Superyacht Cup Palma ready to welcome old friends and new

The clock is on the final countdown to the start of racing at Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 with another diverse and eye-catching selection of some of the world's finest superyachts gathering in the Mallorcan home of Mediterranean sailing.

Europe's longest-running superyacht regatta will swing into action out on the Bay of Palma with the first race set for Thursday 22 June.

"It's great to be back to our roots this year with all the superyachts moored together again and social events right at the stern of the boats at the Real Club Náutico de Palma, our long-standing race management partner. This year promises excellent racing with a diverse and competitive fleet and plenty of fun ashore. We're looking forward to welcoming everyone!" said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.

This year's 27th celebration of sail will feature a stunning variety of superyachts, with first-timers making their debut alongside those making a welcome return.

The Swan 100 Onyx will be making her first ever appearance at SYC, as will the 36m Dubois designed world cruiser Miss Silver.

Meanwhile 2023 will see the return to Superyacht Cup Palma of two 33m Malcolm McKeon designs — the modern Ribelle, last seen at SYC in 2017, alongside her stablemate from the Vitters Yard Pattoo, who will be looking to repeat her class win of last year.

A second Nautor Swan entry in the elegant shape of the Swan 80 Umiko is returning after her debut in 2021, and the 24m Farr-designed Wally yacht Rose is back for a second successive year.

Also likely to be grabbing attention out on the Bay of Palma are J Class yachts Svea, who was pipped to the SYC trophy last year on countback, as well as regular attendee Velsheda making a welcome reappearance.

"It is always great to be taking part in Superyacht Cup Palma," said Velsheda's captain Barney Henshaw-Depledge.

"Svea will no doubt be giving us a run for our money, as will be others in the fleet, but as always we welcome the challenge and are looking forward to some competitive times out on the water and catching-up back on the shore."

Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 will get formally underway on June 21 with Superyacht Registration at the Real Club Náutico de Palma, followed by the Captain's Briefing in RCNP's Sala Magna — Great Hall — and the Welcome Cocktail party courtesy of SYC's Destination Partner New Zealand on the RCNP terrace.

Pantaenius Race Day gets racing underway on Thursday 22 June for the SYC fleet, followed by the North Sails & Southern Spars Happy Hour gathering on the RCNP Dock.

The New Zealand Race Day on Friday 23 June, with a repeat North Sails Happy Hour and the daily prize-giving again on the RCNP Dock, is followed by the exclusive invitation-only Owners' Summer Barbecue at St. Regis Mardavall.

Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 concludes on Saturday 24 June with the St. Regis Race Day and celebratory Prize-Giving on the RCNP Terrace.

Alongside Official Timepiece Jaquet Droz, other SYC Partners and Friends also include Silver Partners Astilleros de Mallorca, Hill Robinson, Marinepool, RSB Rigging, and Friends Baltic Yachts, Hoek Design and Marina Port Vell Barcelona.