Countdown to Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 is well underway

Back for a second successive year is the 24m Rose, the Wally Yacht took a race win on her debut in 2022, and she will be joined by Superyacht Cup Palma first-timer Lady M, a 39m Dubois design from New Zealand's Fitzroy Yachts yard.

With the countdown now on, the duo are preparing to join the fleet gathered for Europe's longest-running superyacht regatta out on the Bay of Palma from 21-24 June.

"Superyacht Cup Palma began life back in 1996 as a straightforward dock party for yacht crews waiting to go transatlantic and celebrating the end of the Mediterranean sailing season," said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.

"Over the years we have worked hard to evolve and improve the event, keeping the fun and the great racing at its heart while bringing in pioneering initiatives. This year we are going back to our roots and hosting all the superyachts together at Real Club Náutico de Palma and adding dock parties to our social events. We are looking forward to welcoming back old friends and greeting newcomers alike."

Among the highly-prized returnees in 2023 - and a big part of SYC's success - are Preferred Hotel Partner St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, Official Timepiece Jaquet Droz, Destination Partner New Zealand, and event host the Real Club Náutico de Palma, SYC's long-standing race management partner.

Out on the water, and in the spirit of old friends welcoming the new, 2023 will see the return to the Superyacht Cup fray of the modern Ribelle ­­– last seen at SYC in 2017 – and her Vitters-built stablemate Pattoo, who will be looking to repeat her class win of last year.

And a pair of Nautor Swan entries represent both sides of the coin with the Swan 80 Umiko returning after her debut in 2021, and the Swan 100 Onyx making her first ever appearance at SYC. Also a first-timer is the 36m Dubois designed world cruiser Miss Silver.

Meanwhile the familiar - and dramatic - shape of the J Class yachts Svea and Velsheda will also be making a welcome reappearance.

"The Superyacht Cup has always put on a great show," said Steve Hayles, an Ocean Race veteran and regular at SYC who will be racing onboard Svea as navigator. "Sailing in Palma is always a highlight of my season and this regatta hits the perfect balance of well organised, competitive racing on the water and a fun and friendly atmosphere ashore."

This year, the Superyacht Cup Palma's charity support will be directed to the Save The Med Foundation, who work for a clean and healthy Mediterranean Sea.