The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 is all set for lift-off

With essential preparations completed, Superyacht Cup Palma is in to the final countdown to another eagerly anticipated edition of Europe's longest running superyacht regatta.

The owners, captains and crews have now been able to review the provisional class splits — which divide the fleet according to their ORCsy rating which takes into account each superyacht's special characteristics — and assess who is their immediate competition.

This year will see Superyacht Cup Palma's defending champion, the 24m Wally yacht Rose, likely to see some determined if friendly opposition to her retaining the title coming most immediately from her similar sized classmates — Umiko and Dark Horse from the Swan stable, and the brand-new Y Yacht Calabash.

"It was an amazing year for us in 2023, really close and challenging — we only won the last deciding race by five seconds," said Rose’s tactician Jesper Radich.

"Looking at the immediate competition in our class, this year looks like it is going to be even more of a contest — we’re really looking forward to getting out there!"

Equally, however, the challenge may come from the second class where the Hoek Classic duo of Atalante and Vijonara, the Tripp designed Cervo, and the imposing 59m ketch Maximus will all be out to show that a long LOA and eye-catching looks do not rule out speed around the Bay of Palma racetrack.

Then there is the J-Class triumvirate comprising the former SYC overall trophy winner Velsheda, the always competitive Svea, and the newly refitted and revitalised Rainbow — J-KZ1 —which will be making her first racing outing in 10 years and no doubt out to make her mark.

"Superyacht Cup Palma has always delivered fun, fair and competitive racing, and 2024 is all set to deliver the magic once again," said Event Director Kate Branagh.

"We have some fantastic yachts, with their owners and crews already gathering here in Palma, and we look forward to formally welcoming old friends and new, and celebrating another festival of sail."

Adding to the atmosphere will be the striking schooner Borkumriff IV, which will be in attendance though not competing, and the impressive Vandal Marine built Explorer, with the 14m all-aluminium foil-assisted catamaran operating as SYC's media boat during Friday's racing.

Racing gets underway on Wednesday 19 June with the J-Class yachts getting the ball rolling with windward-leeward races. The following day sees the whole fleet out on the water for the first of three days of racing. Superyacht Cup Palma concludes on Saturday 22 June with the prize-giving at the prestigious Real Club Náutico de Palma, SYC's long-standing race management partner and event host.

Who will take the top spot on the podium at that celebration remains to be seen.