Pacific Yankee triumphed at the Cape 31 Race Circuit finale held in Palma, hosted by Club Náutico Arenal. Over three days, teams faced ideal conditions, delivering exhilarating racing.
On day one, Stella Maris, helmed by Marcus Brennecke, won the first race. Pacific Yankee rebounded, capturing races two and three. Kalantis consistently secured second places, while Jiraffe marked their first European podium finish.
Day two presented lighter winds, leading to intense competition. Pacific Yankee claimed another victory, while Stella Maris finished second in race four. Kalantis overcame earlier jib issues, winning race six, and Stig notched a win in race five.
The final day featured a tense showdown. After a delayed start, race seven saw Pacific Yankee emerge victorious. Despite general recalls, the fleet pressed on for additional races. With six boats needed to separate them, Stella Maris still had hope. Ultimately, Pacific Yankee and crew, led by Drew Freides, claimed the title in a dramatic finish, just edging out Kalantis.
"This victory secures our overall circuit title," Freides stated post-race. The American team has shown formidable strength throughout the season.
La Pericolosa and Jiraffe also performed well, with Jiraffe achieving three third-place finishes despite recent travel from the UK. In the Corinthian One Pro Division, Terrible Joy took the top spot, showcasing the talent among amateur teams.
With the European Championships approaching on 16–18 October at RNCP, Palma's finale served as a crucial opportunity for teams to prepare for what is set to be the largest-ever Cape 31 Europeans.
