The J Class will be joining the fun at Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta in 2022.
The J Class Association and owners unanimously chose the high-profile Mallorcan festival of sail as one of three events planned for their racing season next year, and a trio of the magnificent vessels – Topaz, Ranger and 2018 SYC champion Velsheda – are already confirmed entries.
To accommodate the J Class, and after consultation with SYC’s race management partner the Real Club Náutico de Palma and a number of superyachts who had expressed an early interest in attending, the 2022 regatta will now be run from June 29 to July 2, a small move of a week from the earlier June 22-25 dates.
“It is very exciting to host the J Class again in Palma where they will no doubt provide an incredible spectacle of highly competitive fleet racing,” said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.
The Superyacht Cup Palma is Europe’s largest and longest-running superyacht regatta Photo: Jesus Renedo
“We carried out an extensive consultation with superyachts that had expressed an early interest in entering, along with the RCNP and the J Class, and the move of a week to June 29 – July 2 proved the best option for our participants and partners, and provided the added bonus of avoiding a clash with other Grand Prix events.”
The J Class has a long association with Superyacht Cup Palma, and most of the existing fleet have graced the Bay of Palma regatta, several on numerous occasions, with the venerable Velsheda showing her superyacht rivals a clean pair of heels to top the overall table in 2018.
J Class Secretary Louise Morton said: “Superyacht Cup Palma has built its reputation on having a unique atmosphere, close racing, excellent conditions and great event organisation from the teams at SYC and RCNP, so the decision to include it in the 2022 season was an easy one – the owners were unanimous in choosing it.”
It is also set to be a popular decision with the captains and crews, not least Velsheda. “We have raced at the Superyacht Cup many times and it is a firm favourite,” said her captain Barney Henshaw-Depledge.
“Palma has so much to offer in terms of services for yachts, good restaurants and hotels and easy logistics for a large crew. We expect flat water and with excellent sea breeze conditions in the summer we are really looking forward to the event, and of course hoping for well contested racing to obtain a good result!"
Superyacht Cup Palma will now open with superyacht registration and the captain’s briefing on Wednesday 29 June 2022, followed by three days of racing concluding on Saturday 2 July.
