The 25th anniversary of the Superyacht Cup Palma is shaping up to be a landmark celebration of Europe’s longest running superyacht regatta. With the new-look event fully focused on the racing from 23-26 June, the prospect of top-level competition on the Bay of Palma has attracted an inspiring degree of interest featuring the return of regular participants alongside no fewer than three first-time entries.

The high-performance Shamanna is a striking 35m Frers-designed Nautor Swan 115 FD and she will be joined by Umiko, a representative of the iconic Swan 80 range also from the Nautor stable, and the 43m Ravenger (ex Sea Eagle) another stunning example from Royal Husiman, also making it a Frers clean sweep on the design front.

While entries are still preliminary, they are set to line-up against 10 returnees including Wally representatives Saudade and Highland Fling, the awesome 46m Ganesha, and 2019 Class C runner-up Huckleberry.

Despite the necessary adaptations to local pandemic restrictions the 25th anniversary event will still have at its heart the feature that makes SYC so special – in the words of regular participant, Bouwe Bekking: „The great thing about racing in Palma is the conditions. You can look at your watch and know that in a couple of hours you will have 12 or so knots of breeze, maybe even a little bit more.

“It’s as close to guaranteed sailing as you can get anywhere, so it’s not surprising that owners – and crews – look forward to returning to the Superyacht Cup Palma year after year. The event atmosphere is great too – serious racing but relaxed afterwards. A magic combination.“

Alongside the enduring support of the superyacht community over the last quarter of a century, SYC has also welcomed the backing of commercial friends, suppliers, and partners such as Silver Partner Marinepool, the company celebrating its 30thanniversary this year, and specialist marine insurers Pantaenius.

Long-standing Destination Partner New Zealand is also taking its place front and centre at the Superyacht Cup, highlighting the wonders of Aotearoa – the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Among those increasing their support in the ongoing challenging environment is the Superyacht Cup’s long-standing race management collaborator Real Club Náutico De Palma, which will provide the shoreside venue – as well as some berthing – in 2021.

The prestigious setting is well suited to the Superyacht Cup brand and will doubtless find favour with the ultimate decision makers – the superyacht owners themselves.