By Norma Trease & Photos by Merijn de Waard

As always, the wind conditions can be predictable or unpredictable and in the case of Superyacht Cup Day 2, they were both. Everyone bobbed around the committee boat, saying here we go again, with delay after delay and everyone expecting a simple puff of wind, just enough to fill the myriad of sails. But the race officer, even though he was warned of the typical conditions in the Bay of Palma, kept his fingers crossed and an eye of the breeze, to call an ideal start and a shortened course, starting around two-ish when the first boats crossed in front of Tigerlily of Cornwall.

En-route to the first mark, we all fought to keep focused as the breeze played with our minds, saying 10 knots, maybe 12 knots, I'm not sure how much I'm going to blow today.

Then after rounding, all in staggered sequence with only one or two over taking each other, on to the second mark all the way across the bay.

The island surprised us and delivered a superb gust up to 18 knots, and the fleet started to move, kites went up and smiles were across everyone's faces.

The strengthening breeze kept everyone active and the fleet was really sailing, no one could complain about these perfect conditions.

The late afternoon sun was shimmering across the bay and the fleet romped home after the final zig zagged mark, with an almost perfect fleet finish, all within a few boat lengths of each other, the simplest of days became heaven on earth and water.

The Superyacht Cup delivered in bucket loads and the bar chat tonight will be of good sailing and relaxed racing, after all this is not a dangerous race where people feel scared or sail on the edge of technology, but a regatta where families, friends and crew all play together and enjoy what yachts are all about.

In defence of the Superyacht Cup, I have to also add that if today's racing was anything to go by, this is a perfect way for owners to really appreciate life afloat. I had the good fortune of sailing on board SY Tenaz, a family run yacht with everything you would expect, children playing on deck, mum reading the papers and dad at the helm, and at the end of the day, he thrust his arms in the air with triumphant shout, yes we came 6th, thanks gang he added, and then he, his children and the crew all laid the fenders ready and started to wash down, it truly was all hands on deck, and a true representation of what this event is all about. Good clean racing fun.

Day Three of the Superyacht Cup Palma 2010, and the docks felt a little subdued in the morning, but the best news was the steady breeze blowing.

There was the usual amount of grumbling about the ratings, apparently inevitable with such a wildly diverse fleet, and the competitive nature of these elite owners and sailors - making poor Jim Teeters surely at once the most beloved and most hated man in the large yacht world.

By the end of the day, however, after a good long race, the happy feel of the entire regatta resounded throughout the village with echoing Hurrahs, champagne cork gasps, back slaps and smacking kisses.

The results ended as they started, with Scorpione dei Mari gleefully sweeping in to a cumulative First in Cruising Class and a convincing win overall. Gorgeous Royal Huisman Gliss, always a strong performer, brought in 2nd Place overall, and also a 2nd in the Performance Class.

Jongert Ithaka proved her Dutch creds by coming in 3rd overall and 2nd in Cruising Class. Exemplifying the international nature of such events, the wins were rounded out with Alloy Irelanda sneaking into 3rd Place in Cruising, while P2, Perini Navi's lovely baby, of course ended up on the podium with a 3rd in the Performance division.

Large yacht regattas are invariably sentimental and close-knit affairs, bringing together sailors from all over the world, some always sailing on the same teams, and many acting as hired guns, sharing their expertise on a different yacht each time, but the team spirit is part of the joy on every yacht. It was the end of an era on Destination Fox H'br, as affable owner Ron Joyce, a veteran of many Superyacht Cups, Buckets and other races brought together his loyal crew for one final race, as his comfortable yacht will soon be handed over to a new owner.

His sentimental speech at the day's end brought a tear to the eyes of many onboard, as Ron's generosity, kindness, and incredible hospitality are deservedly legendary.

Also a bittersweet day for his brokers Annie Avery of N&J and Dubois' James Troup, who announced that he is retiring from yachting after this race. They have successfully collaborated on several deals recently - proving that not all yacht brokers are ruthlessly selfish, and James' wide smile will also be sorely missed.

Yet another yachting legend, the newly-named CBE Peter Harrison, owner of Sojana, honored his frequent team member, young Frenchwoman Alexia Barrier, to make Day Three of the Superyacht Cup on Sojana 4 My Planet Day, in recognition of her recent solo circumnavigation to raise environmental awareness - Bravo to both!

There was a whole lot of celebrating going on at the Prize Giving ceremony, held once again at the spectacular Es Baluard Museum, without a doubt one of the loveliest party venues anywhere.

Scorpione dei Mari once again took up residence on the podium when they were awarded the Best Team Costume for their wacky Western-theme gear. Event Director Patrick Wetter did his usual excellent job of starting and finishing the awards ceremony quickly enough to allow the entire happy crowd plenty of time to celebrate together the end of yet another fantastic Superyacht Cup.

The full moon shining on the huge group of race fans wildly dancing and singing to the tunes of the Red Sox perfectly rounded off another weekend to remember in Palma de Mallorca, where hospitality is warm, the sailing is hot, and the fun is unlimited. See you next time in Antigua!

The Superyacht Cup
+34 971 402 553
info@thesuperyachtcup.com  
www.thesuperyachtcup.com