The winners of the 7th edition of the Mapfre PalmaVela yacht regatta were encouraged by four days of ideal sailing conditions. 115 yachts coming from countries such as Spain, Italy, Ireland, Russia, Virgin Islands, England and Sweden were hosted by the Real Club Náutico de Palma. With this event officially starts the Mediterranean sailing season.

Luxury sailing yacht SWAN 80

The fourth and last day of the races of the 2012 Mapfre PalmaVela regatta started in tactically demanding conditions of 6 to 8 knots of Northeasterly wind and light overcast skies which prevented the breeze from pushing through until 14:00 hours, when a nice Southerly breeze stabilised in the bay of Palma.

The magnificent Maxi fleet had its coastal race on the last day which was shortened from 24 down to 12 miles due to the shifty and light winds which prevailed in the morning. Johan Killinger’s owned and helmed Emma finished third thus claiming the same position in the overall classification.

The Swan 60 team aboard the newly launched sailing yacht Bronenosec, sponsored by Gazprom finished their first international regatta in 7th place within the Maxi class. With a combined style of racing required for their first regatta requiring both tight inshore racing and longer distance coastal racing within a range of wind conditions, the event has proven to be an ideal season opener for the team.

A steep learning curve for all of the crew working from testing breezy conditions at the beginning of the week to lighter shiftier conditions over the last 2 days of racing, Mapfre PalmaVela has been an excellent test bed for the Yacht Club of St. Petersburg’s competitive campaign.

The prize-giving ceremony took place at the facilities of the RCNP, which has once more been able to gather some of the best sailors and yachts in the world.

3rd – Emma, Swan 60, Dr. Johann Killinger
7th – Bronenosec, Swan 60, Alpenberg S.A
9th – Alpina, Swan 80, Alpina by Finimmo