Firefly (Photo Courtesy of Superyacht Cup Palma)
Palma, Mallorca 21 June 2012 – The 12-strong fleet at the 2012 Superyacht Cup Palma was graced with clear blue skies and a healthy 15-20 knot breeze today for Race Day 1 of the regatta sponsored by event partner Pantaenius.
The fleet was split into two classes to shorten the start sequence, the 35m Hoek designed Firefly having the best start of the day just 1 second off their allocated start time, crossing the line at full speed.
The two classes separated after the start with Class 1 given a slightly longer course for the faster boats. The fleet merged back together mid race at the most southerly part of the course off Isla de Sech confidently led by the 30m Hoek designed Reesle ahead of the chasing pack Ithaka (27m Jongert), Highland Breeze (34m Frers/ Nautor Swan), Maria Cattiva (40m Bruce King/Royal Huisman) and Atalante (27m Hoek/Claasen Jachtbouw) within a few minutes of each other.
Reesle and Highland Breeze were able to hold their positions to cross the line in first and second place and win their respective classes.
Ashore, celebrations continued well into the evening with well-deserved refreshments against the backdrop of tonight’s ‘Dock Olympics’ themed party and live music.
The weather forecast for tomorrow’s race promises similar conditions with clear skies ahead for the weekend.
Results – Day 1, 21 June 2012
CLASS 1
1. Highland Breeze
2. Ivanka
3. Ganesha
4. Scorpione dei Mare
5. Firefly
6. Saudade
Class 2
1. Reesle
2. This is Us
3. Ithaka
4. Maria Cattiva
5. Atalante
6. Drumfire
Muelle Viejo (Photo courtesy of Superyacht Cup Palma)
About the Superyacht Cup
Now in its 16th year, The Superyacht Cup is the longest running superyacht regatta in Europe and the Mediterranean. The event has become a favourite with owners, friends and captains around the world that visit Palma de Mallorca annually for the 4 day Palma regatta. Famed for its central location and reliable wind conditions in the Bay of Palma, the Superyacht Cup provides an ideal combination of professionally managed racing with a relaxed and fun atmosphere ashore. http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com
Adele in Superyacht Cup Palma (Photo Courtesy of SYAdele.com)
Organisers of the Superyacht Cup are preparing for one of their biggest years in 2012 as the entry lists for the popular Palma regatta and the brand new Superyacht Cup Cowes, UK have surged over the last two months.
Currently over 20 superyachts have registered for the special edition of the Superyacht Cup in Cowes, UK from 22-25 July 2012 to take place just a few days before the start of the 2012 London Olympics. Meanwhile, the Palma Superyacht Cup (20-23 June 2012) has already received 15 entries with just 5 spaces left for yachts wanting to moor at the Muelle Viejo dock.
The first ever Superyacht Cup Cowes is gathering momentum and at the current time many of the registered yachts have found suitable moorings in Cowes quite a task when you consider the vast size of some of the participating yachts. The Cowes Harbour Commission have been instrumental in accommodating the needs of the fleet and understanding the importance of the yachts being able to have easy access to Cowes and the Royal Yacht Squadron. “We are used to having large fleets of yachts visiting Cowes at one time but the size and draft requirements of the Superyacht Cup fleet has given us a new challenge” commented Stuart McIntosh, Cowes Habour Master. “But I am pleased to confirm we have so far found berths for all the enquiries, and expect to accommodate many more. We have the option of laying additional moorings and a limited number of berths are still available at various locations in the vicinity of Cowes. It will certainly add to the atmosphere of the event to have the fleet together.”
The Royal Yacht Squadron will be the central base for the regatta with the race office, registration, opening cocktail reception and prize-giving all taking place in the spectacular setting of the club pavilion with views over the Solent. David Aisher, the Rear Commodore Yachting, expressed his support and enthusiasm for the regatta. “We have been delighted with the positive response from both the owners of these magnificent yachts and their captains. 2012 will be an exceptional year for the Club with more than our usual number of spectacular sailing events, such as this one, celebrating both her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee and the Olympics. Seeing the fleet of Superyachts sailing in the Solent really will be an event not to be missed by anyone at all interested in sailing. We look forward, very much, to welcoming all the participants to the Castle in July.”
Confirmed sponsors for both Cowes and Palma Superyacht Cup regattas include Elvström Sails and Pantaenius, whilst the Palma event has confirmed Silver sponsorships from ZIS, McMaster Yachts, Reckmann, Astilleros de Mallorca, Pendennis and the Rolling Stock Group.
Yachts wishing to enter either regatta are encouraged to contact the Superyacht Cup office as soon as possible as places are limited. Contact Kate Branagh kate@thesuperyachtcup.com for more information.
Now in its 16th year, the Superyacht Cup is the longest running superyacht regatta in Europe. Traditionally held in Palma at the end of June to start the Mediterranean season, the regatta is held over 4 days with racing in the spectacular Bay of Palma. As well as competitive racing on the water, the event is as popular for its informal and fun atmosphere ashore with themed dock parties and cocktail receptions.
Highland Fling In Superyacht Cup Palma (Photo by Guido Trombetta)
