The Regata dei Tre Golfi which started from Naples on Friday, saw the upper half of the 25-boat maxi fleet suffer from repeated hold-ups, calms and transitions. Behind, the smaller slower entries enjoyed more continuous breeze. As a result, Class 4 boats filled the top six places under IRC corrected time. Ultimately the slowest, Giuseppe Puttini's 48-year-old Swan 65 ketch Shirlaf, won this year's 69th Regata dei Tre Golfi ahead of Luca Scoppa's Dehler 60 Blue Oyster and Vincenzo Addessi's Mylius 18E35 Fra'Diavolo.

This year, the 156-mile race started and finished in Naples. It was the first of the International Maxi Association's IMA Maxi European Championship, organised by the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia (CRVI). This Championship continues with four days of inshore and coastal racing from Monday to Thursday (20-23 May).

Regata dei Tre Golfi winner for a second time - Guiseppe Puttini's well-sailed, immaculate Swan 65 ketch Shirlaf.

This was the second time the local Swan 65 had won this event, following her 2021 victory. A delighted Puttini explained the dominance of the lowest-rated maxis: "The wind improved as the race went on - the big ones reached Capri, and they stopped dead. Sometimes, that happens to the small boats, but it was the big ones this year. Conditions were ideal for Shirlaf."

The biggest shock was an almighty storm in the race's latter stages that affected the smaller boats with the greatest severity. Suddenly, between Capri and the Li Galli southerly turning mark, this brought prolonged 30-40 knot winds and torrential rain.

While she may be approaching her half-century, Shirlaf is immaculately maintained and combines original equipment, like mast-mounted halyard winches, with modern gear, like her sails and bowsprit. Her crew is mostly Neapolitan, with the exception of their sole professional, Sicilian tactician Gabriele Bruni (brother of Luna Rossa Pirelli Prada helmsman Francesco), who coached the Italian Nacra 17 team to Olympic gold in Tokyo.

Two of Cork's top big boat sailors were onboard Chris Flowers and David M Leuschen’s superyacht Wallycento Galateia in the first victory of the season at Palmavela Regatta in Palma, Majorca on Sunday.

Double Round the World Race Race winner Justin Slattery and Royal Cork's Nicholas O'Leary were both part of the victorious Wallycento crew. Another Irish sailor Ed O'Connor was part of the support crew and drove the Galateia RIB.

As Afloat reported earlier, the maxis competing over the last four days in inshore and coastal racing at the Real Club Nautico de Palma’s PalmaVela may have been a diverse five, ranging from the 143ft/43.6m J Class Svea to the Wally 80 Rose, but their competition was the closest it has ever been here.

Chris Flowers and David M Leuschen’s superyacht Wallycento Galateia in full flight at PalmaVela Regatta 2024 Photo: Nico Martinez

Also on board was New Zealand tactician Kelvin Harrap, who lives in Goleen, Co. Cork and son Rory, 18, the Schull Community College Sailing Team Captain, who celebrated his third win with the Galateia crew at Palmavela.

This was befitting for the 20th anniversary of the event that was originally created by the RCNP as the Mediterranean season opener for the maxi class. It also provided a strong start to the International Maxi Association’s five event 2024 Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge.

Having won the last two editions of the PalmaVela and last year winning every race but one, Chris Flowers and David M Leuschen’s Wallycento Galateia was favourite, lining up to make it a hat-trick. But the going was hard for the white-hulled 100 footer. At the end of the second day they were tied with their fellow Wallycento, V, while winning Saturday’s coastal race left them with a slender one point advantage. In today’s coastal race, it was V’s turn, taking her second win of the regatta leaving the two maxi giants to end the event level on points. Ultimately with her three bullets to V’s two, Galateia prevailed on countback to claim the Maxi class for a third consecutive year.

Hat-trick! David M Leuschen with his winning Galateia crew at the PalmaVela 2024 prize-giving. Cork's Nicholas O'Leary is pictured back row third from left  black cap) and Justin Slattery is front row second from left (hand on chin) Photo: Nico Martinez

“Our third time winning PalmaVela - this is becoming one of our favourites!” commented David M Leuschen, who helmed Galateia this week. “I didn’t get the practice day in because it was too windy, so the first day was my first day in the boat for seven or eight months. It was blowing in the low 20s and was quite sporty, but I enjoyed it very much.”

There was some fast crew work in evidence at Palma Vela, with Galateia’s crew hoisting a 1,000 sq metre gennaker in seven seconds (above) and dropping it in ten (below), as team videos reveal.

Both Wallycentos have been turboed over the winter. Galateia now has two tonnes of water ballast that has allowed her to shed lead from her keel. She also has upgraded her spinnaker retrieval system so her kite drops are now lightning fast, in line with her competition. Meanwhile V has also become water ballasted and has been fitted with a lightweight tubular pivoting boom and a rope vang arrangement.

Galateia tactician Kelvin Harrap acknowledged that the field has closed up but that it was early days. He is looking forward to the enlarged fleet of 100 footers set to line up in Sorrento at the IMA Maxi European Championship in two weeks before Galateia’s extensive winter upgrades can be fully assessed. “They [V] are going better with all the changes they’ve made. With us – it is early stages. There are some times when we were better, but we just have to learn about the water ballast and when to use it.

“The first day was full on and everyone was very nervous because the boat has had so many changes. V and us – we traded first and second places in a lot of races. In Sorrento there will be no margin for error.”

Harrap’s counterpart on V, North Sails President Ken Read was also very pleased with their winter upgrades. “It is always nice to win, but in many ways we are all here to practice and prepare for the rest of the season. We were late, but the ‘laundry list’ [ie the modifications] is done and we can see results, which is all we can hope for. She sails like a different boat now but we needed that because we were seven years behind in our updates, which we had to do in one winter.”

According to Read all the Wallycentos (Magic Carpet Cubed included) are now racing in a lightened mode with water ballast, the difference being “where you want the stability.” V has also changed to elliptical rigging and a longer bowsprit in addition to her three tonnes of water ballast. “There is no disadvantage of using it now from a manoeuvring standpoint. It is as fast as a canting keel.”

With the wind slightly left of due south today, V won by claiming the pin at the start and then the left. “It was stunning - Palma at its best,” enthused Read.

Over the course of the four days, three of the five maxis won races under IRC corrected time. The Farr 100 Leopard 3 podiumed in both races on the opening day but perhaps most remarkable was the mighty Svea which won Friday’s first windward-leeward.

Svea tactician Bouwe Bekking commented: “It was really good for us, even though it was apples and pears - they [the other maxis] are 150 tonnes lighter than us, but we can still race against them. And it is good practice.” The race they won was in 18 knots of breeze and the eminent round the world race veteran reckoned their winning tactics had been gybe-setting at the top mark.

Even Sven Wackerhagen’s Rose came close to winning a race. Their Wally 80 (ex-Tango) scored a 4-2 on the second day of windward-leewards and in the latter finished just six seconds astern of V under IRC corrected time.

“We are getting to know the boat now - you can see where we need to improve,” commented Rose’s Danish tactician Jesper Radich. “Rose is good for her rating on windward-leewards but not so good reaching. Our owner is a good driver – he has been sailing all his life, but we are not at the level of the others in terms of our total package.”

At the prizegiving at the RCNP, Galateia’s David M Leuschen was presented with the prize for the top IMA member.

Competition in the IMA’s Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge continues over 20-23 May in Sorrento with the IMA Maxi European Championship.

The 2024 IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge:

• 1) 1-5 May - Palmavela, Palma, Majorca
• 2) 20-23 May - IMA Maxi European Championship, Sorrento, Italy
• 3) 8-11 June - Loro Piana Giralgia (inshore), Saint-Tropez, France
• 4) 8-14 September - Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Porto Cervo, Sardinia
• 5) 30 September-5 October - Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, Saint-Tropez, France

The 32-metre high-performance superyacht Sorceress berthed in Dun Laoghaire on Monday, April 22nd, following a voyage to Ireland from Spain. 

The Marshall Island flagged yacht was the first of a new series of cruisers launched by Southern Wind in May 2017. 

The sleek grey-hulled superyacht 'Sorceress' berthed at Dun Laoghaire Harbour Marina on Dublin Bay Photo: Afloat

 The Farrr-designed sleek grey-hulled superyacht is used in both coastal and transoceanic races and for bluewater cruises.

Her length overall (LOA) is 32 metres and her width is seven metres.

Sorceress sleeps eight guests overnight in four cabins.

The 13th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua (SYCA) was held in fantastic conditions off the South Coast of Antigua with Tradewinds ranging from 13-20 knots. Five days of racing were held rounding deep water and inshore marks, making full use of Antigua’s ocean swell and stunning coastal vistas.

Swan 90 Freya at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua Photo: Claire Matches

Each evening, themed event nights, all set in historic Nelson’s Dockyard, give an opportunity for crews to meet up and party in a laid back environment, free from commercial endorsements. While superyachts race to win their class, there is no mathematical overall winner. Each competing yachts, and the race committee, cast one vote for the yacht that has competed in the Spirit of the Regatta, both afloat and ashore. The winner lifts The Gosnell Trophy.

Boom Restaurant & Pool at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua Photo: Claire Matches

The Adela crew with the Gosnell Trophy at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua  Photo: Claire Matches

The 2024 edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, the Gosnell Trophy, was presented by Arthur & Page Gosnell. Voting was unanimous, the winner was the 182ft (55.5m) Dykstra schooner Adela skippered by Greg Perkins.

“We bought Adela in 2020 and we have not been able to race her due to Covid, so Adela has been out for four years.” commented Adela’s owner. “This is the first time I have been in this environment and it has been fantastic. The spirit of the team, their passion, the history, and the philosophy of Adela is wonderful. This has presented my kids with the opportunity to be here, surrounded by beautiful people who work as a team and look for the same goal: everyone protects each other. I am very proud to have the chance to be with Adela. I hope to be back many times in the future.”

108ft (33m) Hoek designed sloop Namuun at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua Photo: Claire Matches

The Rebecca Trophy was awarded to the 108ft (33m) Hoek-designed sloop Namuun, skippered by Tom Aiken. Toby Allies & Mike Carr from Pendennis Shipyard presented the trophy to the regatta debutant on St. Patrick’s Day. Namuun is based in Antigua but has more than a sprinkling of Irish sailors on board. Toby Allies congratulated the organisers for running a safe and memorable regatta and commended Namuun for their great attitude to racing.

The 218ft (66.45m) Dykstra/Reichel Pugh ketch Hetairos at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua Photo: Claire Matches

Privateers Class

The 218-ft (66.45-m) Dykstra/Reichel Pugh ketch Hetairos, skippered by Graham Newton, was a spectacular sight at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. Capable of hoisting over 6000 sq.m. of sail area, Hetairos can sail as fast as the wind at just about every point of sail. She started her campaign by winning the stand-alone Round Antigua Race and went on to win all four races of the series in her class. Adela was runner-up.

Team Hetairos at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua Photo: Claire Matches

Ashore the Hetairos team enjoyed all of the parties; At the Famous Cook-Off, Hetairos won the Best meal according to theme Pirates of the Caribbean and a special mention as in true camaraderie spirit they lent their flint to the Zig Zag crew to light their coal pot. Hetairos skipper Graham Newton also picked up the prize for the loudest Caribbean men’s shirt at The Caribbean Night!

“This is Hetairos owner's favourite regatta, and he has been coming to Antigua since 1972,” commented Hetairos skipper Graham Newton. “The venue and the history of Nelson’s Dockyard plus the atmosphere of the regatta because it is so laid back with a great Caribbean vibe. On top of that is the racing! The courses and the conditions are challenging, which is what all of the Hetairos team loves.”

Swan 90s Freya and Hummingbird cross tacks at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua Photo: Claire Matches

Corsair Class

Two battling Swan 90s had a fanatic duel throughout the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. Hummingbird, skippered by Josh Hill, and Don Macpherson’s Freya enjoyed intense racing throughout. It also had close racing with the 110ft (33.5m) Malcolm McKeon sloop Zemi skipped by Hjalmar Winbladh. Don Macpherson’s 90ft (27m) Swan Freya, competing in their fourth regatta, showed impressive boat handling and determination to win the Corsair Class. Freya won every race, but it was far from easy, with pressure throughout the four-race series.

Team Freya at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua Photo: Claire Matches

“Great racing and good fun,” commented Freya skipper Joph Carter. “The owner is happy and we sailed the boat clean and the event was so good! Antigua is Freya’s base, our spiritual home. We have raced this regatta for years without winning our class, so it’s nice to get the monkey off our back. This is not a commercial event, but we have a good crew of sailors and it really is a memorable one to win.”

110ft (33.5m) Malcolm McKeon sloop Zemi at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua Photo: Claire Matches

Swam 90 Hummingbird showed great pace to take runner-up in the Round Antigua Race and during the regatta, Hummingbird was the best starter for the entire fleet, averaging just 4 seconds short of the line. The Hummingbird team were taking part in their first regatta and like Freya and Zemi, joined in all of the shoreside festivities.

Oyster 82 Zig Zag at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua Photo: Claire Matches

Buccaneer Class

John McMonigall’s Oyster 82 Zig Zag, skippered by Carl Raynes, was competing in their eight regatta in a row, and are two-time winners the Gosnell Trophy. Competing this year against the 108ft (33m) Hoek designed sloop Namuun, skippered by Tom Aiken, although the two boats are very different, the boat-to-boat on the water was very close. The Zig Zag crew was the youngest team in the regatta, as well the only crew with as many women as men sailors aboard. Zig Zag completed a faultless score line for the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. Namuun was runner up.

Sadly Zig Zag owner John McMonigall was not on board but he really wanted to be here,” commented Zig Zag skipper Carl Raynes. “We have tried to do the regatta as if John was here, and we have had video calls with John all the time, keeping up the Spirit of Zig Zag.”

Team Zig Zag at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua Photo: Claire Matches

Ashore Zig Zag take their partying to another level! Winning at the Cook-Off for best dressed crew according to theme Pirates of Caribbean, and best lighting of the coal pot. Zig Zag was also the best dressed team for the Caribbean Night!

Superyacht Challenge Antigua Race Committee Photo: Claire Matches

The Superyacht Challenge Famous Cook-Off and Caribbean Night are always a colourful affair with Superyacht owners, guests and crew enjoying fabulous dining and entertainment in Nelson’s Dockyard. Where do you see a regatta race committee dressed in loud shirts? It has been suggested that the Protest Committee should have kept their shirts on for protest hearings but there weren’t any!

The Superyacht Challenge Antigua Prizegiving was held on the Lawn at the Admiral’s Inn, Nelson’s Dockyard. Master of Ceremonies was PRO Hank Stuart; a fabulous affair with winners receiving tumultuous applause from their rivals as well as Barrels of Rum suitably filled.

Superyacht Challenge Antigua co-founder Stan Pearson Photo: Claire Matches

Superyacht Challenge Antigua co-founder Stan Pearson was present in spirit throughout the regatta. Stan sadly passed away just a few weeks before the start. After his burial at sea flanked by superyachts, a memorial was held in Nelson’s Dockyard with hundreds of the sailing community in attendance. Stan will always be remembered for his tremendous work, love and enthusiasm for sailing. A deep water mark ‘Stan’ has been named in his memory. Three cheers were given Stan at the prizegiving and the whole of Nelson’s Dockyard heard it.

Superyacht Challenge Antigua co-founder Paul Deeth has confirmed the dates for the 14th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, which will be held 04-11 March, 2025.

The Superyacht Cup Palma, one of the most prestigious superyacht regattas in the world, is set to welcome a fleet of impressive vessels from June 19 to 22 this year. The event, held annually in Mallorca, Spain, has always been known for attracting both repeat entries and new participants. With the America's Cup starting nearby in Barcelona just a few weeks after Superyacht Cup Palma, the western Mediterranean is well placed in 2024.

The 28th edition of Europe's longest-running superyacht regatta is already happy to welcome a trio of first-time entries to the benchmark event.

For the 2024 edition, organisers of the Superyacht Cup Palma have announced the arrival of three new superyachts to the fleet. The 32m Namuun (ex-Simba) from Turquoise Yachts, the Pendennis-built 40m Hoek Truly Classic Halekai, and the 28m ketch Tawera (ex-Catalyst), a Ron Holland Design from Alloy Yachts NZ, are sure to grab the attention of sailing enthusiasts around the world. 

"We have known about Superyacht Cup Palma for many years and have looked forward to being able to be a part of what is clearly a great regatta," said Tawera's owner, Mike Mahoney. "Now that we are here in the Mediterranean, it is simply too good an opportunity to miss out on, so we will see you on the start line!"

In addition to the new arrivals, defending Cup holders Rose and the Swan 100 Onyx are set to challenge each other once again. Other rivalries set to resume include Velsheda and Svea, while Rainbow, a J Class yacht that successfully defended the 1934 America's Cup, is also expected to join the fray after undergoing major Dykstra refit.

J-Class Velsheda returns to The Superyacht Cup Palma in 2024

The 2024 Superyacht Cup Palma is also set to welcome Pendennis Shipyard back as a Gold Sponsor after the shipyard supported the event in previous years. "We’re excited and pleased to be back and supporting the 2024 Superyacht Cup Palma. It’s fantastic to see a number of yachts taking part this year that have either been built at or refitted by us at our Falmouth, UK yard or technical service centre in Pendennis Vilanova, Spain," said Toby Allies, Managing Director.

Nautor Swan has introduced the Swan 100, their latest addition to the Swan Maxi Family, in Monaco.

The unveiling took place at the Yacht Club de Monaco during this year's Swan Maxi Talk, which was moderated by journalist Clare Mahon and featured notable personalities such as Nautor Swan President Leonardo Ferragamo, naval architect Germán Frers, and architects Lucio Micheletti and Misa Poggi.

The Swan 100 is described as "a fusion" of Nautor's extensive experience in constructing racing and cruising yachts, with its full carbon fibre construction and performance-oriented design.

The bow of the Swan 100 is straight, with a low bowsprit for easy sail handling and safe anchoring, while the low coach roof is located behind the mast for a balanced yet aggressive look with a long, clean foredeck area

The Swan 100's hull lines, designed by Germán Frers, are an evolution of the previous Swan Maxis. The bow is straight, with a low bowsprit for easy sail handling and safe anchoring, while the low coach roof is located behind the mast for a balanced yet aggressive look with a long, clean foredeck area. The opening transom serves as a combined beach club and toy storage area, which is a pivotal element of the onboard lifestyle.

"I work more closely with Nautor Swan than ever before, never making a revolution, but always an evolution to maintain the brand's heritage," naval architect Germán Frers stated.

The Swan 100 is a remarkable addition to the Swan Maxi Family and is expected to set a new benchmark in the sailing industry.

Pellegrino's shipyard unveils its latest Arcadia model, the A96, at the superyacht boat show in Monaco this weekend.

Measuring 29 metres, this exquisite yacht will be showcased alongside other opulent and luxurious large yachts, providing an unmatched opportunity for enthusiasts to see the latest models.

The original model has already gained immense popularity, with two units sold to date.

The boat show in Monaco has become the ideal venue to exhibit this mega vessel and attract potential worldwide buyers (including Irish ones) seeking their next dream yacht.

Based in Antalya, Turkey, Ares Shipyard has unveiled its new superyacht brand 'Ares Yachts' at this week's 2023 Monaco Yacht Show.

Originally founded in 2006 by the Kalafatoğlu family, which is bolstered by a long tradition of shipbuilding and sailing, Ares Shipyard has built a reputation for its naval, utility and support vessels – having delivered over 230 vessels to more than 15 countries to date – and is now looking to expand further into the luxury yachting arena.

With the official announcement of the brand taking place in Monaco, Ares Shipyard has, in fact, quietly been working on yachting projects for some time.

Projects include the 61.61-metre steel hulled cruising ketch Simena (pictured above) that is currently in build. The project is penned by Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited.

She features a carbon-epoxy superstructure, all-aluminium masts and rigging design by Chris Mitchell. With her power provided by hybrid propulsion, Simena has a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 11 knots, with the vessel’s delivery scheduled for December 2024.

Ares Shipyard also has the 50-metre motor yacht Spitfire under construction. The 499 GT vessel has been designed in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects and Bannenberg & Rowell Design. It has hybrid propulsion, enabling the motor yacht to reach a top speed of 23 knots

Known as one of the largest steel, aluminium and composite boat builders in Southeast Europe in terms of its facilities, Ares Shipyard boasts an enclosed, expansive, air-conditioned production area spanning 40,000 square metres and a workforce of over 450 individuals. Primed and ready for custom yacht building.

The Jamacian-flagged superyacht Kaos is moored off Dun Laoghaire Harbour on Dublin Bay this morning, having arrived overnight from London.

The 110-metre superyacht sailed up the Thames in London after a mammoth transatlantic passage from Miami at the end of May.

She set out on the almost 4,000 nautical mile journey, stopping just once en route in the Azores.

With Dublin Bay looking more like the Mediterranean, Kaos arrived into the Irish capital's waters on the hottest day of the year. The KAOS yacht can accommodate 30 guests in 15 cabins, including an owner’s suite, four VIP suites, and ten guest suites Photo: Afloat

The yacht arrived off Dun Laoghaire Harbour on a flat calm morning and is anchored offshore in one of Dublin Port's ship anchorages.  

A tender has been coming and going from Kaos this morning.

Superyacht Kaos moored on Dublin Bay as seen from the south shore of Dublin Bay at the Forty Foot Bathing Place Photo: Afloat

According to Boat International Magazine, the yacht changed hands in 2018, with a last known asking price of €275 million at the time of sale. The subsequent refit saw UK-based firmReymond Langton take over the styling, undertaking a number of modifications to reflect the new owner's tastes.

Prior to the refit, the yacht's interior was styled by Sam Sorgiovanni.

The yacht has remained largely private since the refit. She had an 8.5-metre pool on the aft deck alongside a 14-seater dining table and a main saloon spanning 135 square metres.

Superyacht Cup Palma has taken in more entries since the recent publication of the Notice of Race detailing the 27th edition of Europe's longest-running superyacht regatta, which offers a new 90ft Class this year aimed at smaller performance-orientated cruiser-racers.

Among those set to join the 21-24 June festival of sail on the Bay of Palma are the 33m Ribelle, the Dubois-designed world cruiser Miss Silver, and the Swan 80 Umiko, with Dark Horse, also a Swan 80, expressing interest.

"With these latest additions to the fleet, we are optimistic that we will see at least ten superyachts enjoying fun and competitive racing here in Mallorca this June, and maybe a few more," said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.

"It is also wonderful to once again welcome back our highly valued and long-standing sponsors and supporters, not least our Preferred Hotel Partner, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, host venue for the Owners' Summer Barbecue, a highlight of the SYC social scene."

At least ten superyachts will be in Mallorca this June Photo: Sailing Energy

Destination Partner New Zealand, alongside Silver Partners or Friends of the Superyacht Cup, including Astilleros, Pantaenius, Hill Robinson, RSB Rigging Solutions, North Sails, Baltic Yachts and Hoek Design, is also returning.

"In 2022, we were able to celebrate renewing our long-standing and highly valued relationship as Preferred Hotel Partner with The Superyacht Cup Palma, and we look forward to doing so again in 2023," said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President & Continent Brand Leader for Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. "The traditions, legacy and exclusive service that St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, offers is a perfect match with Superyacht Cup Palma, one of the most exclusive events Mallorca has to offer."

It is a view strongly echoed by Nigel Fyfe, New Zealand's ambassador to Spain, who said: "Superyacht Cup Palma has provided the perfect opportunity to highlight our country's unique attractions, and New Zealand is proud to have been Superyacht Cup Palma's Destination Partner for seven years in a row. It is a relationship we look forward to continuing into the future."

Out on the Bay of Palma, the new 90ft Class offers exciting racing alongside the classic Superyacht Class and long-established Corinthian Spirit Class, which offers fun, competitive racing without the need for race optimisation.

Meanwhile, the elegant and modern Ribelle ­­– last seen at SYC in 2017 when she finished runner-up in Class A – will face a close rival in her 33m McKeon-designed and Vitters-built stablemate Pattoo (ex-Missy), who took Class A last year on countback.

The Nautor Swan brand is further represented by the Swan 100 Onyx (ex-Aquarius Alfa, Flying Dragon II), which will be making her debut appearance at SYC.

And out to renew their long-running rivalry will be the J Class yachts Svea and Velsheda, though sadly, Lionheart has withdrawn from all racing in 2023 and will not now be attending SYC Palma.

This year, many of those taking part will be berthed at the prestigious Real Club Náutico de Palma, SYC's long-standing race management partner located in the vibrant heart of the Mallorcan capital.