Ibiza Joy Sail closes off Mediterranean superyacht season in style

The fourth edition of Ibiza JoySail surpassed expectations on all levels. The largest ever number of entries with eighteen superyachts registered, the biggest superyacht to ever to take part in the event, some fantastic racing and a hospitality programme for 400 participants, sponsors and organisers.

With close action on the water across all five classes, and over half of the fleet sailing in Corinthian mode, competition was intense. However, rivalry on the water was balanced with a relaxed atmosphere on shore, and this has become one of the signature highlights of Ibiza JoySail.

For Tony Rey, the tactician on Maximus, the 195ft German Frers twin-masted ketch, it was his first time at Ibiza JoySail.

“Aside from the fact that this [Ibiza] is one of the most spectacular places to sail, in Europe and almost the world, this is my first time at Ibiza JoySail, and it is magnificent. Our team loves it, our owner is having a fantastic time, the parties are fun. It has everything that you could ask for. Ibiza JoySail has delivered every day, and hopefully we will come back next year.”

Maximus was sailing in the Performance class with the Italian-flagged Reichel Pugh Nautic 100 Morgana and Moat, the Swan 115, who topped the results in their class making it total of four class wins from their four Ibiza JoySail events.

Juan Ball, the owner of Moat, commented on arriving at Marina Ibiza after racing on the final day: “This year was important as there are now more boats, so there is more competition, and it gets more difficult. This year the organisation was excellent, fantastic days of competition and seeing all these boats, in all these different sizes today, you don’t see it anywhere else.” Commenting on Moat’s four wins in the Performance class in four editions of Ibiza JoySail, he added: “The secret is the group that we have on the boat.

We are a bunch of friends who respect each other, we help each other and we have a good time. There is only one life.”

In the two World Cruising Classes, first time entry Swan 100 L’Hippocampe won in the World Cruising L class, with three bullets in each of the three races, it was a good day in the office for the team despite strong opposition from Nostromo and Alarife Cien.

Ella Holmes, Boat Captain of L’Hippocampe “We are sailing really well as a team, this is the third regatta we have done together this year, and it is really coming together. It is has been a really enjoyable social event. That is why we come to these regattas, to have a good time and get some good esults as well.”

In World Cruising XL, the Dubois 120, Bliss held on to its overall lead with a third win, ahead of fellow Corinthian entry, the Spanish-flagged Dystra 111, Aurelius. Gitana, the Dubois 147, completed the podium in this super-sized class.

The owner of Bliss, Andrew Downe, commented: “It was a fantastic day, we actually thought we wouldn’t get there today as it was lighter winds today, and we were genuinely surprised when we saw the results. Every day racing was actually really close, we were lucky this time, but there were only ever 3-4 minutes over a two to three hours in each race. It was really competitive, and everyone had a good time as well.“

In the two Performance Cruising Classes, consistent performances by the SY 108 Hybrid Gelliceaux, and the Baltic Yachts Café Racer, Open Season meant the top podium spot in the Perfomance Cruising L and Performance M classes, respectively. Both first time entries in Ibiza JoySail, neither was disappointed with the event.

Thomas Bascher, the owner of Open Season commented: “It is always nice to win, but that is not the reason to come. I have to say that in 25 years of sailing big boats, this is the nicest, and best organised event I have ever been to.

This is something really special, the effort that everybody put in, is just great, that is more important than the result.”

The Corinthian spirit that underlines this event was evident on the podium positions with seven of the fifteen podiums places going to Corinthian entries. “This Corinthian element is very important to us. For some owners, taking part in some of the bigger superyacht events can be very daunting, and the strong Corinthian spirit that we have here underlines what we set out to do at the start of Ibiza JoySail.

This is further reinforced by Campbell Field who acted as coach on the Corinthian entry Ammonite: “I was invited to come along and race with the Ammonite and the crew - this is their first regatta racing event. We have three simple rules on the boat – safety, having fun and competitiveness, and we are ticking all of those. It is a pleasure sailing with people who want to learn, and I hope I can help them as much as they want. Our ambition was to dip our toe in the water and see how it went, and so far, it is going pretty well!”

The balance of on water competition and on shore activities make for a great atmosphere in the hospitality area at Marina Ibiza. With more than 400 people making up the crews cross the 18 boats, guests and organisers, the evenings offer relaxed enjoyment, and an opportunity make the most of the Ibiza ‘vibe’ after the day’s competition.

It is this balance between competitive racing during the day and a relaxed friendly environment on shore, has seen Ibiza JoySail grow from just four yachts in the first edition to 18, in just four years.

Jesper Bank, who was part of the crew on the Dubois 100, Nostromo, commented: “Ibiza JoySail creates the perfect atmosphere where people can mingle, a very nice setting, and good, well considered racing. It is not complicated and is easily accessible. I think some of the bigger events should keep a close look on what they are doing. It feels relaxed and the atmosphere is relaxed, and speaking for myself, I really enjoy that.”

The closing event at the 2024 Ibiza JoySail was a prizegiving event in the main hospitality area. As well as prizes awarded in each of the five classes, a Perpetual Trophy for the record between Punta Cala Figuera, Mallorca to Tagomago Island, Ibiza was awarded to Maximus who completed the 48nm passage in 3hours and 31 minutes.

An event of the standard of Ibiza JoySail cannot be run without the support of a wide range of partners and institutions that have been advocating for Ibiza JoySail since it was first established. Technical and logistical support has been provided by a group of leading technical marine companies, North Sails who set up a temporary sail loft for repairs from across the fleet; RigPro who have supported in all rigging requirements; Global Yachting Ibiza who have provided the chase boat support fleet for race organisation, media and VIP guests; and Yacht Moving, which has supported teams with all logistics support for the competition: while, once again, Ibiza Island Council and Ibiza Town Council continue to be stalwart supporters.

The dates for Ibiza JoySail 2025, the fifth edition of the event, have been confirmed as 18th - 21st September 2025.