The Superyacht Cup Palma featured a well represented Hoek Design fleet this year. The event was also sponsored by these leading Dutch naval architects. The owners as well as crew of the J-class sailing yacht Lionheart performed admirably to take second place overall, while both the first and second places overall in the SYC class 2 races went to Hoek Design yachts, namely superyacht Heartbeat and charter yacht Atalante. The last year’s winner, the 78 ft Truly Classic yacht Drumfire, the expedition schooner Reesle yacht and the majestic 115 ft luxury yacht Firefly also participated in this popular event.
Hoek-designed luxury yacht Heartbeat - Photo by Joep Niesink
“We have been a Silver Sponsor of the Superyacht Cup for the past three years due to the fact that around 20 Hoek Design boats are berthed in Mallorca,” explains Andre Hoek. “Moreover, other boats attend the Superyacht Cup from further afield and it is a great way for owners to race against others and enjoy the vibrant city of Palma. The Superyacht Cup is also a superb showcase for styling, superior performance and the attention to detail that are the hallmarks of our designs.”
This year’s Superyacht Cup was the first event to feature all five of the new generation of J-class vessels racing against each other. The superb weather conditions in the Bay of Palma ensured that superyacht Hanuman, Lionheart, sailing yacht Rainbow, charter yacht Ranger and luxury yacht Velsheda were genuinely competitive.
Superyacht Lionheart - Photo by Ingrid Abery
“We were delighted that Lionheart sailed very well and was first in the overall rankings until the start of the very last race,” recalls Andre Hoek, who was one of the race crew onboard. “After a difficult start on the final day, Ranger started to match race Lionheart to try to beat us for second overall but Lionheart kept pace and finished an admirable second overall in her class. When you consider that there were only eight professionals onboard Lionheart compared to the virtually entirely pro crew that races on Hanuman, Ranger and Velsheda, this result is impressive indeed. Our message to the Hanuman boys is this: We’re getting closer!”
Luxury yacht Lionheart - Photo by Ingrid Abery
The Hoek office was also delighted with the performance of the Truly Classics in Palma. “Taking first and second place overall is a great achievement and a testimony both to the design and the owners and crew of Heartbeat and Atalante, “ adds Hoek. “Drumfire also performed very well, beating the other TCs on line honours although she had a very stiff handicap. And Firefly also showed her enormous potential, easily winning line honours on most of days of the event. All in all, this was a great few days and we are already looking forward to the next Superyacht Cup.”
Sailing yacht Lionheart designed by Hoek - Photo by Ingrid Abery
The special Hoek Design Cup was also run for the third year in Palma and was officially marked on the event race sheets. Hoek Design also co-organised a special Dutch dinner on the Friday night at the lovely Cap Rocat hotel. This informal evening was attended by most of the owners and captains taking part in the Superyacht Cup and showcased Mallorca at its very best.
