In the heart of Mallorca, the 2024 Superyacht Cup Palma unfolded with a blend of elegance and intensity that has come to define this storied regatta. Established in 1996, this annual gathering of the world’s most prestigious sailing yachts once again transformed the Bay of Palma into a theater of nautical competition and camaraderie. The 2024 edition was a celebration of both the sport and the unique spirit that the Superyacht Cup embodies.
The Superyacht Cup Palma, Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta, is renowned for its perfect blend of competitive racing and a relaxed social atmosphere. This year’s edition continued this tradition, attracting some of the world’s largest and most prestigious sailing yachts to Mallorca’s scenic shores. The event’s rich history, originating from a simple dock party for yacht crews, has evolved into the premier superyacht regatta in the Mediterranean.
From the first breeze to the final buoy, the 2024 regatta was a masterclass in racing excellence. The diverse fleet, ranging from sleek 90ft performance yachts to the majestic J Class, battled it out in the reliable sea breezes of Palma Bay. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities, with crews demonstrating skill, strategy, and a relentless pursuit of victory. This year’s competition was particularly fierce, with the defending champion, the 24m Wally yacht Rose, facing formidable rivals in her quest to retain the title. The provisional class splits, based on each yacht’s ORCsy rating, ensured fair competition, grouping yachts with similar performance characteristics.
The regatta kicked off with the J Class yachts taking center stage. The opening day saw the J Class, a highlight of any regatta, display elegance and power with two windward-leeward races. Under untypical grey skies, Svea emerged victorious in both races, showcasing her competitive edge and setting the tone for the days to come. Velsheda and the newly refitted Rainbow, making her first racing appearance in several years, provided stiff competition, but Svea’s performance was unrivaled. Thursday marked the Pantaenius Race Day, where the full fleet took to the waters. The Bay of Palma provided perfect sailing conditions, and the competition was intense. Rose, the defending champion, demonstrated her prowess by navigating the course with precision, but faced significant challenges from her classmates, including Umiko and Dark Horse from the Swan stable, and the brand-new Y Yacht Calabash.
Off the water, the Superyacht Cup Palma’s social scene was as vibrant as ever. The Real Club Náutico de Palma played host to a series of exclusive events, where owners, sailors, and sponsors mingled in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. The Happy Hours on the dock allowed participants to unwind and share stories from the day’s racing. Friday’s North Sails Happy Hour went ahead as planned, despite an unusual and rare cancellation of racing due to an absence of wind—a first since 2007.
This only added to the camaraderie among the participants, who enjoyed the unexpected downtime. The highlight of the social calendar was undoubtedly the Owners’ Midsummer Barbecue at the luxurious St. Regis Mardavall. This exclusive event provided a perfect setting for networking and celebrating the spirit of the Superyacht Cup.
The final day of racing, St. Regis Race Day, brought bright sunshine and a steady 10-knot sea breeze, ideal conditions for a thrilling conclusion. In Class B, last year’s overall winner, Rose, took her second race win, securing her second consecutive Superyacht Cup Palma Trophy. This marked the first successful title defense since Kokomo in 2002, proof of Rose’s exceptional crew and strategic racing. Class A witnessed an extraordinarily close contest, with the 59m ketch Maximus clinching victory by a single second on corrected time over the 39m Cervo. The dramatic finish underscored the competitive nature of the regatta and the high level of skill exhibited by all participants. Svea continued her dominance in the J Class, securing her third win and the class victory ahead of Velsheda and Rainbow, who finished level on points.
The regatta concluded with a grand prize-giving ceremony at the prestigious Real Club Náutico de Palma. SYC Event Director Kate Branagh celebrated the success of all participants and thanked the event’s many partners, including St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca, Jaquet Droz, and Pendennis. The ceremony also honored Rainbow with the Spirit of the Event award, recognizing her impressive return to competitive racing. As the sun set on the 2024 edition of the Superyacht Cup Palma, it was clear that this regatta remains a cornerstone of the yachting calendar. It continues to blend tradition with innovation, offering a unique combination of competitive racing and social engagement that few other events can match. The participants, whether seasoned veterans or enthusiastic newcomers, left with memories of thrilling races and warm camaraderie, already looking forward to the next edition.
The dates for the 2025 Superyacht Cup Palma have been set for June 25-28, promising another exciting chapter in the event’s illustrious history. As always, the regatta will continue to explore new ways to enhance the experience for owners, sailors, and stakeholders, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the superyacht racing world.
In conclusion, the 2024 Superyacht Cup Palma was a resounding success, celebrating the art of sailing and the spirit of competition. It brought together a diverse and passionate community, united by their love for the sport and the pursuit of excellence on the water. The regatta reaffirmed its status as a premier event, where the thrill of racing meets the joy of shared experiences, leaving a lasting legacy for all who took part.
Photos: Sailing Energy / The Superyacht Cup | Words: Pablo Ferrero
