There’s no doubt that the 2011 fleet of the Superyacht Cup in Palma was nothing short of superb, with a collection yachts to rival any gathered here before or elsewhere. Certainly, Andre Hoek and his many collaborators must be extremely proud of the twenty-five years of floating excellence and a distinct style which we’ve been treated to with his eleven yachts racing here together.
Hoek 115 F Class Classic Sailing Yacht FIREFLY by Claasen Yachtbouw
Yet any superyacht race is as much about the people who own, design, build, service and crew these beauties as it is about the vessels themselves. Hailing from all over the world, the people of yachting are an international brother hood and sisterhood of markedly independently-minded individuals who are fortunate enough to have dedicated themselves to this unique and wonderful little universe of sailing.
In their own words, here are some of the players of yachting from the Superyacht Cup 2011.
James Pleasance, organizer of the Superyacht Cup:
“The Superyacht Cup is becoming more popular each year as a friendly, informal event with a family style atmosphere combined with competitive racing. With a 21 strong fleet of boats this year, it’s a great testimony to the success of the event”
Richard Watson, General Manager of Pascoe International, builders of ultra-high quality, new technology, super-fast yacht tenders:
“This is such a good opportunity to show our products to captains and crew – the people who use them and enjoy them. Its amazing and so wonderful to view these yachts in action!”
Scott Zebny of North Sails Palma, who gear is onboard sailing yacht Fire fly, S/Y Lionheart, Scorpione and hundreds of top sailing yachts worldwide:
“Great to see our customers having so much fun, enjoying the beautiful sailing and the warm hospitality of Palma. My daughter Alicia looks forward to the fiesta every year!”
Colin Squire, publisher of Yachting Matters magazine:
“Over 23 years of sailing, Palma has become my second home, and the Superyacht Cup is a focal point in my yearly calendar. It’s a special place for special people, and I always look forward to visiting my many friends on island, and especially those who gather for this great sailing event.”
Ben Golff, owner of marine fashion business Gaastra, Gold sponsors of the Superyacht Cup and other regattas, and owner of 34m sailing yacht Highland Breeze:
“These are some of the most beautiful and prestigious yachts in the world, making themselves available to sail together in a lovely environment, while being able to compete in an extremely well-organized event. My company Gaastra is proud to be accepted and to participate as a Gold Sponsor.”
Capt. Greg Norwood-Perkins, long time yacht racing veteran of countless events, and skipper of yacht 55m yacht Adela:
“Whats’ good about this year is there are lots of big boats, lots of schooners – which we are – so it’s great competition. This is a well-run regatta, very crew friendly, and which the owners also enjoy.”
Toby Allies of Pendennis shipyard, whose creations have adorned many Superyacht Cups, and other large-yacht races, this year including Adela and charter yacht Nostromo:
“It is a fantastic opportunity for owners to use their boats in a different way and meet other like-minded owners in a very relaxed environment. There’s a great atmosphere here – for the crew, industry, designers and builders, which allows us to showcase what the superyacht industry is all about.”
Capt. Joe Jackson of Fishman Productions, well-known skipper who has sailed the seven years, and recently settled on Palma, working as a rigger:
“It’s been a blast! I got blamed for a mistake on the bow – which wasn’t my fault even though I’m the bowman – but it’s all good, great seeing all my friends gathered together.”
Capt. Patrick Whetter, Superyacht Cup founder, and helmsman on 43m Holland Yachtbouw, S/Y This Is Us, another of the Hoek Designs
I’m having the most fun driving the best boat I’ve ever driven! I’m very lucky that Robin lets me drive his absolutely superb Andrew Hoek designed yacht.
Paul Dielemans, General Manager of Rondal, part of the Royal Huisman family, sailing on 62m Athos, the largest yacht in the fleet:
“This puts us on a professional playing field, and is the perfect mix of serious sailing, information gathering, meeting everybody, and having fun at the same time. We are very happy to sponsor the Superyacht Cup.”
Louis Hamming, CEO of Vitters Shipyard, whose spectacular 55m yacht Marie is still yet another of the Hoek designs here this year, and which also sailed in the St. Barths Bucket:
“What is most important is for the owners to use their yachts to their maximum capabilities, seeing their full potential. It’s not about winning – although everyone likes to win – it’s about competing against yachts of similar size and caliber. The fun factor is that the ratings offer transparency, giving owners understanding of what’s happening on the race course – it’s also important.”
Michael Kurtz and Imme of Panteanius, leading international marine insurance firm, and sponsors of the Superyacht Cup:
“We started from the very first Superyacht Cup as sponsors, and we like to stick by our old friends. We like to be close to our clients as they enjoy themselves, and if they need us, they know that Panteanius is always stays by your side.”
Rachel Harrison, of Integrated Marine Group, all the way from New Zealand for her first Superyacht Cup:
“Fantastic way to see Palma for the first time, with some of the best sailing superyachts in the world – and hopefully we can entice some of these beautiful yachts to come to our Millenium Cup in NZ next February. Thanks for inviting me!”
Peter Craig, well-known racing professional, and Principal Race Officer of the 2011 Superyacht Cup:
“2007 was my first superyacht event ever – I sailed on the mighty Meteor but didn’t even know how to spell superyacht then – but had a wonderful time! Four years later, superyachts dominate my life. I love being here in this capacity, because the owners are looking for, and deserve, a good, well-run regatta. We take it seriously, and it’s rewarding to give them a really good regatta like this one.”
Jim Teeters, whose Bucket Ratings system has become the industry standard for yacht racing worldwide:
“Fantastic racing today! We had a lot of boats finish within twenty minutes of each other, and that’s as much as you can ask for.”
Norma Trease (Salamanca Marine), Gloria Harvey (Lloyds Private Banking), Abi Wallace and Nichol Southwood (Crew Advantage Network):
“Let’s make sure the women are included too!”
