The sailing yachts hoping to win the Superyacht Cup Palma 2018

Formerly known as Pink Gin V, the Baltic sailing yacht Scorpione of London was sold to her current owner in July 2017. Her Finnish builder brought her to water for the first time in 2006 and she was refitted in 2011 to reinforce her credentials as a high-performance sloop.

Clasically styled by German Frers with elegant overhangs both fore and aft, Bolero was built in South Africa to Lloyd’s standards from an aluminium hull and launched in 1992 by Bolero Yachts.

With a name that reflects her dual virtues as a regatta racer and a comfortable cruiser, WinWin was built by Baltic and launched in 2014 for a highly experienced and very active owner, who is particularly fond of the Superyacht Cup Palma, praising its “special and relatively reliable” thermal winds.

Immediately recognisable thanks to her vibrant green hull finish that masks high-tech carbon fibre construction by Green Yachts and Vitters, Inouï is sure to turn heads at the Superyacht Cup Palma 2018. A proven light airs performer, this Philippe Briand-designed sloop can achieve speeds of up to eight knots in just six knots of wind.

A high-performance composite sloop launched in 2009 by New Zealand yard Yachting Developments, Bliss has previously raced at the 2013 Dubois Cup and the Millennium Cup 2015. She will be making her Superyacht Cup debut this year. “Bliss has been cruising the Pacific and South East Asia for the last four years, so to participate in the Superyacht Cup Palma is a welcome return to the Mediterranean and a great way to see Mallorca at its finest,” said skipper Richard Allingham.

With a history that stretches all the way back to 1933, Velsheda needs no introduction. One of the original J Class yachts that fought it out for the America’s Cup more than 80 years ago, she was built from steel by Camper & Nicholsons and named after original owner WL Stephenson’s three daughters Velma, Sheila and Daphne. After a period of neglect Velsheda was restored in the 1990s with clever design tweaks provided Dykstra Naval Architects.

The newest and largest member of the J Class fleet, Svea was launched in 2017 by Dutch yard Vitters. Fresh from her class victory at the St Barths Bucket 2018, she will be hoping to continue her winning streak at the Superyacht Cup Palma.

Launched in 1997 by Kiwi yard Sensation Yachts, Mari Cha III is another Briand designed yacht due to race at the Superyacht Cup Palma 2018. More than 20 years after she was built from lightweight composites, this ketch-rigged sailing superyacht is still regarded as one of the fastest in her class. Look out for her distinctive spinnaker, which sports an oriental-style dragon motif.

"We are very excited to come back and participate in the Superyacht Cup Palma after a few years without racing,” said skipper Christian Lay. “Reuniting our team of highly experienced pros and past and present permanent crew is something we make a big effort to do. With consistent winds, a great race committee, good international access and a plentiful supply of hotels and restaurants this is the premier Mediterranean superyacht regatta.”

Built by renowned Italian yard Perini Navi from a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the flybridge sailing yacht Aquarius has been cruising the world since 1990. A 2010 refit saw new Formula masts fitted and in boom furling systems added to better control her 923 square metres of sail, which will be given a thorough workout at the Superyacht Cup Palma 2018.

Easily the largest sailing yacht competing at the Superyacht Cup Palma 2018, Athos was launched in 2010 by Holland Jachtbouw. Her 2016 refit at Orams Marine Services in Auckland saw new Doyle staysails and mainsails added with Stratis Carbon Technora membranes. She is widely regarded as one of designer Andre Hoek’s most beautiful creations to date.