Superyacht Cup Palma is celebrating an influx of entries since the recent publication of the Notice of Race detailing the 27th edition of Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta, which this year offers a new 90ft Class aimed at smaller performance-orientated cruiser-racers.

Among those set to join the 21-24 June festival of sail on the Bay of Palma are the 33m Ribelle, the Dubois designed world cruiser Miss Silver, and the Swan 80 Umiko, with Dark Horse, also a Swan 80, expressing interest.

“With these latest additions to the fleet we are optimistic that we will see at least 10 superyachts enjoying fun and competitive racing here in Mallorca this June, and maybe a few more,” said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.

“It is also wonderful to once again welcome back our highly valued and long-standing sponsors and supporters, not least our Preferred Hotel Partner, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, host venue for the Owners’ Summer Barbecue, a highlight of the SYC social scene.”

Destination Partner New Zealand, alongside Silver Partners or Friends of the Superyacht Cup including Astilleros, Pantaenius, Hill Robinson, RSB Rigging Solutions, North Sails, Baltic Yachts and Hoek Design, are also returning.

“In 2022 we were able to celebrate renewing our long-standing and highly valued relationship as Preferred Hotel Partner with The Superyacht Cup Palma, and we look forward to doing so again in 2023,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President & Continent Brand Leader for Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The traditions, legacy and exclusive service that St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, offers is a perfect match with Superyacht Cup Palma, one of the most exclusive events Mallorca has to offer.”

It is a view strongly echoed by Nigel Fyfe, New Zealand’s ambassador to Spain, who said: “Superyacht Cup Palma has provided the perfect opportunity to highlight our country’s unique attractions, and New Zealand is proud to have been Superyacht Cup Palma’s Destination Partner for seven years in a row. It is a relationship we look forward to continuing into the future.”

Out on the Bay of Palma the new 90ft Class offers exciting racing alongside the classic Superyacht Class and long-established Corinthian Spirit Class which offers fun, competitive racing without the need for race optimisation.

Meanwhile the elegant and modern Ribelle ­­- last seen at SYC in 2017 when she finished runner-up in Class A – will face a close rival in her 33m McKeon-designed and Vitters-built stablemate Pattoo (ex-Missy), who took Class A last year on countback.

The Nautor Swan brand is further represented by the Swan 100 Onyx (ex-Aquarius Alfa, Flying Dragon II), which will be making her debut appearance at SYC.

And out to renew their long-running rivalry will be the J Class yachts Svea and Velsheda, though sadly Lionheart has withdrawn from all racing in 2023 and will not now be attending SYC Palma.

Many of those taking part will this year be berthed at the prestigious Real Club Náutico de Palma, SYC’s long-standing race management partner located in the vibrant heart of the Mallorcan capital.

by Daphne Morgan Barnicoat