisk conditions and now being subjected to Palma’s infamous sea breeze, J-Class yacht Velsheda was the one who made all the right calls and edged into the lead. Holding on to her position valiantly despite an extremely close finish. However, victory was short-lived and stymied by the rating system used for J-Class vessels. Allowances are incorporated, considering the yacht’s age, weight rating, and construction. With the adjustments made, the winner was declared as Topaz with Velsheda relegated to second place.
Photos: Sailing Energy | Words: Emma Hersh
