This year seems to be another busy year for superyacht competing, starting with the Antigua Superyacht Challenge at the end of this month. In March, there are two events virtually back-to-back, in the British Virgin Islands and then in St Barth’s, where more participating yachts are expected to be competing than ever before.
Perini Navi luxury charter yacht P2 to compete in Antigua Superyacht Challenge
Palma de Mallorca is preparing for a full line up of 20 entries this year and with the confirmation of the J Class yachts the spaces are being taken up fast. Last year saw numbers in Palma reduced as several yachts made the decision to head to the UK for the London Olympic celebrations and the Superyacht Cup Cowes, but this year the focus will once again be on Palma. The Notice of Race is now available on the website of Superyacht Cup and entry forms can be obtained from kate@thesuperyachtcup.com
The Palma fleet so far includes several boats who will have competed in the Caribbean, such as the 35m charter yacht P2 (Briand/Perini), sailing yacht Athos (Hoek/Holland Jachtbouw, 62m) as well as superyacht Velsheda (Nicholsons/Dykstra/Camper & Nicholsons, 38m), charter yacht Ranger (Burgess & Stephens/Dykstra/Danish Yachts, 42m) and luxury yacht Lionheart (Hoek/Claasen Jachtbouw 42m).
The latest yacht to register is the new modern-classic 26m sailing yacht Tulip, designed by German Frers and built by K&M Yacht Builders in Holland. Tulip was launched in the Autumn 2012 and with her lightweight interior and carbon rig is likely to be a competitive entry.
Luxury sailing yacht Tulip by German Frers and K&M Yachtbuilders
The Superyacht community in Palma got behind several fund raising events for local charities over the Christmas period, collecting food, clothing and children’s Christmas presents for some of the most needy families in Mallorca. A party was organized by the yacht Aglaia together with Complete Marine Freight and STP boatyard in Palma where dozens of superyachts are wintering.
The party raised over 2,800€ and collected a mountain of presents which were presented to the charity Mediterranea for local distribution. Additionally STP in association with The Rotary Club of Mallorca collected more than 800kg of food, clothing and toys donated by staff and crew from the boat yard. Various projects are planning to continue such as a monthly food collection from marinas on the Island in an effort to reduce some of the suffering in the local community.
Superyacht community with Christmas presents for the most needy families in Mallorca - Photo by Avena Clarke
Long-term Superyacht Cup sponsor Pantaenius have generously purchased 40 Nikon Rangefinders to help ensure safe racing at SRYA (Superyacht Racing Association) sanctioned regattas. All SYRA regattas are sailed under the Racing Rules of Sailing 2013-2016 and the recently approved Appendix SY (see SYC NOR).
The changes to the RRS through this appendix are all based on the fundamental need to keep appropriate distance between superyachts and 40 meters is the designated minimum separation. Thanks to Yacht Insurance provider Pantaenius the range finders will be used by the on-board Safety Officers to assist safe racing practice.
