Ibiza JoySail: Ibiza’s ‘go-to’ end of season superyacht event

Ibiza, Spain, Wednesday 24 September 2025: Ibiza JoySail 2025 finished in sparkling form bringing to a close four days of racing in the crystal-clear waters of Ibiza and Formentera.

The event, based at Marina Ibiza and organised in partnership with STP Shipyard Palma, is recognised as the ‘go-to’ event to close the Mediterranean superyacht calendar. With limited space, this invitation-only event, has, for the past five years, marked the end of the northern hemisphere superyacht season, providing a unique sign-off to a busy programme for some of the most beautiful racing and cruising superyachts in the Mediterranean.

The final race of the event also brought to a close the biggest edition of the event to date.  Race Director Nacho Postigo, comments:

“I feel very happy; it has been a great week, and 22 yachts is a record for us. We have been lucky with the wind, and we have had four fantastic races, that I think everybody has enjoyed it. 

“It is remarkable that this event has grown so quickly – from just four boats five years ago. Who would have thought that we would get to this point and become such a coveted event in the superyacht calendar?

“I think the success of Ibiza JoySail has been down to a combination four key factors: The first is the dates - coming at the end of the European superyacht season, secondly the venue, which is incredibly special. Thirdly, there is an equality on the water that both owners and crew really appreciate, and finally, the quality of the onshore entertainment and facilities.

“We don't want the event to get any bigger. For us it is important that the boats are moored all together, and we don't want to affect the quality of the offering on the water. Limiting the fleet to 22 means that we can handle one start and one single race area, which means that we can quickly adapt the racecourse to find the best conditions. Also, we want to ensure the intimacy of our events on shore so that our owners and crews are invited to everything. That has become an attractive hallmark of the event.”

To add to this the 2025 edition of Ibiza JoySail also produced some of the closest racing across all five classes. There was another stand-out Performance from the Swan 115, Moat, winning the Performance Class for the fifth year in succession. 

Moat’s owner Juan Ball echoed Postigo’s comments: “This was another great event for us. We have been here for every edition, won it five times, and each year it gets better. The development of the event from four boats in the first edition to where we are now is incredible. From our perspective we have also worked hard to ensure that the boat is well prepared, that we are more competitive and our crew work is tight. The racing here is always good, and we are thankful to the supporters, and to the organisers, who work tirelessly to make this such a fantastic event!”

In the Performance Cruising XL class there was a second win for the Swan 100 L’Hippocampe and owner, Francois Nuetz, was justly proud of his team: “We are very happy, it is the second time we do the event, and the second time that we win it - we will definitely be back next year! 

“It is a beautiful place to race, enjoy Ibiza and be with friends. The format of the event is amazing. When you are on the dock you look at the quality and types of boats, the beauty of their lines, and the different sailors that they bring. It is quite a unique event.”

Elsewhere in the fleet the Dykstra 111 Aurelius won both the Class and Corinthian trophies in the World Cruising Class, while the Southern Wind 96 Liberty Squared won the Performance L class.

In the Performance Cruising M class, there was again tight racing for the two Café Racers, who traded first and second places all week, with Open Season winning the duel against Ganesha.

Liberty Squared’s tactician, Bouwe Bekkiing commented on the event:

“It is a bit of a closer to the season for a lot of people. It is well organised, the sailing is good, and it is an easy event to get to – that is why there are so many boats.

“The racing is also interesting for everyone - some people might try to push harder than others, but that underlines the whole ambience and atmosphere of this regatta. There are some top end racers, and others than want to take it easier, but ultimately everyone comes here to have a good time and enjoy the racing. “

For those that were new to Ibiza JoySail this year, its reputation was further cemented it as superyacht racing’s hidden gem. 

“Ibiza JoySail has been the talk of superyacht racing since it started five years ago, and it already had an amazing reputation as a ‘go-to’ event.” Commented Shirley Robertson, Manager of the Superyacht Racing Association.  “It is my first time, and it is full of high-performance boats having the very best time. Everyone wants to come here and there are yachts, owners and crew from all over the world. A great mix professional, round the world. Americas Cup sailors, and just families and friends getting into racing, and enjoying their yachts.”