The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 concluded in spectacular fashion with classic Bay of Palma sailing conditions, delivering exceptional racing across all classes. The St. Regis Race Day was characterized by bright sunshine and a steady 10-knot sea breeze, emphasizing crew work, boat speed, and tactical acumen around various racing marks on the bay’s western side.
In a historic moment, the nimble 24m Wally Rose clinched her second race win in Class B, successfully defending her title and securing the Superyacht Cup Palma Trophy. This marks the first successful title defense since Kokomo in 2002. Rose’s captain, Ben Potter, expressed his delight: « The whole day was magic, and we could not have asked for better conditions. 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. »
Potter added, « 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 organization, which is great. »
Class A saw an extraordinarily close contest, with the 59m ketch Maximus narrowly winning the final race — and the class — by a single second from the 39m Cervo. Both yachts finished with a first and a second place on countback, but Maximus’s one-second corrected time edge secured her victory. Captain Lars Loftus shared his joy: « 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. »
Loftus humorously acknowledged the extensive crew that contributed to their success: « 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, » referring to the 15 permanent and 35 additional crew members on board.
Meanwhile, Svea secured her third win of the regatta to claim victory in the J Class, ahead of Velsheda and Rainbow, who finished level on points. The veteran Velsheda took the runner-up spot on countback. Svea’s tactician, Bouwe Bekking, commented on their performance: « The downwind start was something a bit different today as we are used to starting upwind, but we did OK. 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. »
Despite tying on points with Velsheda and finishing third on countback, Rainbow was honored with the Spirit of the Event award at the prestigious prize-giving ceremony held on the terrace of the Real Club Náutico de Palma. SYC Event Director Kate Branagh celebrated the achievements of all the participants and extended gratitude to the event’s many partners, including St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca, Jaquet Droz, and Pendennis.
Mark your calendars for the Superyacht Cup Palma 2025, scheduled for 25-28 June 2025.
