All together now

A new look and location, but the same Superyacht Cup Palma spirit, writes Phil Riley

There's a great deal to be said for continuity, the comfort of familiarity and the reassurance of repetition — after all, if it ain't broke why fix it? On course for its 29th edition in June, the Superyacht Cup Palma can ascribe at least part of its enduring appeal to that notion. You don't earn the accolade of being Europe's longest running superyacht regatta by reinventing the wheel at every turn.

Location is of course part of that equation, with Mallorcan charm working its magic and the Bay of Palma delivering exceptional sailing conditions. It is testament to the usual reliability of the breeze that the single sailing day lost last year to its absence was most notable for it being a vanishingly rare occurrence.

And yet... At the same time, it's equally true the Superyacht Cup Palma has not rested on its laurels, and has constantly sought to build on its appeal to owners, skippers, partners and crews while retaining its unique identity.

Above: the 39m Tripp design Cervo will be back for a rematch in 2025 after finishing last year’s SYC as runner-up in Class A by the narrowest of margins

So it is that the 2025 edition will embrace a new Palma venue, welcome new entries and likely include new racing classes as it continues to adapt to a changing sailing world. At the same time the new host venue — the Club de Mar- Mallorca — will see the Superyacht Cup Palma able to bring the yachts and the vibrant social hub of the race village back into close proximity.

At the SYC helm since 2013, event director Kate Branagh is delighted that their new venue partner will offer something fresh while also reconnecting with the familiar on-thedoorstep stern-to mooring of the past.

‘The opportunity to have all the yachts on the dock together right next to the race village in the heart of Palma is what the Superyacht Cup Palma has always been about, and it is marvellous to be able to see that happening again.

‘Club de Mar-Mallorca more than fulfils our requirements, and I have no doubt all the owners, skippers and our partners will be thrilled and excited to be based there.’

Founded in 1969, Club de Mar-Mallorca has established a well-deserved reputation for providing services and facilities for larger sailing yachts, so is clearly a good fit for SYC. Also, of note, the entire club is now in the fifth year of a 360º improvement scheme which has already delivered modern, sophisticated and sustainable upgrades to both the dock and clubhouse. As its website proclaims: “A new club, same spirit”.

Out on the water and off the dock the 2025 edition of the Superyacht Cup Palma looks set to continue its now regular mix of old and new, with an impressive level of interest from both new entries as well as seasoned veterans of the event.

One likely outcome is that this year may see a brand new class for the increasingly high-profile Baltic 68 Café Racers. The creation of Mallorcan designer Javier Juadenes, the 20.7m sloops with their striking dreadnought bows are making a name for themselves on the racing circuit, with both Ganesha and Open Season looking likely contenders at this year’s SYC Palma in June.

A world class event that attracts the top pro sailors

One of the great appeals of superyacht sailing is its ability to lure aboard many of the world's highest profile racing sailors. In this respect the Superyacht Cup Palma is absolutely not an exception.

Over the years well-known members of the racing community have brought their exceptional skills and experience to the Bay of Palma, something applauded by enthusiastic owners, skippers appreciative of the expertise, and crews eager to pick up on some go-faster tips.

Above: at last year’s SYP Palma the 59m ketch Maximus won a closely fought battle for victory in Class A… by a margin on corrected time of just one second

Among them has been Tony Rey. Originally from Larchmont, New York, and now based in Newport, Rhode Island, his sailing career has seen him take on three America's Cups as tactician, strategist and coach, and multiple Olympic campaigns as both a sailor and coach. To add to the mix, he has also raced on various legs of the Whitbread and Volvo Ocean Race.

And in more recent times he has added superyacht sailing to his roster, with his most recent appearance at the Superyacht Cup Palma last year calling tactics on the extraordinary 59m superketch Maximus.

As Rey has observed: ‘The evolution of superyacht racing is more towards performance. It used to be we’d go out and have a laugh, but when you get two boats in the same piece of water, you end up having a race. We sail these boats as hard as we can while doing it safely.

‘I have been fortunate to have been able to take part in inshore one-design, grand prix keelboats, offshore racing and also superyachts. I’m able to provide value in different segments and I enjoy being able to do that, and I know many others in that position feel the same.

‘Success in sailing is about more than just the trophies that we win, it's also about having fun and making memories with the people we get to sail with. That's important, and that's also what's at the heart of the Superyacht Cup Palma,’ says Rey, who is also a highly valued consultant to North Sails Superyacht Group, one of SYC's silver partners.

While those of a certain vintage may already appreciate the contribution of 1960s London Rockers to modern yacht naming, it is probably worth pointing out that Café Racer refers to the Rockers' pared-back, minimalist motorbikes designed for a fast, exciting ride over short distances.

Though referencing back to an era somewhat before the 1960s, Hoek Design entries may also be on course to get their own class this year.

Both the 42m Vijonara and 38.7m Atalante — the first and second examples of the stylish Truly Classic 128 design — are each looking set to make a welcome return to SYC after racing last year. This time around, their recently launched sistership Linnea Aurora – the latest addition to the 128 line-up – is also down to join the Bay of Palma party.

Linnea Aurora will arrive fully optimised for competitive racing with a carbon mast with EC6 rigging as well as structured luff technology which is designed to reduce headstay sag and allow more detailed adjustment to sail shape.

Whatever the outcome during racing, the Truly Classic 128 design trio will grace the event with their characteristic long overhangs and sweeping sheerlines.

Meanwhile there is also great interest in the likely return of two other 2024 contenders. First up is the 39m Tripp design Cervo, which finished as runner-up in Class A last year by a single second on corrected time in the deciding race to the giant 59m superketch Maximus... an outcome they will no doubt wish to avoid in June against any competitor.

Then there is the 24m Farr designed Wally Yacht Rose. Last year she became the first Superyacht Cup Palma Trophy winner to successfully defend her title since Kokomo achieved it back in 2002.

The back-to-back champion now has the unique chance to make it three in a row, which would be an SYC first. This, it goes without saying, will not be an easy achievement as she will face determined — albeit friendly — competition from several others in the fleet with their sights set on the overall title.

Not least among them is her fellow Farr Yacht Design rival Gelliceaux, with the Southern Wind 108 making her SYC debut. This impressive yacht has already shown her potential with overall victory at the 2024 St Barth Bucket.

Above: the Bay of Palma is one of the world’s very best regatta venues, which nearly always provides great sailing conditions

She was also winner of the Best Sailing Yacht (24 to 40m Category) award at the 2025 International Superyacht Society (ISS) Awards. The jury described Southern Wind's first hybrid project as "a true marvel of sustainable sailing".

‘It has always been one of the recurring pleasures of bringing the Superyacht Cup Palma together that we are witness to truly competitive sailing out on the water, and able to see some of the greatest superyachts of the modern age, both classic and modern, up close and personal,’ says Branagh.

‘This year is looking set to once again deliver a very diverse mix of superyachts, including the high performance and the global cruising communities, and much in between.

‘While we are once again adapting and moving forward as an event, we are able to maintain and preserve the very best of the recent past and keep it part of our present,’ she added.

Branagh highlighted the continued involvement of SYC Palma’s long-standing and highly valued race management partner, Real Club Náutico de Palma, which had also stepped up as the host at recent regattas.

Equally valued is the similarly enduring partnership with St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca, SYC's preferred hotel partner and host of the St. Regis Midsummer BBQ for Owners, an event treasured by all those who have had the opportunity to experience it.

To slightly adapt Club de Mar- Mallorca's succinct statement: the Superyacht Cup Palma 2025 has a new venue, new classes, new entries, but the same spirit as ever.

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