The Superyacht Cup Palma boasts a growing fleet with grace, pace and pedigree

Returning to Europe’s longest running and largest superyacht regatta for the third time is Mari-Cha III, the 45m super-ketch now boasting new square-topped main and mizzen sails and an extended rig following her 2017 refit.

Looking to get back into racing mode, the Mari-Cha III crew will again be joined by helmsmen Mike Sanderson and Harry Dodd, amongst other race professionals.

"We are very excited to come back and participate in The Superyacht Cup Palma after a few years without racing,” said skipper Christian Lay.

“Reuniting our team of highly experienced pros and past and present permanent crew is something we make a big effort to do. With consistent winds, a great race committee, good international access and a plentiful supply of hotels and restaurants this is the premier Mediterranean superyacht regatta.”

Also joining many of the planet’s most outstanding yachts is the 37m Bliss, the high-performance composite Dubois sloop making its first appearance at The Superyacht Cup.

A veteran of the 2013 Dubois Cup in Sardinia and 2015 New Zealand Millennium Cup, the June regatta in Palma is something of a homecoming event for Bliss.

Skipper Richard Allingham said: “Bliss has been cruising the Pacific and SE Asia for the last four years, so to participate in The Superyacht Cup Palma is a welcome return to the Mediterranean and a great way to see Mallorca at its finest.”

Others also returning from their travels for the Palma gathering include three of the illustrious J-Class who recently locked horns at the St Barths Bucket. Velsheda and Topaz will no doubt be looking forward to a return match with Svea, winner of the Caribbean event. The fourth Superyacht Cup J-Class entry Ranger will also be in the mix.

The overall winner of the St Barths Bucket, incidentally, was Nilaya, which was built by one of the Superyacht Cup’s Gold Partners, Baltic Yachts.

In the superyacht classes there is an enticing combination of returning regular attendees, such as 2017 Class A winners Win Win, Inoui, Atalante and the 45m Wally yacht Saudade, and new arrivals including Aquarius, Kealoha and Highland Fling. Include the giant 62m Athos, last year’s winner Bolero, Ganesha and the Farr ketch Sojana, and it is a fleet of grace and pace.

“It is great to welcome back old friends and greet more newcomers to the 2018 Superyacht Cup,” said Event Manager Kate Branagh. “We have an impressive 17-strong fleet already with more waiting in the wings, so we are sure we will again create the unique mix of competitive racing and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere ashore.”

The Superyacht Cup has also welcomed new partners to the event, with the Silver Sponsor roster joined by the Boat International Owners’ Club and Netjets. In addition, Hartman Yachts will provide the official hospitality boat and Axopar Boats the Superyacht Cup’s official spectator and press boats.

And there is a big welcome back to existing partners St Regis, 100% Pure NZ, Baltic Yachts and Pendennis.