Palma Superyacht Cup 2024

The 2024 Superyacht Cup Palma, held from June 19 to 22 inthe picturesque Bay of Palma, delivered a thrilling series of races thatcaptivated both participants and spectators. Known as Europe’s longest-runningsuperyacht regatta, the event once again brought together some of the world’smost prestigious sailing yachts and industry insiders. This year’s edition wasparticularly noteworthy, with intense racing and some unexpected twists, alongwith a roster of high-profile attendees.

Key Results: Dominance of Rose and Svea

The 24-meter Wally yacht Rose successfully defendedher title in Class B, becoming the first yacht since Kokomo in 2002 towin the Superyacht Cup Palma in back-to-back years. Captain Ben Potterattributed the victory to excellent crew work and smooth sailing conditions,especially during the final race, where Rose dominated despite stiffcompetition from the fleet​

In Class A, the giant 59-meter ketch Maximus narrowlywon, beating the 39-meter Cervo by just one second—a dramatic finishthat showcased the high level of competition throughout the event​.

In the J-Class, Svea took the top spot, securingthree race wins out of four, edging out veteran competitors Velsheda andRainbow. The close battles between these majestic yachts addedexcitement to the races, particularly when Svea managed to take an earlylead during a downwind start, allowing the crew to secure a commanding victory.

Notable Incidents: Close Races and Windless Days

One of the more memorable incidents during the 2024 editionwas the challenging weather conditions on Jaquet Droz Race Day, which led tothe cancellation of racing due to an unusual absence of wind—something not seenin nearly two decades at this regatta. The event organizers made the call afterhours of waiting for the wind to pick up, leaving the crews and attendees withan unexpected break in the action.

The Sale of G2 by Superyacht Partners

In addition to the exciting races and social highlights, the2024 Superyacht Cup Palma also served as a backdrop for significant yachtingmarket activity. One of the notable announcements was the recent sales of theiconic performance cruisers G2 and Shamanna by Will Bishop of SuperyachtPartners. G2, a sleek and highly sought-after sailing yacht, had been onthe market for a short period of time before its sale was finalized just aheadof the regatta. Shamanna, a Nautor’s Swan 115, is renowned for her sleekdesign and exceptional sailing capabilities and was on the market for just sixmonths prior to the closing of the sale.  The sale of this stunning vessel, known forits combination of luxury and sailing performance, highlights the continuedstrong demand for quality superyachts in the Mediterranean market. The deal wascelebrated during the event, further solidifying Superyacht Partners' role as akey player in the industry.

Celebrity Attendees and Social Highlights

The Superyacht Cup Palma is as much about high society andnetworking as it is about sailing. This year’s regatta attracted severalhigh-profile figures from the yachting world, including yacht owners, luxurybrand ambassadors, and celebrities known for their ties to the industry. Amongthe notable attendees were Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who was spottedat several exclusive events, and Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso, a knownyachting enthusiast, adding further glamour to the regatta.

Social events surrounding the regatta were equallymemorable. The St. Regis Midsummer BBQ hosted yacht owners and their guests atthe luxurious St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, while the prize-givingceremony held at the Real Club Náutico de Palma offered a perfect backdrop forcelebrating the hard-fought victories

These gatherings provided ample opportunities for networkingand cementing the event’s reputation as a highlight of the Mediterranean socialcalendar.

Conclusion: A Memorable Year

The 2024 Superyacht Cup Palma lived up to its reputation asa premier event in the global yachting circuit, with close racing, thrillingfinishes, and an array of celebrity attendees. The event continues to attractthe elite of the yachting world, with a perfect blend of intense competitionand luxury. With Rose and Svea emerging as champions andunforgettable social events complementing the action on the water, the regattapromises to remain a key fixture in the yachting calendar for years to come.

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