Ibiza Joysail 2023

Moat Reigns Supreme

The 2023 edition of Ibiza JoySail, held from September27-30, saw intense competition and some nail-biting finishes. Moat, theSwan 115, continued its dominance by winning the Performance class for the third consecutive year. The battle between Moat and its sistership Jasi was one of the most exciting aspects of the event. Despite both yachts being closely matched, Moat managed to secure first place in all three races, leaving Jasi in second position with three consecutive second-place finishes. All Smoke (SW-RP 90) rounded out the top three, while KibokoTres claimed victory in the Corinthian category

Close Races in the Performance Cruising and WorldCruising Classes

In the Performance Cruising category, Dark Horse(Swan 80) clinched its first-ever victory at Ibiza JoySail, marking a significant achievement after three years of racing in this regatta. The yacht showed remarkable improvement, especially in its last race, to finish ahead of the American yacht Prevail, which came in second. Shambho (Y770), competing for the first time, secured third place and also won theCorinthian prize, adding to the excitement of the competition.

The World Cruising class was equally intense, with Aurelius taking home the top prize and the Corinthian award. The beautifully designed Scorpion of London (Baltic 151) finished second, while Alarife 100 (Custom99) tied on points for third place, ensuring a close contest right to the end.

Dominance of Svea in the J-Class

In the prestigious J-Class division, Svea was the standout yacht, sweeping all three races to win the class title. Racing againsther fierce competitor Topaz, Svea maintained consistency throughout the regatta. Both yachts put on a stunning display of classic yacht racing, with Topaz showing strong form but ultimately unable to match Svea’s dominance. These majestic vessels added a touch of tradition to an event otherwise dominated by modern superyachts.

Weather Challenges and Tactical Decisions

The 2023 Ibiza JoySail was not without its challenges. An anticyclone over the Mediterranean made for light winds throughout the event,with gusts barely exceeding six knots on some days. Despite these tricky conditions, the race committee, led by Gaspar Morey and his team, managed to pull off a race each day by setting coastal courses that kept both the sailors and spectators engaged. The light winds added a layer of complexity to the race, requiring skillful tactical decisions from all crews

Highlights Beyond the Racing

Ibiza JoySail is not just about the on-water competition.The social scene during the regatta is equally vibrant, with events hosted at Marina Ibiza drawing yacht owners, crew members, and industry professionals together for networking and celebrations. With its scenic backdrop and glamorous atmosphere, the event continues to attract high-profile attendees and deliver a luxury experience both on and off the water.

A Record Number of Participants

The 2023 regatta set a record with 18 superyachts participating, the largest fleet in the event’s history. This increase in entries reflects the growing popularity of Ibiza JoySail, which has quickly become a must-attend event for superyacht owners and crews. The regatta’s mix of competitive racing, exclusive hospitality, and stunning Ibiza scenery ensures its continued success as the Mediterranean season's grand finale.

Conclusion: A Successful 2023 Edition

With close finishes, light but challenging conditions, and a record number of participants, the 2023 Ibiza JoySail was a huge success. Moat and Svea continued their dominance in their respective classes, while DarkHorse and Aurelius added new names to the winner's circle. With an increasing fleet and a well-earned reputation as one of the most prestigious regattas in the Mediterranean, Ibiza JoySail is set to grow even further in the coming years.

‍