Rose delivers the first Superyacht Cup Palma title defence in 22 years

Classic Bay of Palma sailing conditions delivered exceptional racing across the board to conclude the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024.

St. Regis Race Day brought bright sunshine and a steady 10-knot sea breeze which put the emphasis on crew work, boat speed and good tactics around several racing marks on the western side of the bay.

In Class B last year's overall winner, the nimble 24m Wally Rose, took her second race win to again take the Superyacht Cup Palma Trophy, the first successful title defence since Kokomo way back in 2002.

"The whole day was magic and we could not have asked for better conditions," said Rose's captain Ben Potter, "and the downwind start was something a bit different and really exciting.

"Of course it was great to be able to defend our title — we knew we had a lot to do and the rest of the fleet did not make it easy, but we got away well and it was just a case of making up time around the course.

"We love racing in all the regattas in Palma as we are based here, and we will be back at the Superyacht Cup Palma next year I am sure — we love the vibe and the organisation, which is great."

At the same time Class A witnessed an extraordinarily close contest which saw the giant 59m ketch Maximus win the final race — and the class — by a single second from the 39m Cervo. With a first and a second place each on countback, the one second corrected time edge delivered Class A to the Gladiator-inspired superketch.

Her delighted Captain Lars Loftus said: "Everyone is over the moon, it was fantastic. We had a plan to sail the boat hard and clean, and we stuck to the plan — and it paid off. There wasn't one leg we weren't pushing and I said to the guys 'it isn't over until it's over, keep fighting', and we did.

"It's a testament to the guys who we brought on the boat that we have had the success we have had — a cast of thousands," he jokingly referred to the 15 permanent and 35 additional crew on board for the Superyacht Cup Palma.

Meanwhile Svea took her third win of the regatta to secure victory in the J Class ahead of Velsheda and Rainbow, who finished level on points, with the veteran Velsheda taking the runner-up spot on countback.

"The downwind start was something a bit different today as we are used to starting upwind, but we did OK," said Svea's tactician Bouwe Bekking. "We managed to get to a place where we could gybe ahead of the opposition, and we were well set from there.

"The crew work was good and the owners did a really special job driving, really smooth."

Tied on points with Velsheda but finishing third on countback, Rainbow was awarded Spirit of the Event at the prestigious prize-giving held on the terrace of the Real Club Náutico de Palma. SYC Event Director Kate Branagh celebrated the success of all the owners, captains and crews who took part, as well as thanking the support of the event's many partners including St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca, who hosted the Owners' Midsummer BBQ last night, Jaquet Droz and Pendennis.