The longest running superyacht regatta in Europe, the Superyacht Cup, returns to Muelle Viejo in Palma, Mallorca, this summer (June 19-23) and the line-up of competing yachts is as diverse as it is impressive. We size up the 2018 fleet, starting with three recently announced additions...
Launched in July 2016 by Vitters, the striking and elegant Missy is the first yacht to result from a collaboration between the Dutch yard and British studio Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design.
Photo: Jesús Renedo
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.
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.
Launched in 2016 as the third Swan 115 yacht, Highland Fling XV features that winning combination of German Frers design and Nautor’s Swan construction, and she will be making her Superyacht Cup Palma debut in 2018. During her development particular emphasis was placed on boosting downwind speeds to offer more adrenaline-pumping racing without compromising on her ability to offer family cruising in supreme comfort.
Photo: Carlo Borlenghi/Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean
The ketch-rigged sailing superyacht Sojana is another notable entry into the Superyacht Cup Palma 2018. Launched in 2003 and refitted in 2016, she has previously crossed the Atlantic in nine days and ten hours, and her owner has recorded a top speed of 20 knots under sail.
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.
Photo: Corey Silken
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.
Photo: Carlo Borlenghi
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.”
Named after the Hindu god of wisdom and learning, the Vitters sailing superyacht Ganesha flies an image of her namesake on her bright orange spinnaker. She was designed more around handling than outright performance with a beam-to-length ratio that wouldn’t look out of place on a J Class yacht, and her generous rigging is bedecked with 2,212 square metres of 3Di sails from North.
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.