The 2019 Superyacht Cup Palma reached its captivating conclusion with the best day’s racing yet on the waters of Palma Bay.
Win Win lived up to her name once again and emerged as the overall victor of the Superyacht Cup, with class winners Topaz and Bequia also able to celebrate their success after three days of close racing and enjoyable socialising ashore.
The final St. Regis Race was held on what proved to be the clearest day of the 23rd edition of Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta, the Mallorcan mountains providing a stunning backdrop to the drama being played out on the water.
After a short delay to allow the sea breeze to establish itself the race committee launched the fleet on the deciding contest of the event.
In Class A the 33m Win Win was able to secure her third successive victory, this one by the narrow margin of just 33 seconds on corrected time ahead of Nilaya with Open Season third in the race and overall in the class. The triumph is a second SYC win for the Javier Jaudenes designed Baltic Yacht built boat, which also topped the table in 2016.
Her delighted skipper Ryan Taylor said: “It’s great and we are very happy – we worked for it and it wasn’t easy, but it was nice clean racing and we just kept it simple. The owner is very happy!”
It was Class B that saw the closest racing, with three different winners in each of the races. Overall Topaz edged a single point ahead of her J-Class rival Velsheda to win the class, with the lightweight flyer Missy only a point further back in third.
Class C meanwhile went to the gorgeous 30m Stephens Waring Yacht Design Spirit of Tradition yawl Bequia, with Huckleberry and Kealoha tied on points in second and third. Skipper Seumas Meharg said: “It’s always fun to win and we have great owners and a fantastic team on board as we celebrate Bequia having 10 years on the water.
“It’s fantastic to be here in Palma in such perfect conditions, ideal for us, and great to come away with a class win. The owners and the crew have also really enjoyed the shoreside activities as well. The Owners Dinner was superb, the owners loved it, and generally the whole attitude of the regatta is fabulous, it’s not too pompous or anything like that, it’s a good fun time for everybody.”
However, the appeal of The Superyacht Cup Palma runs throughout the fleet, also including those who simply enjoy the pleasure of taking part with no expectation of winning their class or the Cup itself.
Among them are Tulip, the Dutch modern classic taking part in her fourth SYC and again sailed by family and friends. Speaking before the final day of racing co-owner Alicia van Vissengen said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. We know we are not going to be in the one or two but it doesn’t matter as we are enjoying ourselves so much – that’s what it is all about, it is really, really fun. Good vibes, lovely people, good organisation, great company, wonderful weather, Palma is fantastic – what more do you want?”
Over the course of the three-days of the SYC all the owners and their teams have enjoyed competitive and friendly racing in memorable conditions.
Equally memorable have been the festivities ashore, with owners, guests and crews enjoying Happy Hours courtesy of Southern Spars and North Sails, the Marinepool Paddle Board Challenge – which was won by a team from Bequia – a Dock Party in the SYC Race Village and, of course, the highlight of the vibrant social side of the regatta the Owners Dinner at the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort – SYC’s Preferred Hotel Partner.
Also celebrated was the presentation of the first ever North Sails Boat of the Day Award, with the beautiful limited-edition crystal and Sterling silver Admiral ship’s decanter and glasses being awarded to SYC first timer Huckleberry, with the Award set to become an annual SYC feature.
Announcing the dates of next year’s regatta, Event Director Kate Branagh said: “It has been another great year for The Superyacht Cup Palma and it has been a real pleasure for the whole team and I to see so many happy faces out on the water and then back here in the SYC Race Village.
“The 24th edition of The Superyacht Cup Palma will be held from 17 to 20 June 2020. We look forward to seeing all of you back here for another marvellous festival of superyacht sailing.”
