Velsheda Yacht News & Events

France

St. Barths Bucket Regatta

St Barth's Bucket 2023

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Spain

The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024

The Superyacht Cup Palma 2023

Italy

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2024, set to take place in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, is one of the most prestigious events in the sailing calendar. Organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaboration with Rolex, this event attracts the world's most impressive maxi yachts and elite sailors. From cutting-edge designs to classic vessels, the competition showcases a stunning fleet of yachts racing in one of the most beautiful and challenging sailing environments. Known for its blend of high-level competition and exceptional hospitality, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup continues to be a highlight in the world of yachting.

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2023

Bystander and Velsheda yachts 

Velsheda yacht at Palma Superyacht Cup 2022

St. Barths Bucket 2018 Day 3 

Topaz and Velsheda yachts at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

Velsheda yacht at St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2024

Velsheda sailing in the Caribbean

United Kingdom

Velsheda

Pendennis: Masters of versatility, new-build and refit

Refit, rebuild and new-build lie at the heart of Pendennis. We explore the strategy & structure shaping the company’s success.

home-htbi#0

Masters of versatility: At the shipyard with Pendennis 

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/337620/image/large-db5758a6fc79aa4cd613d6e10e264e9f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/337620">Spotted a few weeks ago cruising in Barcelona, Spain, is the 42.18-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1480" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bystander42.18m (138'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2006">Bystander</a>. Originally built in 2006 by the French shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a> under the project name Escort Vessel, she serves as a support vessel for her owner’s J Class racing yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>. Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/200" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rhoades Young Design (Company)">Rhoades Young</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a>, her look is inspired by a 1930s workboat and offers accommodations for 12 guests and nine crew members. Currently undergoing maintenance at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="STP (Company)">STP</a> Palma, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1480" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bystander42.18m (138'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2006">Bystander</a> features twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, allowing her to reach 13 knots and cruise comfortably at 11.5 knots with a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles.

42m motor yacht Bystander in Barcelona

The 42m motor yacht bystander, built by JFA Yachts in 2006, is seen cruising here in Barcelona, Spain. 

The 23.99-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a> has defended her title from last year as the winner of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 - 2024">Superyacht Cup Palma 2024</a>. Competing in Class B, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/152" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Farr Yacht Design (Company)">Farr</a>-designed yacht won both her races, making her the first successful title defence since <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1625" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kokomo58.4m (191'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2010">Kokomo</a>&nbsp;won consecutively in 2002.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316362/image/large-b87a409524f6df431817ac0954f4da5c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316362">Taking place between 19 and 22 June, the fleet of 11 yachts took on a 20-plus nautical mile coastal course around the Bay of Palma, with three classes, J Class, Class A and Class BThe first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pantaenius (Company)">Pantaenius</a> Race Day on Thursday saw <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a> of Class B finish with a final time of 2:26:05, ahead of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> pair <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4056" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Umiko24.38m (79'12&quot;)Nautor Swan2000">Umiko</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dark Horse25.08m (82'3&quot;)Nautor Swan2013">Dark Horse</a> and fourth place finisher and newcomer Calabash.&nbsp;Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60813" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024: Competition heats up during the Pantaenius Race Day (2024-06-21 11:00:00 +0200)">Superyacht Cup Palma 2024: Competition heats up during the Pantaenius Race Day</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316363/image/large-2222e17537ae5d6dbb23356d434eae1f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316363">While Class A saw the newcomer 39-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cervo39.0m (127'11&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2009">Cervo</a> cementing her arrival with a winning time of 2:20:56, after the 59-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maximus59.0m (193'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2023">Maximus</a> received a penalty for an early start.&nbsp;The J Class began racing on Thursday, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> dominating the scoreboard for race one and two. Friday’s race saw the fleet get off to a close start, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> taking the win, followed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainbow40.0m (131'3&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2012">Rainbow</a> and then <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a>.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea leads the J Class to kick off the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 (2024-06-20 10:30:00 +0200)">Svea leads the J Class to kick off the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316364/image/large-aba8b83923b7354fc82dc8d26d8d4e1c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316364">However, Friday’s Jaquet Droz Race Day was cancelled for all classes, due to an absence of wind in the middle of the Bay of Palma. This was the first time in 17 years that a race had been abandoned during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 - 2024">Superyacht Cup Palma</a>, with the last occurence taking place in 2002.&nbsp;According to organisers, this was the result of a northerly mistral gradient wind preventing Palma Bay's normally ultra-reliable sea breeze from establishing itself. Such circumstances usually only occur on one or two days throughout the Mallorcan summer."It's a real shame to have lost a day of racing, but we have perhaps been very fortunate over many, many years," said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 - 2024">SYC</a> Event Director Kate Branagh. "We have had to shorten a couple of courses since we moved to June dates back in 2007, but this is the first time we had a day without racing results.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316365/image/large-5c0a2de39e74e112caac32005b95699e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316365">The final leg known as the St Regis Race concluded on Saturday, with the Class B yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a> securing her second win and therefore completing the regatta with a perfect score. “The whole day was magic and we could not have asked for better conditions,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a>'s captain Ben Potter.&nbsp;“Of course it was great to be able to defend our title — we knew we had a lot to do and the rest of the fleet did not make it easy, but we got away well and it was just a case of making up time around the course.”The Class B results saw <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a> dominating, followed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dark Horse25.08m (82'3&quot;)Nautor Swan2013">Dark Horse</a> who finished second in the St Regis Race and overall. Third place in the St Regis Race was awarded to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13870" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calabash23.99m (78'8&quot;)YYachts 2023">Calabash</a>, however, following her fourth place finish during the Pantaenius Race, she finished fourth overall, behind <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4056" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Umiko24.38m (79'12&quot;)Nautor Swan2000">Umiko</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316366/image/large-435e73f5b021ebad720a8cc05520eca3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316366">Class A saw an exhilarating battle to the end, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maximus59.0m (193'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2023">Maximus</a> claiming the win both in the St Regis Race and in her class by a single second against <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cervo39.0m (127'11&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2009">Cervo</a>. With a first and a second place each on countback, the one second corrected time edge awarded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maximus59.0m (193'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2023">Maximus</a> the overall class win.&nbsp;The final class results saw <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maximus59.0m (193'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2023">Maximus</a> in first, followed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cervo39.0m (127'11&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2009">Cervo</a>, with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek</a> duo of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6729" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vijonara39.4m (129'3&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2018">Vijonara</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atalante38.5m (126'4&quot;)Claasen Shipyards2015">Atalante</a> finishing in third and fourth places respectively.&nbsp;“Everyone is over the moon, it was fantastic,” explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maximus59.0m (193'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2023">Maximus</a>’ captain Lars Loftus. “We had a plan to sail the boat hard and clean, and we stuck to the plan — and it paid off. There wasn't one leg we weren't pushing and I said to the guys 'it isn't over until it's over, keep fighting', and we did.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316369/image/large-2f95a06bee80b4faee5f4d7b3bb7aed8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316369">In regards to the J Class, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> once again finished in first place taking the overall class win, followed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainbow40.0m (131'3&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2012">Rainbow</a> who finished second and third in both the St Regis Race and in the overall class results.&nbsp;“We managed to get to a place where we could gybe ahead of the opposition, and we were well set from there,” added <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a>'s tactician Bouwe Bekking. “The crew work was good and the owners did a really special job driving, really smooth.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316367/image/large-4fb62ff52acef0a370d5aa4fe9d460f5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316367">Tied on points with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> but finishing third on countback, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainbow40.0m (131'3&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2012">Rainbow</a> was awarded Spirit of the Event at the prestigious prize-giving held on the terrace of the Real Club Náutico de Palma.&nbsp;Kate Branagh celebrated the success of all the owners, captains and crews who took part, as well as thanking the support of the event's many partners including St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca, who hosted the Owners' Midsummer BBQ last night, Jaquet Droz and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316368/image/large-42d2a3d5986e298fc3c5b00bb3cba244.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316368">Next year’s Superyacht Cup Palma is scheduled to take place between 25 and 28 June 2025.

24m Wally yacht Rose wins the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024

The 23.99-metre Wally sailing yacht Rose has defended her title as the winner of the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 for a second year in a row. 

Superyacht Cup Palma: Rose wins first title defence in 22 years 

The first full fleet of racing at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 - 2024">The Superyacht Cup Palma</a> drew to a close yesterday, with entrants competing in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pantaenius (Company)">Pantaenius</a> Race Day. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316228/image/large-77fe306616ca005d8475ec2939f5e344.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316228">The fleet took on a 20-plus nautical mile coastal course around the Bay of Palma, with solid sea breezes reaching highs of 15 knots. SuperYacht Times were in attendance for the event to watch all the live action, onboard the 55.80-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1127" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Borkumriff IV50.58m (165'11&quot;)Royal Huisman2002">Borkumriff IV</a>.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55568" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="51m Royal Huisman sailing yacht Borkumriff IV for sale (2022-07-15 09:45:00 +0200)">51m Royal Huisman sailing yacht Borkumriff IV for sale</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316226/image/large-f6749be87999402f6135571084cc73f5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316226">Class A saw four yachts competing, with the 39-metre newcomer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cervo39.0m (127'11&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2009">Cervo</a> cementing her arrival with a winning time of 2:20:56. This win was boosted by the mistake of the 59-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maximus59.0m (193'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2023">Maximus</a>, who received a penalty at the starting line for an early start, leaving her in second place, ahead of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek</a> duo of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6729" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vijonara39.4m (129'3&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2018">Vijonara</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atalante38.5m (126'4&quot;)Claasen Shipyards2015">Atalante</a>.“It was a pretty nice day on the Bay with 12 to 15 knots, so we had a good race," explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cervo39.0m (127'11&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2009">Cervo</a>'s tactician Jens Christensen. "The owner is of course very happy with the win, though we know we got a little bit of help from our friends on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maximus59.0m (193'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2023">Maximus</a>. The objective of course is to beat them overall, which is going to be difficult, but the crew are doing an amazing job and we are all having a great time."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316229/image/large-10b4e9e458395590bbf3c44934ce14c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316229">The 59-metre giant <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maximus59.0m (193'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2023">Maximus</a> certainly turned heads at the race as both the largest and one of the newest yachts on the circuit, built in 2023. Also joining the fleet as a newcomer and 2023 new-build was the 23.99-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2857" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Surge Projects (Company)">Surge Projects</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13870" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calabash23.99m (78'8&quot;)YYachts 2023">Calabash</a>, who was competing in Class B.The defending <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 - 2024">The Superyacht Cup Palma</a> title holder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a> continued her winning streak with a final time of 2:26:05, ahead of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> pair <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4056" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Umiko24.38m (79'12&quot;)Nautor Swan2000">Umiko</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dark Horse25.08m (82'3&quot;)Nautor Swan2013">Dark Horse</a>. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> duo finished just 51 second apart, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13870" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calabash23.99m (78'8&quot;)YYachts 2023">Calabash</a> completing the circuit in fourth place.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60541" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachts attending the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 (2024-06-18 17:00:00 +0200)">Yachts attending the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316230/image/large-523287bddfeb763313327433c36d35a9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316230">Obviously it is great to start our defence of the title with a win," added <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a>'s captain Ben Potter. “But the competition is strong and it was close sailing all the way round. The team is the same as last year, so we are in the mode, and the mood, to keep the title. We will see what the coming days bring!”The previous day’s J Class category saw <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> dominating the scoreboard, winning both race one and two. However, yesterday’s race saw the fleet get off to a close start, with the previous day’s third place competitor <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> taking the win 2:21 ahead of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainbow40.0m (131'3&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2012">Rainbow</a>, who secured her third second place win and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> who finished just 26 seconds behind.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea leads the J Class to kick off the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 (2024-06-20 10:30:00 +0200)">Svea leads the J Class to kick off the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316227/image/large-70a996c184d41484b13468a46ab056c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316227">These combined results now have them placed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainbow40.0m (131'3&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2012">Rainbow</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> on five, six and seven points respectively heading into Friday's double windward-leeward races.Racing congratulations and commiserations were offered between owners, captains and crews at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/758" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="North Sails (Company)">North Sails</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2447" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Spars (Company)">Southern Spars</a> Happy Hour held on the Real Club Náutico de Palma dock, where the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pantaenius (Company)">Pantaenius</a> Race Day prizes were awarded.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316231/image/large-04b23113e8d87e8104744133276b50aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316231">Racing continues again today with the timepiece sponsors Jaquet Droz Race Day, marking the mid-way point of the 2024 edition of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 - 2024">Superyacht Cup Palma</a>.&nbsp;

Cervo, Rose and Velsheda win class categories at The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024

The first full fleet of racing at the Superyacht Cup Palma drew to a close yesterday, with entrants competing in the Pantaenius Race Day. 

The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024: Competition heats up during the Pantaenius Race Day

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 - 2024">2024 Superyacht Cup Palma</a> got underway yesterday with three of the famous J Class sailing yachts kicking off the event with two windward-leeward races. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> 43.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a>, was joined by a regatta staple, the 39.4-metre true classic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> and the 40-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/32" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Jachtbouw (Company)">Holland Jachtbouw</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainbow40.0m (131'3&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2012">Rainbow</a>.&nbsp;<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EXL5xL4dIcs?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>The full regatta with the entire fleet kicks off today, but the three J's put on a true show yesterday and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> dominated the first race following a short delay as the breeze settled in. Though last to cross the start line, behind her regular sparring partner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> and the newly refitted <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainbow40.0m (131'3&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2012">Rainbow</a>, which was making her first racing outing in several years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> made a breakout alone to the right of the racecourse, a decisive move which put her on track to take the win by a six-minute margin over <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainbow40.0m (131'3&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2012">Rainbow</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316086/image/large-0968d56cede3cb1346a5d0d4c71746ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316086">The second race delivered another excellent performance from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> yacht, securing a second victory for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a>'s crew, though she finished only one minute ahead of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainbow40.0m (131'3&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2012">Rainbow</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> meanwhile, who took J Class honours last year and an overall SYC win in 2018, will no doubt be determined to thwart that ambition starting this morning.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316087/image/large-2c3f3111be89b209f6e381313f47f07c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316087">"It was light out there today but there were two proper races and the race committee did a great job in getting us away," said Grant Simmer, strategist onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>. "The shifts were more important than sheer boat speed, and as strategist I missed a couple of big ones – so tomorrow we are expecting a bit more breeze for the coastal race, then a day of windward-leeward and another coastal race, so there is all to play for," he added.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316088/image/large-2fe08701311990601edbbe3a2ea022e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316088">The crew aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainbow40.0m (131'3&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2012">Rainbow</a>, which was last seen at the Superyacht Cup Palma in 2014, will no doubt be very happy with their two second places, particularly following the recent refit at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="STP (Company)">STP</a> in Palma.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/316089/image/large-fd2e8a744d435502199240377887c4a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/316089">Today the regatta in full will kick off with the Pantaenius Race Day as the first of three full-on race days. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60541" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachts attending the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024 (2024-06-18 17:00:00 +0200)">You can find the details of the full fleet here</a>.

J Class yacht Palma Superyacht Cup

Three J Class, Velsheda, Rainbow and Svea kick off the Palma Superyacht Cup. 

Svea leads the J Class to kick off the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024

With the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma">SuperYacht Cup Palma 2024</a> kicking off from 19-22 June, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a> helps you get up to speed by taking a closer look at the yachts in the running at this year’s highly anticipated regatta, which will be set in Palma de Mallorca.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/238167/image/large-81b37164ff6da07f8f6428f4789499e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/238167"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1127" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Borkumriff IV50.58m (165'11&quot;)Royal Huisman2002">Borkumriff IV</a> |&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>&nbsp;| 50.58-metres | 2002Delivered in 2002, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1127" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Borkumriff IV50.58m (165'11&quot;)Royal Huisman2002">Borkumriff IV</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/341" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John G. Alden (Company)">John G. Alden</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a>. She was commissioned by an experienced owner, with interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/31" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Munford Design (Company)">John Munford Design</a>, inspired by the spirited age of sail. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1127" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Borkumriff IV50.58m (165'11&quot;)Royal Huisman2002">Borkumriff IV</a> s equipped with a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> diesel engine that propels her to a top speed of 14.6 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/78570/image/large-d894b9c33df35f4d8295add4d5f06499.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/78570"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> | 43.6-metres | 2017&nbsp;This J Class yacht was delivered in 2017, and features an exterior design and naval architecture both penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design Naval Architects</a>, as well as interiors courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/45" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pieter Beeldsnijder Design (Company)">Pieter Beeldsnijder Design</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="deVosdeVries design (Company)">deVosdeVries</a> design. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> is composed of an aluminium hull and superstructure. Regarding her performance, she is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1470" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scania (Company)">Scania</a> engine.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291345/image/large-d14fcd4b61015538308cadcadb843abf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291345"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maximus59.0m (193'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2023">Maximus</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> | 59-metres | 2023Delivered by the Netherlands-based builder in 2023, this performance cruiser features an exterior design and naval architecture both imagined by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Frers (Company)">German Frers</a>, and will be taking part in this sailing regatta. With a volume of 395 GT, a draft of 8.26-metres, and a beam of 10.17-metres, the sailing yacht is the second largest yacht delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> to date.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/121228/image/large-0f3e25bce54a807bc335cdb8fd31b463.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/121228"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainbow40.0m (131'3&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2012">Rainbow</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/32" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Jachtbouw (Company)">Holland Jachtbouw</a>&nbsp;| 40-metres | 2012Delivered in 2012 by the Netherlands-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/32" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Jachtbouw (Company)">Holland Jachtbouw</a>, the J Class yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainbow40.0m (131'3&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2012">Rainbow</a> is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1470" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scania (Company)">Scania</a> engine, and can reach a top speed of 11 knots alongside a cruising speed of 9 knots. Moreover, she is composed of an aluminium hull and a wood superstructure. The superyacht is making an appearance in this year’s regatta with her new years after taking a several-year hiatus.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/27163/image/large-aaf198a4a30ca849a4eaeb836d9d5a68.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27163"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard</a>&nbsp;| 39.4-metres | 1933&nbsp;As a J Class yacht delivered in 1933, this historical vessel returns to the regatta following her narrow class victory of last year. Furthermore, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> exhibits an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Charles E. Nicholson (Company)">Charles E. Nicholson</a>, along with interiors from the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/31" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Munford Design (Company)">John Munford Design</a>. Her naval architecture is the product of a collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Charles E. Nicholson (Company)">Charles E. Nicholson</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/68864/image/large-d01918c154c9386a1eba29b93edea26b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/68864"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6729" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vijonara39.4m (129'3&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2018">Vijonara</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>&nbsp;| 39.4-metres | 2018 &nbsp;Making her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma">Superyacht Cup</a> debut is the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6729" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vijonara39.4m (129'3&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd2018">Vijonara</a>, which was delivered by her UK-based shipyard in 2018 as part of the Hoek Truly Classic 128 yacht series. As many as six guests can be accommodated onboard the vessel, thanks to her sumptuous three stateroom layout, while additional accommodation is also available for up to three crew members.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/54605/image/large-5a3891bfdf50cde74bfc1f512a92cf91.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/54605"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cervo39.0m (127'11&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2009">Cervo</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a>&nbsp;| 39-metres | 2009&nbsp;Previously named G2, the 39-metre sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cervo39.0m (127'11&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2009">Cervo</a> is capable of hosting as many as eight guests across her four stateroom layout. The sailing yacht, which has a GRP hull and superstructure, is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engine. Additionally, her interiors were conceived by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/41" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donald Starkey Designs (Company)">Donald Starkey Designs</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Yachts</a>, while her exterior is designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/167" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tripp Design Naval Architects (Company)">Tripp Design Naval Architects</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/184893/image/large-c8029c11b8715a15903c42248e9bf596.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/184893"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atalante38.5m (126'4&quot;)Claasen Shipyards2015">Atalante</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1221" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Claasen Shipyards (Company)">Claasen</a>&nbsp;| 38.5-metres | 2015&nbsp;As the second largest yacht built by the Netherlands-based shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1221" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Claasen Shipyards (Company)">Claasen</a>, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek</a> designed yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atalante38.5m (126'4&quot;)Claasen Shipyards2015">Atalante</a> will return to this year’s sailing regatta. Delivered in 2015 as part of the Hoek Truly Classic 128 series, the vessel is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1633" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lugger (Company)">Lugger</a> engine, and has a volume of 126 GT as well as a beam of 7.72-metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/259480/image/large-4524186a4559b9e550f5468009817973.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/259480"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dark Horse25.08m (82'3&quot;)Nautor Swan2013">Dark Horse</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a>&nbsp;| 25.08-metres | 2013Formerly known as Cheesie, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dark Horse25.08m (82'3&quot;)Nautor Swan2013">Dark Horse</a> features an exterior design and naval architecture both imagined by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Frers (Company)">German Frers</a>, while her interiors stem from the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Yachts</a>. As part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Swan</a> 80 series, she can accommodate as many as six guests across her comfortable three stateroom configuration.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/41221/image/large-badbff9867d6878c7642a5b8c74c2b0c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41221"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4056" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Umiko24.38m (79'12&quot;)Nautor Swan2000">Umiko</a>&nbsp;| <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> | 24.38-metres | 2000&nbsp;Formerly named Astro de l'Est, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> sailing yacht is composed of a GRP hull and superstructure, while her three lavish staterooms are capable of accommodating as many as six guests onboard. Powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Company)">Yanmar</a> engine, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4056" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Umiko24.38m (79'12&quot;)Nautor Swan2000">Umiko</a> can reach a top speed of 20 knots along with a cruising speed of 10 knots. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229176/image/large-5256015d9a455a7d1ae50e2ec820f0b0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229176"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a>&nbsp;| 23.99-metres | 2006&nbsp;A defending champion of last year’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma">Superyacht Cup</a>, the sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a>, previously named Tango G, was delivered by her Italy-based shipyard in 2006. With a volume of 43 GT, a beam of 5.96-metres, and a draft of 4.3-metres, the vessel is able to sleep up to six guests across her three stateroom layout. Performance-wise, she is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Company)">Yanmar</a> engine with a top speed of 11 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312397/image/large-0104430d7c640a783f218231194c03fb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312397"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13870" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calabash23.99m (78'8&quot;)YYachts 2023">Calabash</a> |&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5563" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YYachts (Company)">YYachts</a>&nbsp;| 23.99-metres | 2023Delivered by her Germany-based shipyard in 2023, the sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13870" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calabash23.99m (78'8&quot;)YYachts 2023">Calabash</a> will be competing against the likes of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dark Horse25.08m (82'3&quot;)Nautor Swan2013">Dark Horse</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4056" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Umiko24.38m (79'12&quot;)Nautor Swan2000">Umiko</a> in the 24-metre range during this year's regatta. At a volume of 60 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13870" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calabash23.99m (78'8&quot;)YYachts 2023">Calabash</a> is capable of hosting as many as 10 guests across her five staterooms. In terms of her propulsion, she is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nanni industries (Company)">Nanni industries</a> engines.&nbsp;

Yachts attending Superyacht Cup Palma 2024

We take a look at the yachts set to make an appearance at this year’s long awaited Superyacht Cup Palma 2024. 


Yachts attending the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024

Now that the celebrated <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/199" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2024">St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2024</a> has come to a close, and the 35.51-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gelliceaux35.51m (116'6&quot;)Southern Wind2023">Gelliceaux</a> has been determined the overall winner, we take a look back at some of the winning vessels that stole the show during the adrenaline-pinching races, which took place from 21-24 March in St. Barths, France. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/306651/image/large-dbcfab58057d79a0d71a3d5f41a44c63.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/306651">In this year’s edition, 35 entries were competing against each other between the following racing classes: Les Gazelles, Les Elegantes, Les Petites Dames, L’Esprit 1, Les Mademoiselles, L’Esprit 2, and Performance Ouveurts.Coming in at first place in the class Les Gazelles was the 66.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a>, which was delivered by her Finland-based shipyard in 2011, and possesses four <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volkswagen Marine (Company)">Volkswagen Marine</a> engines that proved to be unbeatable in the face of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairo</a>’s competitors. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220440/image/large-0ba37b7249d9bcf1aad6899073675e2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220440">“She is a big, powerful boat, with a long waterline,” said Captain Graham Newton of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a>. “I’ve sailed a lot of miles on her now — probably about 120,000 — and she’s a fantastic boat to sail. She effortlessly eats up the miles, especially out on the ocean.”Meanwhile, the 39.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> snatched the title of first place in the class Les Elegantes after she managed to beat all other vessels in the first, second, and third race in this category. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274002/image/large-f8e17c9f154e36c31e0399c92869bd6f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274002">As for the class Les Petites Dames, the 27.71-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8346" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freya27.71m (90'11&quot;)Nautor Swan2012">Freya</a> was a nimble force to be reckoned with, as she was able to continuously conquer the other entries, coming in first place three times in a row. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/306650/image/large-5ac4b3cdc1eb5f14fe462a91d41775f3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/306650">Where the class L’Esprit 1 is concerned, other contenders were no match for the 35.51-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gelliceaux35.51m (116'6&quot;)Southern Wind2023">Gelliceaux</a>, which was delivered by her South-Africa based shipyard in 2023, and features both a carbon fibre hull and carbon fibre superstructure. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/306652/image/large-fa5c1cb2e6e46d0844b7b417c00b0fad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/306652">Snagging first place in the Les Mademoiselles was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a>, a 33.24-metre sailing yacht delivered by the Denmark-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Denship A/S (Company)">Royal Denship</a> in 2005 after she dominated in all three of the races over the course of the event.&nbsp;Another one to watch was the 56.01-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Melek56.01m (183'9&quot;)Perini Navi2010">Melek</a>, which was swift enough to land in first place in the class L’Esprit 2. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/306542/image/large-1a23d779b5f8bfacce36061f5bd07574.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/306542">Finally, the 66.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hetairos66.7m (218'10&quot;)Baltic Yachts2011">Hetairos</a> made a name for herself yet again when she managed to place first in another class, Performance Ouveurts, thereby securing a reputation for herself as “a wolf in wolf’s clothing,” to quote her captain. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/305429/image/large-200dc40c2cc01ad00f53488f40f6024c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/305429">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St Barths Bucket: Two-time winner Captain Graham Newton on the glory and the legacy of the regatta (2023-03-21 13:45:00 +0100)">St Barths Bucket: Two-time winner Captain Graham Newton on the glory and the legacy of the regatta</a>However, in the end, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gelliceaux35.51m (116'6&quot;)Southern Wind2023">Gelliceaux</a> was crowned the overall winner of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/199" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St. Barths Bucket Regatta - 2024">St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2024</a> after the three action-packed days of racing.The sailing yacht's owners expressed their delight for the victory, stating "We never even dreamt of winning the Bucket as we are awed by the legendary programs who had won previously. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gelliceaux35.51m (116'6&quot;)Southern Wind2023">Gelliceaux</a> performed well above expectations and we are extremely proud of the entire team." <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/306653/image/large-c4cf53682f13a7bf01068e091dd3894b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/306653">

St Barths Bucket 2024 roundup

Now that the celebrated St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2024 has come to a close, we take a look back at the winning vessels in each class. 

St Barths Bucket 2024: The winners of each class 

Yachts attending St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2024

We take a look at the yachts that will be in attendance during this year’s highly anticipated St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2024. 


Yachts attending the St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2024

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a>, the renowned French shipyard, proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, showcasing its remarkable achievements in the world of custom yacht construction. Since its inception in 1993, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a> has delivered numerous exceptional projects, both in the sailing and motor yacht sectors. Today, the shipyard has established itself as a global specialist not only in building unique custom yachts but also in providing top-notch maintenance and refit services for large yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275503/image/large-322a61f54a3f50b238202fb0e46f653a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275503">In an era when <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a> is ambitiously working on its largest in-house construction to date and venturing into new markets, the shipyard's founders, Frederic Jaouen and Frederic Breuilly, alongside long standing partners Brigitte Jaouen-Guennec and Michel Siou, are embarking on a change of ownership process. This strategic move, once completed, will pave the way for three dedicated collaborators to assume leadership roles, ensuring the shipyard's continuity and future development in the illustrious Port of Concarneau, to which it is firmly anchored.A remarkable journey of people and technologyFrederic Jaouen fondly recalls his birth in Concarneau, right in front of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a>' current premises, which led him to establish the shipyard alongside his friend Frederic Breuilly. Over the years, the shipyard's significant growth in terms of infrastructure, expertise, and industrial partnerships has been greatly influenced by the rich human and industrial network in the region. This network has also fostered deep-rooted connections among <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a>' employees, whether local or from afar, who play a pivotal role in an industry where craftsmanship and technical excellence reign supreme. Within the shipyard facilities, around fifty skilled professionals, including metal workers, welders, mechanics, cabinet makers, composite specialists, engineers, technicians, and administrative and sales executives, work collaboratively in their respective teams.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275502/image/large-6d425a8e47bb8e838d91cbd6d82d9df4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275502">The Port of Concarneau has also witnessed remarkable transformations over time. Since 1998, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a> has invested in its own facilities, steadily expanding its presence. Today, the shipyard boasts an impressive array of halls along Quai des Seychelles, complemented by a recently purchased hall dedicated to composite construction.Embracing uniqueness through custom craftsmanshipDevoted to crafting one-of-a-kind yachts that stand apart from serial production models, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a> shines through its diverse portfolio of accomplishments throughout the years. Listing all their emblematic projects is a challenging task. Currently, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a> is crafting a 50-metre motor yacht in its largest hall, marking a significant milestone in the shipyard's history. Some notable yachts built by the shipyard include:Kermor (1993): <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a>' maiden delivery, a 23-metre sloop sailboat later renamed Runaway Bunny.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275508/image/large-cb88dbdf790d99699e18ee8c224c00c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275508"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeepaard37.18m (121'12&quot;)JFA Yachts2003">Axantha</a> (2003): <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA</a>'s inaugural motor yacht, measuring 37.18-metre in length, now called <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1424" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zeepaard37.18m (121'12&quot;)JFA Yachts2003">Zeepaard</a>. The owner was so delighted that they commissioned a second vessel with similar features, albeit significantly larger in size. The result was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2617" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle43.0m (141'1&quot;)JFA Yachts2011">Axantha II</a>, now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2617" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle43.0m (141'1&quot;)JFA Yachts2011">Sea Eagle</a>, a 43m masterpiece delivered in 2011.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275507/image/large-1ffe4a5edf9fff80e693f282b4dff152.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275507"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6746" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hortense 27.5m (90'3&quot;)JFA Yachts2009">Hortense</a> (2009): JFA's 27.5-metre motor sailor that has traversed oceans, including the Antarctic.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1480" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bystander42.18m (138'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2006">Bystander</a> (2007): A neoclassical motor yacht and escort vessel of Class J <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, renowned worldwide and honored with the most beautiful yacht award by the International Superyacht Society in the United States.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257474/image/large-2afe947d003c96927debd18affb26b64.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257474"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2553" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mousetrap33.5m (109'11&quot;)JFA Yachts2012">Mousetrap</a> (2012): At the time, the largest sailing catamaran ever built in carbon fibre, measuring 33.50-metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/257819/image/large-b6f8c936404dc4f991de67ddd784a2cd.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/257819"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5643" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WindQuest26.25m (86'1&quot;)JFA Yachts2014">WindQuest</a> (2014): A 26.25-metre catamaran, the inaugural vessel from the "semi-custom" Long Island series. This series has seen three units delivered in 2014, 2018, and 2021, respectively.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275510/image/large-9c97ba7ba42fc614cffb31ddbb104610.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275510">Unwavering commitment to maintenance and refitSince its inception in the 1990s, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a> has consistently undertaken maintenance and refit projects for both modern and classic large sailing and motor yachts. Examples include the complete rebuild and enlargement of the schooner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1030" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Six Plus Two38.0m (124'8&quot;)Cammenga1972">Magistral&nbsp;</a>in 1999, the 42.9-metre modern sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1892" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Guillemot42.9m (140'9&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2004">Guillemot</a>, and the legendary sailing yachts <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5208" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mariquita38.1m (125'0&quot;)William Fife & Sons1911">Mariquita</a> (1911) and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonbeam IV32.1m (105'4&quot;)William Fife & Sons1920">Moonbeam IV</a> (1914), two classic yachts designed by renowned English architect <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1109" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Fife & Sons (Company)">William Fife</a>.To date, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a> has delivered 31 distinctive new builds and undertaken over 45 refit and maintenance projects. One of the shipyard's strengths lies in its ability to establish a solid reputation in both the sailing and motor yacht markets, spanning monohulls and multihulls, and employing various construction materials. The common thread among these custom vessels is their penchant for intensive sailing, often venturing into remote destinations.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229181/image/large-5f9f24cce57f180d502225854ecfb70f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229181">A new era of leadershipThe shipyard's founders, Frederic Jaouen (President), Frederic Breuilly (Production Director), and Brigitte Jaouen (Director of Administration and Finance), were soon joined by Michel Siou (Project Manager). While Frederic Breuilly has since retired, the remaining three partners are committed to ensuring the shipyard's continuity. In pursuit of this goal, they have initiated a takeover process that positions long standing collaborators with similar backgrounds and extensive knowledge of the shipyard's operations for future leadership roles.The three associates set to embark on this human and entrepreneurial adventure are: Gael Douguet: Sales Manager, who first encountered the shipyard in 1999 and joined the team in 2004. Vincent Balouin: Technical and Project Management Director, who became part of the shipyard in 2005, and Dominique Rouchon: Project Manager for Interior Works, who joined the shipyard in 2008.With a collective experience of over 50 years, these new shareholders will work in tandem, guided by the unwavering commitment of Frederic Jaouen as President. Over the medium term, they will become controlling shareholders with the guidance of BFR Investissements, represented by Eric Brulé.&nbsp;Eric Brulé emphasizes that this change of ownership presents an opportunity for the shipyard to leverage the expertise and motivation of its buyer partners. Additionally, it is commendable that Frederic Jaouen has decided to perpetuate the company and ensure its continued success in Concarneau.Building on success and expanding horizons- Looking ahead, the three controlling shareholders, each in their respective domains, will remain focused on achieving common objectives:- Sustaining the shipyard's historical market niche by constructing custom super yachts, such as the ongoing 50-meter project.-&nbsp;Strengthening the Long Island catamaran series.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/187892/image/large-848b41bdece5f16ccc308a559b3c094b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/187892">Regularly undertaking refit projectsEnhancing the shipyard's competencies in composite construction, enabling expansion into new emerging markets within the composite construction industry. It is worth noting that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a> has already delivered two yacht tenders and commenced construction of an 18-metre pilot boat for the French Lighthouses and Beacons Service earlier this year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275515/image/large-1c78404b323309a8c5f38ff83981e621.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275515">The versatility of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA Yachts</a>, combined with the unwavering passion and expertise of its dedicated collaborators, undoubtedly positions the shipyard as a key player in the European and French yacht-building markets, ensuring its enduring success for years to come.

JFA Yachts celebrates 30th anniversary

French shipyard JFA Yachts is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and ensuring its future.

JFA Yachts marks 30 years of success and ensures a promising future

The 27th edition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">The Superyacht Cup Palma</a> has drawn to a close with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> reigning champion in Class A and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a> finishing with a clean sweep in Class B. Taking place from 21 to 24 June at the Bay of Palma in the south of Palma, Majorca, Spain, the event featured a variety of yachts, including a number of first-time competitors. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275424/image/large-41a2e900726324e691065d5d36c5573f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275424">After three days of racing the 24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/152" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Farr Yacht Design (Company)">Farr</a>-designed yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a> became the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> yacht to win Europe’s longest running superyacht regatta. “This year was amazing for us — at times it was difficult but by the end we had super conditions,” explained Jesper Radich, tactician of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a>.“It was windy, it was sunny, it was shifty, so not a straightforward course and you really had to make decisions on every leg. I've done a lot of match racing and that was what it was like out there, a lot of fun!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275426/image/large-21dd5019ab1b9d08f3e798664b6594dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275426"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a> started day three in pole position with two wins already under her belt and once again managed to secure first place. Her final day of racing saw a close finish, with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Swan</a> 100 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4743" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Onyx 230.11m (98'9&quot;)Nautor Swan2005">Onyx</a> finishing in second place with only five seconds between them on corrected time.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miss Silver36.19m (118'9&quot;)Alloy Yachts1995">Miss Silver</a>, the 36.19-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy</a> superyacht which competed in Class B, performed well over the course of the week. The yacht enjoyed a solid few days, sparring alongside the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/476" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fitzroy Yachts (Company)">Fitzroy</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady M 38.9m (127'7&quot;)Fitzroy Yachts2006">Lady M</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275422/image/large-a80c398c407844d5ce1b9af2de0c5687.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275422">Similarly Class A was an exhilarating race, with seasoned regatta competitor Velsheda claiming two overall wins and reigning supreme in her Class. “We have just come out of a major refit, so it was great to be here, one hundred percent,” said skipper Barney Henshaw-Depledge.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> finished a point ahead of her J-Class rival <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a>, who posted a 2-2-2 scoreline. Despite finishing first on day two, the 33-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ribelle32.64m (107'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Ribelle</a> ended the three days of racing in third place, followed by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pattoo33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Pattoo</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275425/image/large-88e210a450b1026f8582a311b6bdd30f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275425">“We had a good first day and then the second was more painful as we were OCS, but today I guess we got lucky. We have had ups and downs in Palma but it's great and the conditions are so good. The regatta as always has been great!” commented Barney Henshaw-Depledge.The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1330" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma (Company)">Superyacht Cup Palma</a> will return for 2024 between 19 and 22 June with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1330" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma (Company)">SYC</a> Event Director Kate Branagh adding “We have had a fabulous few days with fantastic racing and great weather, and everyone has enjoyed it. It's been terrific to welcome boats back to Palma again and we are looking forward to seeing them next year."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275423/image/large-7fee3874810292fc7a968c6ceff60922.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275423">

Velsheda and Rose win The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024

The Superyacht Cup Palma has drawn to a close with Velsheda reigning champion in Class A and Rose in Class B.

Velsheda and Rose crowned champions of The Superyacht Cup Palma 2024

Yachts attending The Superyacht Cup Palma 2023

Europe's longest-running superyacht regatta, The Superyacht Cup Palma 2023, will be returning for its 27th edition. 

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Palma Superyacht Cup</a> returns to the Bay of Palma next week with racing set for 22nd-24th June. Europe's longest-running superyacht regatta, the event is celebrating its 27th edition and will feature a stunning variety of superyachts, with a number of first time appearances alongside some of the regatta's most familiar faces. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274002/image/large-f8e17c9f154e36c31e0399c92869bd6f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274002"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma 2023</a> will get formally underway on June 21 with Superyacht Registration at the<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7199" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Real Club Nautico de Palma (Company)">&nbsp;Real Club Náutico de Palma,</a> followed by the Captain’s Briefing in RCNP's Sala Magna — Great Hall — and the Welcome Cocktail party courtesy of SYC's Destination Partner New Zealand on the RCNP terrace.Among the entries is the SYC regular, the 39.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard</a> in 1933, competing against her modern counterpart, the J-Class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> in 2017. The two J's will be a welcome addition to the fleet at this year's event. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274001/image/large-5a684a293895093c186a9bcca0f20b01.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274001">The 2005-launched Swan 100 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4743" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Onyx 230.11m (98'9&quot;)Nautor Swan2005">Onyx 2</a> will be making her first ever appearance at SYC, as will the 36.19-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubois Yachts (Company)">Dubois</a>-designed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy</a> world cruiser <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miss Silver36.19m (118'9&quot;)Alloy Yachts1995">Miss Silver</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254873/image/large-9ad9ec2afc520831f56f725b042c3819.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254873">Meanwhile 2023 will see the return to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a> of two 33-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4373" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design (Company)">Malcolm McKeon</a>/<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> yachts — the modern <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ribelle32.64m (107'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Ribelle</a>,&nbsp;last seen at SYC in 2017, alongside her stablemate from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> yard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pattoo33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Pattoo</a>, who will be looking to repeat her class win of last year and who has just completed a week at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/176" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta - 2023">Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta</a> in Sardinia.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233086/image/large-a6bfdffccede0c340c5d819c3164eeae.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233086">A second <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> entry in the elegant shape of the Swan 80 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4056" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Umiko24.38m (79'12&quot;)Nautor Swan2000">Umiko</a> is returning after her debut in 2021, and the 24m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/152" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Farr Yacht Design (Company)">Farr</a>-designed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7819" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rose23.99m (78'8&quot;)Wally2006">Rose</a> is back for a second successive year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229176/image/large-5256015d9a455a7d1ae50e2ec820f0b0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229176">"It's great to be back to our roots this year with all the superyachts moored together again and social events right at the stern of the boats at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7199" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Real Club Nautico de Palma (Company)">Real Club Náutico de Palma</a>, our long-standing race management partner. This year promises excellent racing with a diverse and competitive fleet and plenty of fun ashore. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone!” said SYC Event Director Kate Branagh.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273999/image/large-038bf9b0dcb8b8181919a331f33328bb.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273999">"It is always great to be taking part in Superyacht Cup Palma," said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>'s captain Barney Henshaw-Depledge. "<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> will no doubt be giving us a run for our money, as will be others in the fleet, but as always we welcome the challenge and are looking forward to some competitive times out on the water and catching-up back on the shore."Pantaenius Race Day gets racing underway on Thursday 22 June for the SYC fleet, followed by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/758" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="North Sails (Company)">North Sails</a> &amp; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2447" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Spars (Company)">Southern Spars</a> Happy Hour gathering on the RCNP Dock.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274000/image/large-dbd28b61db6ec66f831d512c4ba62bd9.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274000">The New Zealand Race Day on Friday 23 June, with a repeat <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/758" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="North Sails (Company)">North Sails</a> Happy Hour and the daily prize-giving again on the RCNP Dock, is followed by the exclusive invitation-only Owners' Summer Barbecue at St. Regis Mardavall.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma 2023</a> concludes on Saturday 24 June with the St. Regis Race Day and celebratory Prize-Giving on the RCNP Terrace.Alongside Official Timepiece Jaquet Droz, other SYC Partners and Friends also include Silver Partners <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/211" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astilleros de Mallorca S.A. (Company)">Astilleros de Mallorca</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hill Robinson (Company)">Hill Robinson</a>, Marinepool, RSB Rigging, and Friends <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/393" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Port Vell (Company)">Marina Port Vell Barcelona</a>.

Palma Superyacht Cup 2023 returns

The Palma Superyacht Cup returns next week, 21-24th June. 

Palma Superyacht Cup returns next week for its 27th edition

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a> — Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta — has seen an influx of entries for its 27th edition, which will take place in Palma, Mallorca, from 21 until 24 June 2023.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263724/image/large-c9f12b5e03a49f26656cbf76ea86f958.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263724">The 27th edition of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a> will welcome a new 90-foot Class aimed at smaller, performance-orientated cruiser racers for the first time. The racing will take place alongside the classic Superyacht Class and long-established Corinthian Spirit Class, offering fun and competitive racing without the need for race optimisation.In the J Class, the 43.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a>-built sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> will be out to renew her long-running rivalry with the 39.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, a veteran sailing yacht built in 1933 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a> in the UK.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263723/image/large-99c1e63c996b20dfe45c8535c5475b2d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263723">Among the boats set to compete in this year's regatta is the 36.19-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miss Silver36.19m (118'9&quot;)Alloy Yachts1995">Miss Silver</a> (ex Sovereign). Winner of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="New Zealand Millennium Cup 2021">New Zealand Millenium Cup 2021</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Miss Silver36.19m (118'9&quot;)Alloy Yachts1995">Miss Silver</a> features naval architecture and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/35" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubois Naval Architects Ltd. (Company)">Dubois Naval Architects</a> Ltd and an interior penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/232835/image/large-ccef6a806ec5efdd6c8305db611f92cd.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/232835">Returning to Superyacht Cup Palma after finishing runner-up in Class A in 2017 is the 32.64-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a>-built sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ribelle32.64m (107'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Ribelle</a>. The modern and elegant sailing yacht features naval architecture and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4373" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design (Company)">Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design</a>, and interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rémi Tessier (Company)">Rémi Tessier</a>. A strong contender, often competing on the international stage, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ribelle32.64m (107'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Ribelle</a> has participated in a multitude of iconic races, such as the St Barths Bucket and the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ribelle32.64m (107'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Ribelle</a> will battle with stablemate, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4373" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design (Company)">McKeon</a>-designed and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a>-built 33-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pattoo33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Pattoo</a> (ex Missy), who took Class A last year on countback.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233090/image/large-68e02df9d8d2391270a8ec0ffcb76e4b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233090">Finland-based yacht builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> is behind the 24.38-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4056" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Umiko24.38m (79'12&quot;)Nautor Swan2000">Umiko</a> of the Swan 80 series, featuring naval architecture and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/171" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Frers (Company)">German Frers</a>. Also built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a>, the Swan 100 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4743" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Onyx30.11m (98'9&quot;)Nautor Swan2005">Onyx</a> (ex Aquarius Alfa, Flying Dragon II), will make her debut at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> may seemingly dominate this year’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a> line up, with the 25.08-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dark Horse25.08m (82'3&quot;)Nautor Swan2013">Dark Horse</a>, also built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a>, has also expressed interest in competing in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a> Director, Kate Branagh, commented, “With these latest additions to the fleet we are optimistic that we will see at least 10 superyachts enjoying fun and competitive racing here in Mallorca this June, and maybe a few more.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233087/image/large-46e3217e34b7fc9543ab388ca7b9cf36.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233087">"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 &amp; Resorts and the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, host venue for the Owners' Summer Barbecue, a highlight of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">SYC</a> social scene," Branagh continued.Destination Partner New Zealand, alongside Silver Partners or Friends of the Superyacht Cup including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/211" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astilleros de Mallorca S.A. (Company)">Astilleros</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pantaenius (Company)">Pantaenius</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/35" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubois Naval Architects Ltd. (Company)">Hill Robinson</a>, RSB Rigging Solutions, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/758" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="North Sails (Company)">North Sails</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a>, will return to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma 2023</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233085/image/large-7a2475147aec276a706728989b2b3ca0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233085">"In 2022 we were able to celebrate renewing our long-standing and highly valued relationship as Preferred Hotel Partner with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">The Superyacht Cup Palma</a>, and we look forward to doing so again in 2023," said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President &amp; Continent Brand Leader for Luxury, Europe, Middle East &amp; Africa, Marriott International. "The traditions, legacy and exclusive service that St. Regis Hotels &amp; Resorts, part of Marriott International, offers is a perfect match with Superyacht Cup Palma, one of the most exclusive events Mallorca has to offer."The view is strongly echoed by Nigel Fyfe, New Zealand's ambassador to Spain, who said, "<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a> has provided the perfect opportunity to highlight our country's unique attractions, and New Zealand is proud to have been <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">Superyacht Cup Palma</a>'s Destination Partner for seven years in a row. It is a relationship we look forward to continuing into the future."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263722/image/large-23879ced108cc36690c214ae556f539d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263722">Many participating vessels will this year be berthed at the prestigious Real Club Náutico de Palma, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Cup Palma - 2023">SYC</a>'s long-standing race management partner located in the vibrant heart of the Mallorcan capital.

Superyacht Cup Palma regatta 2023 entry list

Sailing yacht entries for the 27th edition of the Superyacht Cup Palma regatta are lining up.

Influx of entries for the 27th Superyacht Cup Palma regatta

For any passionate sailor worth his salt, sailing aboard a classic J-Class yacht would be the pinnacle of their maritime career. For some however, life aboard the mythic J’s is not just a dream, but an everyday reality, and at times, an adrenaline overload. One of those rare few, is the Suffolk born Englishman, Will Gibbon, who has had the fortune to sail, cruise and live aboard not one, but two of these extraordinary vessels. Will is now in his fourth year as First Mate aboard the original 1933 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> J-Class, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, but he began his career in the Class aboard the 41.55-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/792" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Danish Yachts (Company)">Danish Yachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a>, a Spirit of Tradition J-Class which was built as an exact replica of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. (Company)">Sparkman &amp; Stephens</a>' Ranger, launched in 1937. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/77147/image/large-d465539bc3e1937d189bed1804c5859f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77147">SYT’s Francesca Webster, caught up with Will, an old friend and wildly unsuccessful (on her part) first sailing coach, to talk about his entrance to the close knit world of classic yachts, his life aboard the sloops, and his all time best experiences.&nbsp;In his late teens, Will worked on the U.K.’s east coast for sailmaker John Parker at his loft OneSails GBR. The international team at OneSails cut cloth for some of the biggest names in the industry, designing sails for superyachts, as well as classics and dinghies. It was here that Will, already an experienced small boat sailor, began sailing and racing more frequently, eventually meeting English comedian Griff Rhys Jones and joining the race crew of his 1948 Bermudan <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. (Company)">Sparkman &amp; Stephens</a> yawl, Argyll. After three years as race crew, Will stepped up to the 19-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Fife (Company)">Fife III</a> sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5208" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mariquita38.1m (125'0&quot;)William Fife & Sons1911">Mariquita</a>, joining the permanent crew as deckhand. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/21917/image/large-0b83c5c1372e2212f045eeb9db383f5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21917">In 2015, the news was announced that the entire existing J-Class fleet, minus <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>'s sister ship <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, would be coming together in a momentous event at the 2017 America’s Cup in Bermuda. His passion for classic yachts already ignited, it was Will's firm ambition to join one of the Class and compete in the once in a lifetime regatta. Eventually his dream was recognised, with the invitation to join <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> as deckhand. “The mate at the time was promoted to captain, and he took me on and I worked through the ranks, which is the best way to learn these yachts. Even though <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> has had a refit since I was last aboard, I am still familiar with both of the yachts, having spent so much time aboard.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195515/image/large-74bdf602eba6143a336b0fe716023033.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195515">For many sailors who witnessed the 2017 America’s Cup, the spectacular show of the J-Class competition stood out as a pinnacle of the event. Processing through Hamilton Harbour, gigantic flags billowing at their stern, the J-Class yachts truly put on a show, and for Will it was a top moment of his career. “Bermuda is definitely the highlight for anyone that has sailed aboard these yachts in recent years, it is easily the highlight of my career.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195513/image/large-ce1f6035c0d913dfafb3f22b12e18447.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195513">It was not all fun and games however, the regatta was a serious affair and every owner, captain and crew wanted to take the top spot during the races. Racing on a yacht coming toward its centenary isn’t without its difficulties, and Bermuda posed some additional challenges for the crew. With the water temperature considerably hotter than the Mediterranean, and the yachts being pushed to their limits, sometimes with only thirty minutes between races. There wasn't much time to catch your breath, “One day we did three windward-leeward courses, which for a J-Class is massive, especially in the small space within the reef in Bermuda. The legs were really short so you’re running everything as hot as possible and down in the engine room it got to about 45-degrees, everything was bubbling a fair amount!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195512/image/large-d61bcbf043ee8584ce98502e67664278.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195512">After Bermuda, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> wintered at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>, and the following season, in 2018, Will joined the crew of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, now as first mate. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> is one of the busiest yachts in the Class, competing year in, year out, usually participating in four regattas annually. As Will explained, many of the Class’ take a year out after big racing seasons like 2017 because the investment of time means less time for cruising, the other hugely rewarding part of owning a J-Class. The owner of one of the newest J's to the fleet, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/32" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Jachtbouw (Company)">Holland Jachtbouw</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a>, launched in 2015, fortunately shares the enthusiasm for racing clearly displayed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>’s owner, and the two yachts go bow-to-bow at almost every regatta. On the rare occasion that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> is the only J in the regatta fleet, she stands her ground on handicap against her contemporary counterparts, and in 2019 took the top spot at Les Voiles de St Tropez against the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/799" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astilleros Armon (Company)">Astilleros Armon</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler32.5m (106'8&quot;)Astilleros Armon1982">Rambler</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="McConaghy Boats (Company)">McConaughy Boats</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/79974/image/large-b99c0d0e6faa8dddb4ea6cd2c95239e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/79974">Watching these iconic vessels sparring, be it in the Caribbean or off the coast of Southern France, one is struck by their grace; huge black carbon sails towering over hulls which look like pencils in the water. Despite their classic aesthetic however, these yachts are high performance beasts, as Will noted, “we are always pushing to get every last bit out of the boat, our rigger often reminds us ‘you only have to win by a second’.” Today the entire fleet features carbon masts and sails, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> has hydraulic winches and Future Fibres rigging, a big upgrade from a few years ago. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/77148/image/large-2b46575ac18ba220f40e375346d82ea0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77148">When they aren’t competitively racing, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>’s owner joins the yacht throughout the year, and cruising is some of the crew’s favourite time aboard. When asked if a particular moment had stayed in Will's mind, a cruise in Greece when they spotted the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> 1934 J-Class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, the vessel which lost to the American defender Rainbow&nbsp;by Vanderbilt, Herreshoff and Burgess, immediately came to mind. The two yachts were sailing along the same reach and the crew from both put their minds to a race.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/94598/image/large-1744f1ef1e5d64f42ace47e5920f5c88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94598">With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a> almost never competing, and only the permanent crew of seven aboard, it was all hands on deck for their 20-minute spar, “that was a lot of fun, sailing short handed is some of the most fun you have and when we are cruising you go to some amazing places.” Sardinia is also a top spot for Will, and the Rolex Cup is one of his favourite regattas. Life aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> also has the additional benefit of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1480" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bystander42.18m (138'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2006">Bystander</a>, a 42.18-metre superyacht that accompanies the J. The superyacht, which was built by JFA Yachts and launched in 2006, carries additional crew, support and supplies and provides the accommodation for the owner after a long day of racing aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/198077/image/large-07d8e02f9c2d3ccd509f5eda7c490c64.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/198077">For any sailer who hasa spent time aboard the classics, it is impossible not to touch on the maintenance of these yachts, which is a constant hum going on behind the scenes. Unlike their modern counterparts, many of which are made of carbon and GRP with wooden veneers, classic yachts demand constant work to retain them in pristine condition. Last year, while the pandemic raged across the world, and regattas were set aside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>'s team took the opportunity to conduct her 25 year survey. When she was most recently rescued from the mud and restored, latterly in 1997, it was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/231" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southampton Yacht Services Ltd (Company)">Southhampton Yacht Services</a> that conducted the work. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/69138/image/large-f16e6c423018d56133aed37ba823be08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/69138">As for the future, Will has other dreams, but he can’t see himself stepping off of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> any time soon, the possibility of an America’s Cup season in New Zealand, or perhaps the United Kingdom, is too much of a draw. After all, once you’ve conquered some of the most coveted super sailing yachts in the world, how can you tear yourself away...This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news/superyacht-times-newspaper-issue-39" target="_blank">Issue 41 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Interview with J-Class Velsheda First Mate

SYT sits down with Will Gibbon, professional sailor and First Mate aboard 1933 J-Class Velsheda. 

Velsheda: Life aboard a Golden Age J-Class

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/224073/image/large-f2224ce3b1dee736c2eb33787d4703e9.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/224073">Currently anchored in Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua, is the 42-metre yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1480" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bystander42.18m (138'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2006">Bystander</a>. Built under her project name Escort Vessel in 2006 by the French shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">JFA</a>, she is used as a support vessel for her owner’s racing J Class sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>. Her design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/200" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rhoades Young Design (Company)">Rhoades Young</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a> is based on a 1930s workboat to accommodate 12 guests and nine crew. Powered by twin 720 Hp <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, she has a maximum speed of 13 knots, and a cruising speed of 11.5 knots at which she can cover a range of 4,000 nm. Behind her classic curves, the 56-metre silhouette of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6053" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galvas56.0m (183'9&quot;)Heesen Yachts2019">Galvas</a> is emerging. Built by the Dutch shipyard in 2019, her dynamic leading lines of her superstructure and hull windows are the work of her designer, Jonny Horsfield, of British design firm <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Yacht Design</a>. Inside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/56" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reymond Langton Design Ltd. (Company)">Reymond Langton</a> drew up <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6053" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galvas56.0m (183'9&quot;)Heesen Yachts2019">Galvas</a>’ interior, using a refined contemporary palette throughout. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a> engineered her highly efficient fast displacement hull. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6053" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galvas56.0m (183'9&quot;)Heesen Yachts2019">Galvas</a> can reach a top speed of 15.5 knots with a maximum range of 4,300 nm at 13 knots.

Superyachts Bystander and Galvas in Antigua

The 42m support vessel Bystander and the 56m superyacht Galvas are seen here docked in Antigua.

One of the most exciting superyacht regattas on the racing calendar started yesterday for the opening of St Barths Bucket. The highly regarded event is back after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions, and competitors were certainly making up for lost time!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220287/image/large-033f0ae6c1042734e5dcc6be50374393.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220287">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54791" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St Barths Bucket Regatta returns for 2022 after two-year hiatus (2022-03-17 14:45:00 +0100)">St Barths Bucket Regatta returns for 2022 after two-year hiatus</a>Yesterday’s race (Thursday 17th) saw three majestic entries in the J-Class; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hanuman42.1m (138'1&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2009">Hanuman</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>. These boats started their Bucket series a day earlier than the 24 superyachts and three 90-footers who will join the competition later on.&nbsp;In the first of two windward-leeward races, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> suffered a failure of its primary winch used for both jib and spinnaker pole trim. The issue happened during the rounding of the last windward mark and therefore affected the team’s sailing. However, they were not the only team to experience issues, as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velshelda</a>’s team also had their bad share of luck. They shredded a spinnaker on a spreader during the middle of the first downwind leg. But, it was the team behind <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hanuman42.1m (138'1&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2009">Hanuman</a> that experienced plain sailing compared to their competitors. The team sailed cleanly across the finish line in first place, leaving a dramatic photo finish to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velshelda</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a>. The team behind <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> managed to pull it back, and despite their bad luck they managed to cross the finish line less than five seconds ahead of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a>.“In the second race we crossed the starting line just in case another team might have problems and it would make a difference in our scoring,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> skipper Ed Baird, explaining that then, as predetermined, his team retired from the race due to the mechanical problem.The second race saw just two boats competing, but the drama was still heightened when <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hanuman42.1m (138'1&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2009">Hanuman</a>, skippered by Ken Read, dropped its spinnaker into the water. The team received a penalty from the on-water judges who closely watched the match from the sidelines.&nbsp;“To be brutally honest, we got a little overly clever and forgot we were sailing a boat that’s 185 tons and 140 feet,” said Read. “Yeah, it was a bit of a mistake (getting in a tight spot with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>), but we also got out of some tight spots. In match racing, you live by the sword, die by the sword – at the end of the day that’s how it works.”In the end, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> crossed the finish line in first place with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hanuman42.1m (138'1&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2009">Hanuman</a> apparently finishing in second place. There is currently an inquiry into the rating system being processed for the final scores for both races. This was still being deliberated during the time of print for this article.&nbsp;“The cool part of today is that the Bucket is back in a big way,” said Read, “and it’s cool that the J-Class boats could pull the curtain back on the event and show everyone some ridiculously amazing sailing!”

St Barths Bucket Regatta day 1

One of the most exciting superyacht regattas on the racing calendar got underway yesterday for the start of St Barths Bucket.

All the action from Day 1 at St Barths Bucket

It would be fair to say that I was excited for my visit to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Shipyard</a>, the first since 2017, in no small part due to the presence of the 58.83-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a> 1931 motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.83m (193'0&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a>, now in an advanced state of spectacular restoration. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211141/image/large-a0c54f0d2e9950bbb46c75ac9f5b3d0f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211141"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Shipyard</a> is nestled between cliffs, the sea and a major commercial shipyard, looking out into Falmouth Harbour in south-west Cornwall. Though in an unassuming location, the yard has evolved over the decades to establish an international reputation, particularly famed for the refit and restoration of some of the world’s best known sailing and motor yachts. Among those yachts stamped with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> seal are the 65-metre schooner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1613" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adix64.85m (212'9&quot;)Astilleros de Mallorca S.A.1984">Adix</a>, refit in 1991, the 45.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/671" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moatize45.6m (149'7&quot;)Pendennis Shipyard Ltd1999">Moatize</a>, the famous <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/548" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A247.0m (154'2&quot;)Feadship1983">A2</a> which underwent an expansive refit in 2012 and the 1933 J-Class sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/5863/image/large-86aaffeeddc021bbd522974b697943fc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/5863">In 2004 the yard made a commitment to continuing the growth of their refit sector, which now accounts for around 80 percent of the work conducted, with the construction of The Terry Vernon Refit Complex, a 150-metre split dry dock. In 2014 the yard went through another phase of expansion and in 2019 they acquired a 800 tonne travel lift, further extending their capabilities. Just before the Covid-19 pandemic, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> also established a new technical service shipyard in Vilanova, just outside of Barcelona, which serves the global fleet in the Mediterranean. The initial works on the yard were completed in Autumn of 2019, resulting in a yard which spans 30,000 square-meters and is equipped with a 200 tonne and 620 travel hoist for performing repair and maintenance works.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211135/image/large-fa04e3015de52281630abe0cf94b1f9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211135">Joint Managing Director, Toby Allies commented “For the last 33 years the main focus of the management team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> has been to consistently deliver world class projects and outstanding customer service to our clients. This has been achieved through a combination of strategies including nurturing and developing the talent within the business, as well as consistent investment into our infrastructure and the expansion of our oversea’s offering through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> Vilanova.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211134/image/large-8add551b3bbdace2bece9ad4f3beb8f8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211134">During my morning at the yard I was fortunate enough to receive an exclusive tour of the current projects, which aside from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.83m (193'0&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a>’s restoration include the construction of two new motor yachts. These two hulls, which began their life at the now-closed Turkish shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1756" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tansu Yachts (Company)">Tansu</a>, are exploiting every scratch of the knowledge and expertise here at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>, with one vessel made of steel, the 35-metre Project Fox and the other made of timber, the 38-metre sistership of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1756" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tansu Yachts (Company)">Tansu</a>’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Preference 1936.4m (119'5&quot;)Tansu Yachts2011">Preference 19</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211140/image/large-4467e883bf63325d6ff2fca4057fa66c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211140">When asked about why the owner chose <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> for the construction of these two unusual explorer yachts, Owners Representative Dave Powys commented, “I have worked with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> in the past, for me when we knew the yachts had to move there was no other yard in my mind. We came here for the exceptional level of expertise in traditional British yacht construction, the track record and for the people who ensure that what we want is completed to a very high standard.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211139/image/large-7adf86342adb965e1c65c3af5863777e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211139">The 35-metre Project Fox may have started life as a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1756" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tansu Yachts (Company)">Tansu</a>, but the team in Falmouth have worked hard to convert the vessel into a transatlantic explorer with a truly commercial draw. Raising the bulwarks and exploiting her impressive aft deck, the yacht has undergone a form of conversion to bring her up to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>’ world-class standard. When launched in early 2023 she will sit more than comfortably alongside explorer superyachts of a much greater length.&nbsp;Powys’ impression of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> is certainly one that is shared by the team on the ground. A major cause of the aforementioned sense of heritage comes from the fact that the 400-strong workforce are all employed by the company, there are few contractors meaning that everyone on site has ties to the work conducted, helping to forge a sense of pride in the business. Another part has been nurtured by the shipyards apprenticeship programme, established in 1998, which pulls young talent from the local community into structured education and employment. Today, 30 percent of the company’s workforce is made up of current or ex-apprentices, a statistic that speaks volumes about the soul of the shipyard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211138/image/large-8cd6fe8b26b37d5516025d1c748ea4da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211138">Speaking to Nick Kearton, Project Manager for the restoration of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.83m (193'0&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a> you really get a sense of how the cogs turn here at the shipyard. Having arrived in Falmouth in early 2019, the vessel is following in the footsteps of other impressive <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> refits, such as that of another golden age beauty, the 1937 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Malahne</a> in 2017, which is seeing the yacht returned to bristol condition. Over the decades <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.83m (193'0&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a> has been converted, added to and modernised. It has been the task of Kearton and his team to return her to her original form, a celebration of Art Deco design and one of the last surviving vessels of her lineage. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/41797/image/large-52a78b623d2f675d7c6c07a484361000.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41797"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/23816/image/large-58b664fc87bce4a78a115716d6cbb9e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23816">A major element of a project such as this has been the research and rediscovery of her history, with the team unearthing 800 documents pertaining to her original design, archived at the Greenwich Maritime Library. London-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Muza Lab (Company)">Muza Lab</a> design studio have been instrumental in the interior finishing, which as I toured the yacht was beginning to take shape as bathroom tiles were laid under my feet. As their first yacht interior design the team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6360" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Muza Lab (Company)">Muza</a> has pulled out all of the stops to adhere to the Deco originality, while employing as many artisans and craftspeople as possible to complement the interior arrangement. One exceptional example comes in the form of straw marquetry panels in the lower deck saloon, which look like finely inlaid strips of heavily varnished wood but are actually carefully selected individual blades of straw, painstakingly arranged into a pattern and sealed with varnish.&nbsp;For Kearton, it is the culture of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> that has enabled the team to come together to create a restoration on this scale. The work has been challenging at times, not least in the form of Covid-19. When the vessel was stripped down to steel more than 80 tonnes of material had to be removed, far more than anyone had predicted. The resounding success of this work however, Kearton believes, is born from the fact that the yard employs skilled professionals from every department they could need, many of whom have been at the shipyard for decades.In fact, even on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.83m (193'0&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a>’s refit, there are two sets of father and son/daughter teams as well as individuals who have been at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> since the yard was founded 33 years ago. Having the work and skills in-house may be one of the reasons that the shipyard has fared the adversity of 2020 and onwards so well.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211145/image/large-80c54b17cbfe3f8802ae4ad6bf630594.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211145"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211143/image/large-0f335b4aab1021758838e5b1acca85a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211143">The longevity of the employees at the shipyard is also something you hear time and time again when speaking to people about <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>. For many owners and captains, particularly of older vessels, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> is the very best place to have a vessel refit because often there are people there who have worked on the vessel before. This fosters a great retention of clients and many come to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> for the skillsets of particular members of the team. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211144/image/large-539856d2572aedb21fb8f71e07d57578.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211144">As the morning on the site drew to a close, my guide Paul Griffiths showed me the areas that the shipyard will be looking to expand in coming years and even as we stood there vessels were arriving from all over the world to begin refits of various levels. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> is a hive of activity, apprentices learn how to strip and varnish great spars like those of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.83m (193'0&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a>, while steel and aluminium experts set to work on the construction of Project Fox's interior arrangement. It is exciting to see the tradition of British yacht construction, which was once such a major player in the world stage, surviving strongly here in Falmouth. I very much look forward to returning to the shipyard in the Spring to see these projects come to their conclusion and I expect to see many more exciting vessels pass through here in years to come.&nbsp;This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news/superyacht-times-newspaper-issue-39" target="_blank">Issue 39 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

SYT visits Pendennis to find out more about the business

SYT takes a visit to sunny Falmouth to discover some of the exciting projects currently underway and to find out what makes this historic yard tick.


Pendennis Shipyard: Reinforcing the legacy of British yacht building

The second week of <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - 2021">Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez</a> has come to a close, with 45 of the largest and fastest super sailing yachts competing on the French Riviera. The organisers from the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez and International Maxi Association (IMA) splitting the fleet in two, with the supermaxis in IRC 1 and 2 took at 25 mile coastal course, while the IRC 3 and 4 maxis sailed a 15 mile course. The wind on the final day hit peaks of 18-19 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208317/image/large-b307592e71f9609cda364daf40a27f4f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208317">In the supermaxi division IRC I the leadership was overtaken by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a>, taking her first win of the week. This caused George David's <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6769" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler 8827.0m (88'7&quot;)New England Boatworks2014">Rambler 88</a> to be displaced into second place, two points ahead of Tuesday's winner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deep Blue24.4m (80'1&quot;)Profil Marine1999">Deep Blue</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208318/image/large-57c8ba8ca8f2952dcdc6385ab99bebf0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208318">The owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a>, Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones was overjoyed at the win. The yacht's captain Danny Gallichan commented, "He is pretty stoked, it is different for us - quite a diverse class, but it is super interesting to compete with all those other boats. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deep Blue24.4m (80'1&quot;)Profil Marine1999">Deep Blue</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y3K30.5m (100'1&quot;)Wally2009">Y3K</a> are more like us, but racing against <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6769" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler 8827.0m (88'7&quot;)New England Boatworks2014">Rambler</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Comanche30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hodgdon Yachts2014">Comanche</a> makes it interesting. On some points of sail they are so quick they are unbeatable. You end up sailing in different races, but it is cool."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208314/image/large-86f6909faa0aa6f669589e3285a55480.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208314">The day turned out to be higher winds than predicted, with a number of yachts being taken by surprise. Gallichan continued, “To be honest we had a shocker at the start, which we weren’t happy about, so we had to push hard after that - and it all came good. There were other boats making mistakes - <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deep Blue24.4m (80'1&quot;)Profil Marine1999">Deep Blue</a> had some problems with their kite, etc. We just tried to be consistent, but we got a win today which was amazing.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208311/image/large-0e2da648dcc2613351046819604ae169.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208311">In the IRC 3 the winning streak of Terry Hui’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a> was upset. Despite her string of wins at last months <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - 2021">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a> she finished fourth, with the race going to Alessandro del Bono's seasoned crew on the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/521" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reichel / Pugh Yacht Design (Company)">Reichel/Pugh</a> 80 IMS maxi Capricorno. “It was great - a really tight race,” said Hui, who already intends to return to Saint-Tropez in 2022. “On the first day we won by only a minute and the second day a couple of minutes, but today we finished fourth.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208310/image/large-95289dea3e83262f99fd63b4638487d0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208310"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208313/image/large-1c034a276e54cbda21fc8d95e63b155b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208313">The limelight shone upon the classic lines of J-Class supermaxis <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, the longest yachts competing in this years regatta. The show vessels battled it out, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a> eventually taking the top spot against her classic counterpart.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208321/image/large-3d6eb5ee50a48d0858ab1ba5d1dcd164.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208321">“We had a good day,” described <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a>’s skipper Peter Holmberg. “We waited for the wind, but it came and we had a great race.” Despite the wind filling in, the course was full holes, said Holmberg. “It was a good work out driving and trimming.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208319/image/large-e21e9679fe3ee170a31958be8fb7389a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208319">IRC 4 had a tense and difficult day, with several yachts failing to sail the correct course, including the America's Cup 12mR French Kiss, pictured above. The win overall went to Francois Benais' Shipman 63 Bambo ahead of Thursday's winner Nicolas Piguet's CNB77 Aloha and Maxime Labessouille’s Bordeaux 600&nbsp;Ila 2.The Secretary General of the International Maxi Association, Andrew McIrvine commented of the regatta, We have enjoyed a superb turn-out of maxis from across the fleet and it has been nice to enjoy seeing so many of them stern-to in Saint-Tropez’s famous harbour. We are also pleased that with the help of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, the International Maxi Association has developed the racing for our members with our own international race officer Ariane Mainemare installed on the race committee boat working alongside the SNST’s race team and with starts and courses that have improved the quality of the racing.”

Magic Carpet Cubed prevails in Saint Tropez

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez has come to a close with Magic Carpet Cubed taking the top spot.

Magic Carpet Cubed takes top spot at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2021

The 31st Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo gets underway at midday today after the skippers brief and cocktail party last night. The event, which is organised by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">Yacht Club Costa Smeralda</a> with the support of Rolex and the International Maxi Association, will see 44 yachts competing in races throughout the week, concluding this Saturday. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171689/image/large-c35f83d17f18171fc8d46c4b7f444bc3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171689">In order to comply with regulations established by the YCCS in reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers have taken the decision to carry out only coastal races. This means that yachts can be crewed by fewer hands than on windward-leeward courses. There will be only two windward-leeward courses for the Mini-Maxi 1 class.The fleet has been divided into three divisions, Supermaxi, Maxi and Mini-Maxi due to the variety of yachts participating in this year’s event. The rating system for calculating scores will be the IRC, with the exclusion of the Supermaxi class where the ORC system will be used, specially designed for the largest racing boats.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171690/image/large-3b8f6c60a7f97b98a2a533211c1c2651.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171690">Among the Supermaxi yachts are J-Class vessels <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>. They are joined by the 33.9-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7109" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Geist33.9m (111'3&quot;)Spirit Yachts Ltd2020">Geist</a>, a modern yacht with classic lines, the 35.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5521" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shamanna35.2m (115'6&quot;)Nautor's Swan2016">Shamanna</a> and the 36-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2528" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viriella36.0m (118'1&quot;)Maxi Dolphin s.r.l.2001">Viriella</a>, owned by YCCS member Vittorio Moretti and with Mauro Pelaschier at the helm.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/48002/image/large-509e8ef395f959b1728127530dc14c45.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48002">The Maxi class includes the 30.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Comanche30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hodgdon Yachts2014">Comanche</a> in the hands of a new owner. The same class will be home to Arca SGR, owned by Guido Miani and fronting an Italian-Monegasque crew led by Furio Benussi, as well as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6769" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler 8827.0m (88'7&quot;)New England Boatworks2014">Rambler 88</a>&nbsp;and the Wallycentos <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a>, owned by David Leusschen, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a>. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Swan</a> 98' <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BeCool31.05m (101'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2020">BeCool</a> will also be making her debut at the event, and will be up against her closest rival, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y3K30.5m (100'1&quot;)Wally2009">Y3K</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/48000/image/large-b7aed411bbd5b98d4d0cae96dc75cadc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48000">YCCS Commodore, Michael Illbruck remarks: “The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is a reference point in terms of international yachting, as well as the regatta of the year at the YCCS. Seeing the docks filled once again with these boats, at the cutting edge of naval design, and sailors famous all over the world over for their outstanding curriculums, is truly wonderful. We would like to thank Rolex, an institutional partner of the Club for over three decades now, and the International Maxi Association, for their constant support. On behalf of the YCCS I want to welcome the owners and crews and wish all of them fair winds for this special 31st edition of the event.”

Porto Cervo Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup underway 

The 31st Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is now underway in Porto Cervo, with 44 yachts in the fleet. 

31st Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo underway with 44 yachts

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/69138/image/large-f16e6c423018d56133aed37ba823be08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/69138">Used as a support vessel for her owner’s racing J Class sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, the 42-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1480" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bystander42.18m (138'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2006">Bystander</a> was built at<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JFA Yachts (Company)">&nbsp;JFA Yachts</a> in France in 2006. Her design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/200" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rhoades Young Design (Company)">Rhoades Young</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/15" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vripack (Company)">Vripack</a> is based on a 1930s workboat to accommodate 12 guests and nine crew. Powered by twin 720 Hp Caterpillar engines, she has a maximum speed of 13 knots, and a cruising speed of 11.5 knots at which she can cover a range of 4,000 nm. The pair were spotted in St Barths over the weekend where <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> took part in the annual St Barths Bucket regatta.

The 42m superyacht bystander anchored off St Barths

The 42-metre JFA Yachts superyacht Bystander anchored off St Barths during the annual St Barths Bucket sailing regatta. 

The support superyacht Bystander in St Barths

The 29th edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup &amp; Rolex Maxi 72 World Championship officially opened Sunday evening in Porto Cervo, with owners, captains and skippers coming at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in Sardinia. The event marks the start of a month of racing in Costa Smeralda, with the fleet going head to head on a mix of windward-leewards and coastal races. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/46594/image/large-d460cdba9856a08e7ad1b98befa074ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46594">This year’s 41-strong fleet welcomes owners and crews, including America’s Cup, Olympic and Volvo Ocean Race winners from the around the world.&nbsp;“I am pleased with the strength of the entry - there is great support for the event," said Andrew McIrvine, Secretary General of the International Maxi Association on welcoming the fleet to Porto Cervo.&nbsp;“This year we are delighted to see three Js racing. The variety between the boats and the strength and expertise of the crews this year is remarkable.” &nbsp;The competing fleet is diverse and includes racers to cruiser-racers to classics and manufacturer classes ranging in length from 60 footers such as the Swan 601 Lorina up to the Baltic 130-footer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)">My Song</a>. The yachts have been divided into six different categories based on their technical performance and characteristics, with the 'smallest' yachts in the fleet the Swan 601s and the 60’ Spectre, and the longest the J Class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)">Svea</a>, measuring 43.61-metres in length. &nbsp; <img src="/uploads/store/photo/46595/image/large-52d2ce5a1b67c2e8a78aa6cfff8b679c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46595">“I think the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo is the best event. You have the best boats coming at the end of the summer – it is great,” says Loro Piana. “Usually we are cruising at this time of this year, but we have decided to come and have fun.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song39.6m (129'11&quot;)">My Song</a> will be competing in the Supermaxi class against three J Class yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)">Svea</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)">Topaz</a> and<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)">&nbsp;Velsheda</a> as well as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2528" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viriella36.0m (118'1&quot;)">Viriella</a>.&nbsp;“We are all about the same length - 40m – so it will be interesting to see how we have progressed in 80 years. I think we will have good competition,” continues Loro Piana. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/46596/image/large-1cb76927c1a0c6389b1caa6aeeea1297.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46596">The Rolex Maxi 72 World Championship sees six boats competing for the world title of the Maxi 72 class. The reigning champion Momo, owned by Dieter Schön, will race against Cannonball, Jethou,&nbsp;Lucky, Proteus and&nbsp;Sorcha. The fastest boat to at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6769" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler 8827.0m (88'7&quot;)">Rambler 88</a>, owned by George David, which recently claimed line honours in the Palermo-Montercarlo regatta. Among those defending their titles, this year are David M. Leuschen’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)">Galateia</a> in the Wally Class, Roberto Lacorte’s SuperNikka in the Mini Maxi Racing Cruising (RC) group 1 division and Riccardo De Michele’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6785" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2O24.0m (78'9&quot;)">H20</a> in the Mini Maxi RC group 2 and overall. The Mini Maxis has been divided into two classes, according to their speed. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/46597/image/large-669fdb315b5b6e506fedb43de3c19677.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/46597">Racing is set to start on Monday morning, 3rd September at 11.30 am and will end on Saturday, with the prize ceremony taking place in Piazza Azzurra. Thursday 6th September has been set aside as a lay day or recovery from any cancelled races. The weather forecast indicates ideal wind conditions for Monday, with a mistral wind of up to 18 knots.&nbsp;"We have reached twenty-nine editions of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, a regatta that is a hallmark of our Club and which always sees a large fleet of entries," adds Riccardo Bonadeo, YCCS Commodore.&nbsp;“A warmest of welcomes goes to those who are visiting us for the first time as much as to those - the majority of the fleet - who have been participating for many years. Fair winds to all!”&nbsp;

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2018 sails off to a strong start

As part of our history series from revered in-house yacht historian, Malcolm Wood, we take a closer look at yacht builders that are, for one reason or another, no longer in existence. Across the next two issues, we explore the Camper &amp; Nicholsons shipyard of Gosport and Southampton in the UK. In this first instalment, we delve into the sailing yachts of the yard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/45788/image/large-95e8c10229d15656bf62337401da4805.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45788">Camper &amp; Nicholsons were one of the earliest builders of yachts greater than 30-metres in length. The company also developed into one of the world’s most prominent yacht builders over the years, completing well over 2,000 vessels of all sizes. Owing to the large numbers of yachts involved, it is for this reason that we’ve decided to cover this prolific builder in two parts.The origins of the yard lie in one Francis C. Amos, a London born shipyard apprentice who in 1782 signed an agreement to lease the disused Charles Fort at Gosport, the site at which most of the company’s yachts would be built in future years. In 1809, William Camper, a great nephew of Amos, was apprenticed to his great uncle and following the death of Francis Amos in 1824, the control of the yard passed to William Camper.The first large yacht built by Campers was a 327-ton brigantine named Anonyma, launched in 1839 for the Royal Yacht Squadron member Colonel Greville. A succession of sailing yachts over 100-tons for both cruising and racing were built in the following two decades.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/45789/image/large-ec4c5eb1372fc46fcaf3f1e344031da5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45789">The Nicholson name first made an appearance in 1842 when Ben Nicholson was indentured as an apprentice shipwright to the Camper yard. Prior to William Camper’s death in 1863 he had written in his will that he wanted Ben Nicholson to take control of the yard together with one of his grandsons as a partner when he reached a mature age. The company would now be known as Camper &amp; Nicholson.One of the most famous racing yachts of this era was the 206-ton schooner Aline, built in 1860 for Charles S. Thellusson, one of the company’s most important clients. No less than 72 sailing yachts over 30-metres LOA were delivered from 1839 to 1914. Shamrock IV 1914 was Sir Thomas Lipton’s America’s Cup challenger in 1920 but lost to Resolute and was later broken up in 1932. Five of the 72 are still in service: Amphitrite of 1887, Black Swan (ex: Brynhild) of 1899, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5041" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merrymaid34.75m (114'0&quot;)">Merrymaid</a> of 1904, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5039" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Joyette32.3m (105'12&quot;)">Joyette</a> (ex: Almara) of 1907 and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Orion of the Seas49.29m (161'9&quot;)">Orion</a> (ex: Sylvana) of 1910. Of these, Amphitrite is now a German registered sail training vessel whilst the other four are still private yachts.Following WWI, steam and motor yachts became the priority for the yard although several large sailing yachts were still being constructed. These were <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4892" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sylvia43.6m (143'1&quot;)">Sylvia</a> in 1925, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Creole65.3m (214'3&quot;)">Vira</a> in 1927, Panope in 1928, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astra35.0m (114'10&quot;)">Astra</a> in 1928, Ailée II in 1928, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4885" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Candida39.65m (130'1&quot;)">Candida</a> in 1929, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shamrock V36.58m (120'0&quot;)">Shamrock V</a> in 1930, Sonia II in 1931, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5040" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Saharet of Tyre32.43m (106'5&quot;)">Saharet</a> in 1933, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)">Velsheda</a> in 1933,&nbsp;Endeavour I in 1934, Endeavour II in 1936, Panda in 1938 and Blanche-Neige in 1939.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/45790/image/large-7e2737a3a194fd03f59622194ca20b8a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45790">Of these, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Creole65.3m (214'3&quot;)">Vira</a> - better known as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Creole65.3m (214'3&quot;)">Creole</a> today - was the largest with a length overall of 63.03-metres and a TM tonnage of 697. T.O.M. Sopwith’s Endeavour I is well known today, whilst Endeavour II&nbsp;was converted to a yawl and was eventually dismantled in 1963.Sonia II, owned by UK powerboat racer Betty Carstairs, was converted to a banana carrier in 1944 whilst Ailée II owned by French yachtswoman Virginie Heriot ended up in the French Navy’s Ecole Naval de Brest as a training vessel. Panda was seriously damaged by fire at St. Martin in 1984 and was later towed to Florida and scuttled in 1988.Let’s now look at C&amp;N’s post-WWII large sailing yacht construction.The first large sailing yacht constructed post-WWII was a 35-metre ketch named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2222" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aries35.0m (114'10&quot;)">Aries</a> for W.J. Reynolds of the USA, delivered in 1953. This was followed by another ketch of 30.2-metres, Miguy III, and delivered to Comte Guy du Boisrouvray in 1960. This yacht was originally ordered for King Faisal II of Iraq who was assassinated in a coup d’etat before she was completed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/45787/image/large-db70b8e1ec66083603d788b639ea1874.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45787">The yard was very busy with small production-line sailing yachts and it wasn’t until 1979 that another large sailing yacht of 30.54-metres was completed. This sloop-rigged motorsailer named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5037" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Calabuig30.54m (100'2&quot;)">Calabuig</a> was of alloy construction and was built for an Italian owner.Another decade was to pass before the Ron Holland designed sloop Royal Eagle II of 30.5-metres was delivered to her American owner in 1989. Just three more large sailing yachts would emerge from the yard in the 1990s, namely the Rob Humphreys/John Munford designed ketch Cyrano de Bergerac of 39-metres in 1993 for a repeat Italian owner, followed by the Bill Dixon/Terence Disdale designed schooner Yanneke Too of 35.9-metres for a US-based Swiss banker in 1995, and finally the 37-metre Ed Dubois designed sloop&nbsp;Our Blue Dream for a Russian owner in 1999.In our next issue, we’ll look at the steam and motor yachts built by Camper &amp; Nicholsons and add some more facts about this leading yacht builder. This article is featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription">Subscribe now</a> to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

The ghost of yards past: Camper & Nicholsons - Part I

Here Jaap Gelling, Royal Huisman’s Technical Director, talks to us about the trailblazing restoration of the 39.56-metre J Class sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour</a>&nbsp;which took place in the 1980s and discusses its wider impact for the industry as a whole. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/21959/image/large-4303c47075fa655a33aff43ee8ca5905.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21959">It would be hard to overstate the impact of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour&nbsp;</a>project on Royal Huisman. This was, by some distance, the largest yacht the yard had ever worked on. It was also a project that presented multiple technical challenges, albeit within the exciting context of one of the most famous racing yachts of the Golden Era. The international sailing community looked on with critical interest as to what would become of this true sailing legend.To recreate a famous yacht from a rusting steel plate hull is a lot more demanding than building from scratch – this was no refit, not even a renovation. Up to this point, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Velsheda</a> was the only J Class yacht that had been brought back from the brink but that featured little of the ambition that Elizabeth Meyer brought to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour.</a> The yard not only had to re-create the yacht but also to invent and then seamlessly incorporate sail handling and hotel systems that were never present on the original.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/39218/image/large-063077b0b9058eec2ad5c79755644f24.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39218">These challenges played strongly to the engineering maestro in Wolter Huisman. But, with a formidable client like Elizabeth Meyer, he undoubtedly experienced a great deal of stress. The yard team, of course, were proud and delighted to be able to apply their talents and inventiveness to such a pioneering, high profile project. Many of those involved in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour</a> project still look back on it as one of the finest achievements of their career, if not the finest.&nbsp;Wolter’s pride in the accomplishment of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour&nbsp;</a>was absolute. He may have built some remarkable yachts, but this one capped them all – at least until his final masterpiece, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Athena90.0m (295'3&quot;)">Athena,</a> was launched in 2004, only narrowly nudging Endeavour into second place.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/39222/image/large-1129bace63facad509dc313166456c0e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39222">Wider impacts<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour’</a>s success seriously enhanced the yard’s reputation for expertise in large and technically challenging projects. In particular, it showed owners and their teams there were now no real limits to the size of their future sailing yachts. The bespoke sail handling systems developed for Endeavour, enabling a large and powerful yacht to be sailed by a relatively small crew, could apply to any yacht they dreamed of. This recognition led directly to the extraordinary increase in scale of sailing superyachts that has followed over the years ever since.This in turn had a major impact on the industry at large, with naval architects, designers and project managers, as well as yards, all experiencing a very rewarding step-change in the status and scope of their professional work.&nbsp;Endeavour’s greatest impact, perhaps, was to give credibility to the establishment of the new J Class Association. It demonstrated there really could be a future for this almost-extinct class. There can be no question that, without Elizabeth Meyer’s vision and determination and the glorious example of the re-created <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour,</a> we would not have nine J’s racing today – more than were ever on the water together during the Golden Age.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/39224/image/large-ccc13cb215d98a97de68ea5a08ba7754.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39224">One thing led to another. Royal Huisman’s serial client Dr Jim Clark (who also built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/595" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hyperion47.42m (155'7&quot;)">Hyperion</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Athena90.0m (295'3&quot;)">Athena</a>) asked the yard to re-create&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5918" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour II 49.9m (163'9&quot;)">Endeavour II,</a> relishing the idea of optimising the performance of a spectacular design using the materials and technologies permitted by the new J Class Association rules. The result was Hanuman, a widely admired J2 that is very successful on the race track. This momentum continued with the re-creation of other lost Js and even the first-time build of others that had existed only as plans. It is truly a new Golden Age for Js when several commentators at last year’s America’s Cup Regatta in Bermuda noted that the J Class event had eclipsed that of the AC35s.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21970/image/large-b5b0e957a1c2d29492dc8174d2e291eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21970"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour</a> will always be part of the cultural fabric of Royal Huisman. It is a source of considerable pride as a pioneering achievement in its day, but the lessons learned continue to inform the way the yard works today. &nbsp;Interior space planning for systems and machinery, as well as accommodation, was of immense importance in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour&nbsp;</a>- a vessel with fine ends and relatively low hull volume.&nbsp;The technologies and disciplines applied then have been constantly refined ever since to optimise the quality, functionality and serviceability of systems installations and the luxury and comfort of the accommodation in every Huisman yacht interior. On Spirit of Tradition (or classic) yachts, exacting joinery techniques and finishing processes have been evolved to create new interiors that appear to be restorations from an earlier era.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/11649/image/large-ca8f915aa88dd175a20ca6d9e905cc91.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/11649"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/11648/image/large-9aa98906108d975407c2227f6a7d0615.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/11648"> The skills and resources applied to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour</a> by Royal Huisman have, themselves, evolved into the highly successful ‘Huisfit’ operation, specialising in superyacht refit, repair and renewal. A current, high profile Huisfit project is the complete rebuild, over two years, of Nathaniel Herreshoff’s famous 109ft schooner, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vagrant39.0m (127'11&quot;)">Vagrant</a>, built in 1913. An echo of the Endeavour project? Most certainly!<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21950/image/large-de323f1d7330a1f4fa3b9ffa2d0720a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21950">

The J-Class Endeavour and Royal Huisman

This year’s edition of the annual St Barths Bucket came to an end on Sunday after four days of tight racing for a fleet of three J Class yachts. An additional 23 superyachts joined the old-school racers for three days in the unpredictable waters off the Caribbean island in what is known as the world’s most prestigious regatta.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/29589/image/large-32f1408e71735eae498d06e546aa2c46.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29589">Svea dominated the leaderboard over the four days as Valsheda and Topaz battled it out for the second and third spots. Svea is the lasts yacht in the J Class fleet and was launched at Vitters in 2017 and took part in her first Bucket regatta this year.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/29602/image/large-99c1085b99f4533f4bae7a6cdacc1ac0.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29602"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29593/image/large-070fb7f28f5d33eb9f9fac8fcbbfb12e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29593"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29588/image/large-ba919a7d06af7c9de371254f81177083.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29588">Below is a roundup of the provisional results of the pursuit classes.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/29591/image/large-979047934826f821046c2ca3e7694da9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29591"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29597/image/large-0ee2555e0e48499237ee16aa40b9ac9e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29597">Jeffff Brown / Breed MediaWe have been sharing a daily photo gallery from our friends at Breed Media throughout the duration of this year's Bucket. Check out Breed Media's work <a href="http://www.breedmedia.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>. Breed Media's images from the show will be available <a href="http://breedmedia.photodeck.com/m/-/galleries/regatta/2018-st-barths-bucket">here&nbsp;</a>and are currently available at 30% off until 29th March.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/29598/image/large-bbee5ca562f0d76b171337593cfe57bc.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29598"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29596/image/large-6a257c728b705888916de439ee14318b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29596"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29595/image/large-ebc8bc67cad4cad20cff997b940b0e08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29595"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29601/image/large-5e174938bbc96226f21f8eb4d1bb89d1.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29601"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29592/image/large-0e8c75fca848eea03ada8585739bd6b3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29592"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29600/image/large-cadc1bd89ad5073d2d62caa1c0acf49c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29600"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29590/image/large-4719db7965c6872b553b30c938daa212.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29590"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29599/image/large-5c5537ab3167b580f7eb08b3268c742d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29599"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29583/image/large-50e7e854611998988f95a244ffd5cdb1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29583"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29582/image/large-89cf5964a33bec99ef6310c74697efd9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29582">

Svea victorious on final day of 2018 St Barths Bucket

Yesterday was the third day of racing at the world’s most prestigious regatta in St Barths as the 23-strong superyacht fleet set off on a 22-25 nm course littered with several natural turning marks on the western side of the Caribbean island. Sailing in a separate fleet, yesterday was also the fourth of five races for the J Class sailors. Below is a recap of the day’s results. &nbsp;Photos by Jeff Brown / Breed Media<img src="/uploads/store/photo/29162/image/large-f097957ba22bce2fe81173afda3b5d00.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29162"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29169/image/large-7d4f868f8b9a79176d5bffeed543f778.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29169"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29164/image/large-5081eaadf3120153d8724768f887a4ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29164"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29170/image/large-6f9f6e660586d34de8fd1f6986e69244.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29170"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29166/image/large-6a0ea5ee3f85a8ebaac2ac93d37d1bd2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29166"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29171/image/large-3efad11d7678db1f4eaf8e2ccdefe08c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29171"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29167/image/large-ccf7b2c4f5cf32257c8fdef229a5fddf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29167"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29172/image/large-c8e6f7ea1a34798d30bf10e00dbdc482.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29172"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29160/image/large-3f6e50caa36156dd85c4b88acf1fe751.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29160"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29173/image/large-4f5b355603cf2f5ae70ecc1a506f6ede.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29173"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29157/image/large-ea2cbf041f4cdefccf22b23c63f35107.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29157"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29174/image/large-b015995419b061b8a22200b7becb4201.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29174"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29165/image/large-9eef2896a01a7736d070ac2bcbc8e2d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29165"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29163/image/large-c76064ce862da3d93bc6f3ee3ff6e24f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29163"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29159/image/large-6e24d31e6a889b7bea5cb5bd62634bf0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29159"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29158/image/large-fe662d9bff1e457c3380a5aafad1f7a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29158"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29161/image/large-6c70acc22bd6b845d46f96745da5f5e7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29161">

Racing action from St Barths Bucket 2018 Day 3

The 2018 edition of the St Barths Bucket kicked off on Thursday, where some of the world’s fastest, coolest sailing superyachts spent the day preparing for three days of Caribbean racing. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/29065/image/large-33de7e127e6a50d44f2668903b930c40.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29065"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29071/image/large-f5bc64ac49f4cadf4fa01071b9c05783.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29071">Day 2 of the event saw the first race day for the pursuit class after Day 1 was reserved for two J Class races which saw Svea walk away with the day's win followed closely by Topaz and Valsheda. Below are the results for the five different Pursuit Class categories. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/29077/image/large-6dd237a68d744a90564c2b2e1c6a2c9a.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29077"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29073/image/large-e896aa07112815048c2bbcbc70c44d3d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29073">Images by Jeff Brown / Breed Media&nbsp;We'll be sharing a daily photo gallery from our friends at Breed Media throughout the duration of the Bucket. Check out Breed Media's work <a href="http://www.breedmedia.com/">here.</a> Breed Media's images from the show will be available <a href="http://breedmedia.photodeck.com/-/galleries/regatta/2018-st-barths-bucket">here</a> and are currently available at 30% off until 29th March. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/29078/image/large-d3bfd5c52a9d9da539842c1e81d08242.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29078"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29076/image/large-33d41becda6bc93983d5ca46370c0add.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29076"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29079/image/large-4ffeefb5662e449071faf072b82978fd.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29079"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29075/image/large-c2777d697a0070071e89278f80c5bee2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29075"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29081/image/large-6cefa1c9c014db834494e69af8f44f55.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29081"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29074/image/large-072ad3e54ceabed91518644131428c75.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29074"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29080/image/large-998093028c915d6a8a5f142f7d656bd8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29080"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29072/image/large-05ac9476910011f3ab8e3ad3b00e312a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29072"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29070/image/large-63643c1182f83430f7573e2535c5a25f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29070"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29069/image/large-b892d0b101f1c32f865947e921cb3db3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29069"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29068/image/large-45047a36e7f1c5dff069fdaf7f644dcc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29068"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29067/image/large-bb7de311ec907dc71f8af4698ec8b586.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29067"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29066/image/large-46985dea7ec23959341e368ab3798714.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29066">

In Pictures: Day 2 at the St Barths Bucket 2018

The 2018 edition of the St Barths Bucket kicked off yesterday, where some of the world’s fastest and coolest sailing superyachts spent the day preparing for three days of Caribbean racing. The first day saw the J Class fleet battle it out around the waters of the island that saw the 43-metre Vitters sailing yacht Svea took line honours, closely followed by Topaz and Valsheda.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/28966/image/large-73692c59f25871fd4a0bba578bb1b208.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28966"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/28999/image/large-fab2cb3361e4f49a349685c3e9b35b30.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28999">Images by Jeff Brown / Breed MediaWe'll be sharing a daily photo gallery from our friends at Breed Media throughout the duration of the Bucket. Check out Breed Media's work here. Breed Media's images from the show will be available <a href="http://breedmedia.photodeck.com/m/-/galleries/regatta/2018-st-barths-bucket" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here </a>and are currently available at 30% off until 29th March.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/28967/image/large-28473b1ae945d5fab3c5fb08f63d357a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28967"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/28965/image/large-3dcc9367ebf7bc35bd6fa8608a163e9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28965"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/28962/image/large-5752eb050770a0ba9440a7aff17b96eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28962"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/28961/image/large-b60efc4a6c339365d363dc905860606d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28961"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/28958/image/large-f4e8456ea1fdb1f868e44ba3fa5ea637.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28958"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/28956/image/large-deab9423d1610c605b01676733cfa117.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28956"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/28957/image/large-580c439531247d88e70122cf85bf5e86.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28957"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/28959/image/large-45b45ded11729e2ad9bb0299ca040bbf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28959">

In Pictures: Day 1 at the St Barths Bucket 2018

Some of the world's most spectacular superyachts are gathering in Gustavia's harbour once again for the start of the annual St. Barths Bucket, which will be taking place between 15th-18th March this year.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/28805/image/large-74a15b17a5921b5180258652a67da1a5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28805"> The races are going ahead as planned in spite of the host Island of Saint-Barthélemy being devastated by back-to-back hurricanes (Irma, José and Maria) six months ago, as it is now open for business again. The St Barths Bucket event has been part of the island's life since its inception in 1995 and organisers were determined that the event would go ahead this year. In addition, the Bucket Stewards from Perini Navi, Royal Huisman, Vitters Shipyard and Rybovich also lent an early hand during the rebuilding efforts on the island.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/28804/image/large-e1cde75edae66f5fe83120f99c297042.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28804"> With 26 entries this year, the fleet is down in count by a relatively small increment over last year. This year's list of attending superyachts features numerous regatta regulars. To name a few, this includes the 56-metre Perini Navi Rosehearty,&nbsp;the 46-metre Vitters-built Unfurled,&nbsp;the 32-metre Danneskjold,&nbsp; the 46.65-metre Royal Huisman Wisp&nbsp;and the 39.4-metre Camper &amp; Nicholsons Velsheda -&nbsp;built in 1933 - which will be racing in the J Class this year.&nbsp;The attending superyachts range in length from 27.7 to 77.6 metres and include three historic J Class Yachts that will begin their four-day class competition with two windward/leeward fleet races today. The fleet as a whole will kick off their three-day series of racing across scenic coastal courses tomorrow. As usual, the Js will be fleet racing under their own class rules, with the others competing in timed-start pursuit races under the ORCsy and ORCcs rating rules and the special racing rules of World Sailing’s Appendix SY.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/28803/image/large-8305ff7b90032f92720bb706fbb1458f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28803"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/28801/image/large-9b184db008ab69c5e8b174f4d2aed265.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28801"> "Even before we knew how things were going to turn out or how many boats would come across the Atlantic or from the States or the islands, the Bucket Stewards committed to the regatta and to helping our friends here in St. Barths,”&nbsp;said Race Director Peter Craig, explaining that the hurricane damage presented an opportunity to apply the traditional St. Barths Bucket donation (annually derived from stewards and owners and typically set aside for a local charity) to the addressing island’s urgent needs and providing critical supplies. “Never undersell the people of St. Barths,”&nbsp;added Craig. “They all came together, and look what they accomplished. And as far as the competition we’re expecting, any time you get 26 Superyachts together you’re going to get a good show."<img src="/uploads/store/photo/28800/image/large-6f0191d2da21f09d8394a056dd8567dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28800"> <img src="/uploads/store/photo/28790/image/large-1cb6bff597a643ce4250db5bf9c5c143.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/28790">Images by Jeff Brown / Breed Media&nbsp;We'll be sharing a daily photo gallery from our friends at Breed Media throughout the duration of the Bucket. Check out Breed Media's work<a href="http://breedmedia.photodeck.com/m/-/galleries/regatta/2018-st-barths-bucket" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""> here.</a><a href="http://www.breedmedia.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">&nbsp;</a>Breed Media's images from the show will be available <a href="http://breedmedia.photodeck.com/-/galleries/regatta/2018-st-barths-bucket" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here&nbsp;</a>and are currently available at 30% off until 29th March.&nbsp;

2018 St Barths Bucket kicks off today 

Picture perfect conditions greeted the fleet of sailing yachts at the start line on race day 2 of the St Barths Bucket Regatta. Wind speeds of 14 – 17 knots made for excellent Caribbean sailing conditions allowing the group to enjoy fun, yet fast sailing around the 25 nm course. The team from <a href="http://www.breedmedia.com/" target="_blank">Breed Media</a> is on the water and in the air at the regatta and shared these incredible images with us.

In the J Class races, <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> managed to escape the fast <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> with less than 200 metres separating the two at the end. <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/367">Rosehearty</a> once again crossed the line ahead of her class competitors and is looking strong for a class win comes Sunday. The new kid on the block, Vitter’s 46m <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5560">Unfurled</a>, had to settle with a 4th place finish following her performance on Friday that earned her top spot in the first race. Perini Navi’s <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/44">P2</a> was looking particularly good on the water today, and managed to cross the line first ahead of <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4019">Ganesha</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1626">Lady B</a> in Class B.

Photos by <a href="http://www.breedmedia.com/" target="_blank">Jeff Brown / Breed Media</a>.

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Photo gallery of St Barths Bucket Regatta Day 2

A fleet of nearly 40 sailing yachts jostled at the start line off the island of St Baths yesterday for the start of the oldest annual sailing regatta in the world. Day 1 of the 2016 St Barths Bucket saw the field take on a 20+ nm course around the island. Our friends at <a href="http://www.breedmedia.com/" target="_blank">Breed Media</a> is on the ground this week, and sent us these exclusive images.

In Class A it was Vitter’s brand new <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5560">Unfurled</a> that took the honours, outrunning <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163">Visione</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4304">Nilaya</a> with mere seconds separating the top three. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/367">Rosehearty</a> once again proved to be the fastest between her Perini Navi sisters, holding on to a lead in Class E over Fritzroy's <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3355">Ohana</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4146">Seahawk</a>. The largest yacht in the field, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288">Athena</a>, was unable to take part on Day 1.

Yesterday was the second day of racing for the J Class fleet. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> was the first across the line in race 1, with <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> returning the favour yesterday. The Holland Jachtbouw-built <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632">Topaz</a> finished last in both races, but is not yet out of the race. With tight race times and two further races remaining, anything can happen in this exciting class.

Enjoy these exclusive photos by <a href="http://www.breedmedia.com/">Jeff Brown of Breed Media</a>

Exclusive photo gallery of St Barths Bucket Race Day 1

Taking place each year around the jet-set Caribbean island of St Barths, today will see the start of four days of racing where a fleet of nearly 40 yachts – ranging from 23 to 90 metres - battle in six different classes in the waters around the island of St Barthelemy. Having started over 20 years ago, the annual St Barths Bucket Regatta is one of the most prestigious yacht racing events on the winter racing calendar, and draws to a close on Sunday 20th March.

 

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This year sees the return of the magical J’s as a class to the regatta for the first time since 2013, who will get to enjoy four days of racing, as apposed to the three days of racing for the remainder of the fleet. Three J Class yachts are to meet at the starting line today, including Ranger (J5), Velsheda (J7), and the much anticipated, and latest addition to the J Cass fleet, Topaz (J7).

 

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The handicapper (ORC) will structure the race start as to have each class finish together (as apposed to the entire fleet) with an estimated gap of 8 – 10 minutes separating each class. The 90 metre Royal Huisman yacht Athena will be the largest yacht in the fleet this year, with a diversity of other shipyards being represented including Perini Navi, Vitters, Nautors Swan, Southern Wind, Alloy Yachts, Holland Jachtbouw, Baltic, and Pendennis to name a few. Event sponsor Gaastra, the renowned sailing apparel house, will again ensure competitors are able to be kitted out in some of the best clothing on the market.

 

Photos by Studio Borlengi

St Barths Bucket Regatta kicks off today

Entries for the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Solent summer celebration of 200 years, the RYS International Bicentenary Regatta, have reached sixty, organisers report, with numbers rising every day.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153850/image/large-a925a23eec82c3a1749d67f43ff66601.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153850">Four J-Class yachts will be participating, including the latest confirmed entry Rainbow, who will join Velsheda, Lionheart, and Ranger in the seven days of racing. More latest additions confirming their presence include the William Fife designed Mariquita which was built in 1911 and restored to her former glory in 2003.The 60ft day racer Spectre will also be at the show, helmed by Sir Charles Dunstone. Two time Olympic Silver Medallist Nick Rogers will be taking charge of tactics onboard. He says “The International Bicentenary is going to be a great event and we are really looking forward to using it as a platform to get Spectre going.” Completed only last autumn, this will be the first time that the Persico Marine-built flyer will be seen showing her full potential in the UK.The pair will be contesting a competitive IRC fleet, sailing alongside other classic yachts such as Saskia and Tomahawk, and grand prix racers ranging from Mike Slade’s Leopard to Piet Vroon’s winning Tonnere of Breskens.Furthermore, Royal Varuna Yacht Club, a competitive racing club located in a tropical paradise just two hours from Bangkok is fielding a team for the Bicentenary’s Level Rating class. Their crews will be sailing against a number of other club teams.By Gemma Fottles

Royal Yacht Squadron Bicentenary regatta

The organisers of the 2017 America’s Cup being held in Bermuda have invited the J Class Association to participate in a J Class Regatta. Announcing they have accepted the invitation, the event will involve all eight J Class yachts, with a minimum of six anticipated to compete in the regatta. This will mark the first time in history that more than five J Class yachts have ever raced against each other.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152656/image/large-c1d270d15cf6631f8221e9e0e8c290d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139043">Director of the America's Cup Event Authority (ACEA), Russell Coutts, commented, "The J Class era of the America's Cup is widely recognised as being among the high points in Cup history. When racing for the America's Cup in the 1930s, the J Class boats embodied grace and power with cutting-edge design and engineering. Having the J Class join us in Bermuda will create a spectacular blend between the old and new."Berthed at the centre of the Race Village, the J Class fleet will showcase the heritage and tradition of the America's Cup. The yachts will also be at the heart of the action with their own exclusive four day regatta.Louise Morton, Secretary of the J Class Association (JCA) commented, "The America's Cup Organisers have offered the J Class a unique opportunity to be part of the America's Cup for the first time in 80 years. On behalf of the Owners, Captains and Crew, we are delighted to accept their kind invitation and look forward to being part of this spectacular event."The current J Class fleet comprises seven yachts, including two of the original Js that raced for the America's Cup; Endeavour, Hanuman, Lionheart, Rainbow, Ranger, Shamrock V and Velsheda. J8 is due to be launched in May 2015, and once in the water, will mark the first time that eight Js have been sailing since 1934.By Gemma Fottles

J Class to be part of the 2017 America's Cup in Bermuda

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151646/image/large-baeea92b6f66bc0812086c4f6ef780f1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151646">Superyacht Bystander in Saint TropezBuilt by JFA Yachts in 2006, the 42 metre superyacht Bystander features naval architecture by renowned Dutch company Vripack, with Rhoades Young Design responsible for both her interior and exterior designs. Her design is based on a 1930s workboat, and she is currently being used as a support vessel for the owner’s 39 metre J-Class yacht built by Camper &amp; Nicholsons, Velsheda.Bystander has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. She accommodates up to twelve guests over several luxurious cabins, as well as up to 9 crew in total.Powered by twin 720 Hp Caterpillar engines, she has a maximum speed of 13 knots, and a cruising speed of 11.5 knots. She has a range of 4,000 nm at a speed of 11 knots. In 2007, Bystander won the International Super Yacht Award for Best 32-43m Power Yacht.By Gemma Fottles, photo by Maarten Janssen / <a href="https://www.superyachtphoto.com/media/" target="_blank">SuperYachtPhoto.com</a>

Superyacht Bystander in Saint Tropez

This year marked the 25th edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, held in Porto Cervo from the 31st August until the 6th September. 35 yachts ranging from 60-143ft took part, including seven all out racing Mini Maxis, one of which was internet entrepreneur Niklas Zennström’s Rán 5, as well as the J-Class boats, replicas or restorations of 1930s racing yachts.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150456/image/large-5d9189f89e075c02fd3efff216945efd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150456">The Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship is one of the weeklong competition’s highlights, where 72-ft racing yachts are crewed by skilled professional sailors, and races are decided by fine margins. All seven competing yachts in this year’s Championship were in contention for victory. “The boats are powerful, great to sail, versatile and the owner/driver rule allows the owners to go out and win,” explains Zennström whose Rán crew began the week as the defending champion, winner of three of the four titles to date.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150457/image/large-41161623bbeb9353cb7df64dc9299b72.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150457">Rán 5 won both races to finish third overall, while Alegre’s third and fourth places were enough to curtail Robertissima’s dreams of success and take that elusive title. “It’s a great achievement for the team to be World Champion,” said Alegre owner Andres Soriano. “We’ve been in this position twice already and we finally were able to get over the last hurdle. We sailed our own race; loose, relaxed, confident. This year the level of the competition has been raised more than any of us could have imagined.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150458/image/large-a0f0da083c8ec3ba6d6a6c677b9d48ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150458"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150459/image/large-5677a913fdf871fb7e0c9ae3d58cb384.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150459">In contrast to the Racing Mini Maxis, the four-strong J-Class provided displays of classic elegance. At 43.7 metres, Lionheart, a replica of an original design, was the largest in attendance and won the Class after a final day which saw the leadership change three times. Competition was provided by two more replicas in Rainbow and Ranger, and last year’s winner, the restoration vessel, Velsheda.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150460/image/large-741548b06042c21b3d486a3592ae18d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150460">Another exciting class was the Wally, where high performance cruisers typified by expansive teak decks and aggressive hull lines conceal chic, luxurious interiors. The competition was claimed by Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones’s Magic Carpet 3, after an epic duel with defending champion Jean-Charles Decaux’s, J One, and Claus Peter-Offen’s, Y3K. “It was a close week,” reflected Owen-Jones, “J-One sails well, I know it well having been a boat of mine. We’ve been coming here a long time, it is the one we all want to win.”By Gemma Fottles

25th Edition of Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup concludes

Running since 1996, the Palma Superyacht Cup is the longest running superyacht regatta in Europe and attracts many of the most prestigious sailing yachts from all over the world. From today until the 21st June, Mallorca’s Superyacht Cup will be underway, once again presenting five spectacular J class yachts, Hanuman, Lionheart, Ranger, Rainbow and Velsheda.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149082/image/large-bfae9b6ae725bb03a3fb21f00c342099.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149082">The boats will today race around a windward-leeward course for the historic King’s Hundred Guinea Cup before joining the 26 strong Superyacht Cup fleet for a schedule which includes one further windward-leeward and two coastal courses, held from Thursday to Saturday.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149083/image/large-d35d56cfcd3b7e3605b7738c40594033.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149083">Around Europe’s J Class regattas last year, honours were shared between Hanuman and Velsheda. Velsheda won in both Saint Tropez and Sardinia in 2013. She arrives in Palma fresh and prepared after a refit which started last November, where the vessel had weight trimmed in various areas and added as keel ballast for an improved righting moment. Her hydraulic systems have also been improved, now delivering more power and faster line speeds.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149084/image/large-0154488b4829437b7ddf9093bee16e0d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149084">This years Palma Superyacht Cup regatta holds no clear favourite, with most people contending the race is wide open. Racing is expected to encounter light winds on the first day with the sea breezes picking up over the subsequent days. Start sequences are scheduled at 1pm local time each day.By Gemma Fottles

The start of the Palma Superyacht Cup

Video: Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2013 Day 1 - Focus on the J-Class yachts

Light conditions continue to characterize the 24th Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. For day 2 of racing and under a consistent 6-8 knot breeze, the Race Committee organized two short but testing windward/leeward races for the Mini Maxis and Wally classes while the remainder of the 37-strong fleet contested a 25-nm coastal course.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145570/image/large-3acef548647444de6b61bb4bf264d958.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145570">Yesterday’s winners were: Shockwave (USA) with a first and a third in the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship; Velsheda (GBR) in J-Class; Highland Fling (MON) in Maxi Racing; Altair (ITA) in Maxi Racing/Cruising; Nilaya (GBR) in Supermaxi while J-One (GBR) and Magic Carpet 3 (GBR) both scored a win and a second in Wally.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145571/image/large-fb1c9948a560bbb19a67a2a3f4be73cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145571">Class leaders are: Alegre (GBR) in the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship; Velsheda in J-Class; Highland Fling in Maxi; Altair in Maxi Racing/Cruising; Nilaya in Supermaxi and J-One in Wally.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145572/image/large-fa1f1cb377f07f7a78ee8ebf43d7aeb5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145572">Jean Charles Decaux’s J-One, a class winner in 2007, has stolen a march in the Wally Class having taken two bullets and a second place in the competition’s three races. It leaves the rest of the seven-strong fleet with much to ponder during today’s lay day.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145573/image/large-95d619de422d38e1dba93e0d4966fcc4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145573">Those in her wake include the two Wally Centos, Magic Carpet 3 and Hamilton. Magic Carpet 3 owner Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones has a proud record at the competition and is the defending champion. Following a disappointing sixth place in the first race, a victory and a second place yesterday has given Owen-Jones and his crew encouragement for the second half of the week. He has a target in reach: “We’ve written our name five times on the wall next to the door to the Yacht Club (Costa Smeralda), the idea of putting it there a sixth time, which I think would be a record for any name, is a terribly exciting idea.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145574/image/large-092d4c0b11d8663a84458c9672ae86cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145574">After claiming line honours at the Giraglia Rolex Cup in June, Owen-Jones is happy with the progress of his new boat, competing at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup for the first time. “Probably the biggest single difference is how much faster this generation of boats is,” explains Owen-Jones. “When you feel it accelerating it really is exciting. It feels like a racing boat and that’s what we wanted.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145575/image/large-70317191e6250638f03f70d208bfb8fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145575">Magic Carpet 3 has the original Wally Cento Hamilton for company. Sir Charles-Dunstone’s 2012 launch is further down the line in terms of miles at sea. On the first day she finished ahead of Magic Carpet 3 but yesterday’s third and fifth on the scoreboard were disappointing. “We struggled against Magic Carpet 3 in the light winds yesterday. We’re hoping to be increasingly competitive across the week especially if the wind gets up,” said Hamilton tactician Ian Walker. “The two races were similar yesterday. We made nice starts, but Magic Carpet just had the edge and kept us back at the windward mark. They sailed a great race making very few mistakes.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145576/image/large-0e7a4fe9dffe6798af26100bae5f0470.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145576">In the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship, Alegre showed signs of her impressive performance in the coastal race, recording victory in the second windward/leeward race after a less welcome fifth in the first. Shockwave was the most consistent performer of the day, winning the first race and registering a third place in the second. Just two points separate three 72-ft Mini Maxis: Alegre, Shockwave and two-time champion Ran 2. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145577/image/large-2ca27a5af6e4b1f20f20663f1da70125.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145577">“Shockwave has always been the dark horse in this Class,” explains Gordon Maguire, tactician on Caol Ila R (USA), who scored a steady third and fourth in the day’s races. “I have always been impressed with the way they sail. Particularly in light airs they are very competitive.” Caol Ila R currently lies in fourth place, hampered by a poor coastal race on the first day. “We need something extraordinary to happen on another coastal race for us to make the podium,” admits Maguire. Nestling behind Caol Ila R is defending champion Bella Mente (USA), already thirteen points behind the leader and requiring a flawless second half of the week if she is to mount a realistic defence of her title.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145578/image/large-eb0b7bbdec1deec5fb95cdc8c7d9aa29.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145578">In the other classes, yesterday’s winners became leaders by repeating their first day performances. Today is a lay day at the 2013 Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. Racing resumes on Thursday 5 September. 2013 MAXI YACHT ROLEX CUP – PROVISIONAL RESULTS DAY 2Position, Boat Name, Boat Owner, Races- Total PointsMini Maxi Rolex World Championship1. ALEGRE (GBR), Andy Soriano, 1.5–5–1; 7.5 2. SHOCKWAVE (USA), George Sakellaris 4.5–1–3; 8.5 3. RAN 2 (GBR), Niklas Zennstrom 3-4-2; 9 Maxi Racing 1. HIGHLAND FLING (MON), Irvine Laidlaw, 1–1; 2 2. MORNING GLORY (GER), Hasso Plattner, 2-2; 4 3. AEGIR (GBR), Brian Benjamin, 5–3; 8 Maxi Racer / Cruiser 1. ALTAIR (ITA), Paolo Scerni / Roberto Tomasini, 1-1; 2 2. NEFERTITI (GBR), Anders Nordquist, 2-2; 4 3. WINDFALL (RSA), Southern Wind Shipyard, 4-3; 7 J-Class 1. VELSHEDA (GBR), Tarbat Investment Ltd, 1-1; 2 2. RAINBOW (NED), Chris Gongriep, 2-2; 4 3. RANGER (CAY), RSV Ltd. ; 3–3; 6 Supermaxi 1. NILAYA (GBR), Filip Balcaen, 1-1; 2 2. FIREFLY (NED), Eric Bijlsma, 2-2; 4 3. ONLY NOW (TUR), Chelsea Yachting Ltd., 3-3; 6 Wally 1. J ONE (GBR), Jean Charles Decaux, 1–2-1; 4 2. MAGIC CARPET 3, Sir Lindsey Owen Jones, 6–1–2; 9 3. INTI (ITA), Lauro Buoro, 3–6-3; 12 Photos by Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2013 Day 2: Consistency counts

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup: sunny clime, rocky outcrops, ideal wind conditions and high-class sailing. 2013 marks the 24th edition of the world’s premiere rendezvous for Maxi yachts held in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. Five days of racing on the Costa Smeralda commences today with 37 eye-catching Maxi yachts (ranging from 60 to a gigantic 157-ft) negotiating an environment as challenging as it is dramatic.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145550/image/large-0ca330816685d31ecc9c46ceb0dcd0d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145550">“The two things which make the event unique are the race courses and the participants,” explained Riccardo Bonadeo, Commodore of event organizers Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. “The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup from the very beginning has always been the event of excellence for ocean-going boats. And the environment is perhaps the most spectacular and technical in the world.”“Somebody has got to tell me if there is a better place to go sail boat racing than Porto Cervo,” revealed Peter Craig, Principal Race Officer. “All the owners and sailors look forward to it like no other event. It’s a gorgeous venue with reliable breeze. One group of sailors, the navigators, may be the only people less enthused because there are plenty of rocks to negotiate around the coastline!” The event, co-organized with the International Maxi Association was first held in 1980 and has been the jewel of Rolex’s global yachting portfolio since 1985.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145551/image/large-79473baca79412331b92d926bd48ff17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145551">Preparation, whether physical, strategic or tactical, plays a crucial role in the lead up to a contest that demands perfection and where competition across the board is fierce. Crews started the last day before racing undertaking tailor-made fitness regimes onshore before honing starts, manoeuvres, tactics and communication on the water.The 37-strong fleet comprises 13 yachts competing in the fourth running of the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship. The Class, governed by an owner/driver rule, is in the ascendancy with a host of yachts in contention this year. Ran 2 (GBR) won the first two editions in 2010 and 2011. She narrowly relinquished her title in 2012 on countback to Hap Fauth’s fellow 72-ft Bella Mente (USA). Understandably, Zennström and his crew are determined to reclaim their title. “The (Mini Maxi) boats are amazingly fun to sail. They are powerful and for monohull sailing boats as good as it gets today,” explained Zennstrom. “The fleet is getting closer which means there are more boat on boat situations at [mark] roundings, and close crossings, which sharpen your skill as a helmsman.”Zennström offers a personal insight into what it takes to win such a highly demanding event: “All teams are good. It’s about making the fewest mistakes. It’s not about trying to win every single race but being consistent and not having any shockers.” Ran 2’s list of rivals is formidable – the aforementioned Bella Mente, Andres Soriano’s brand new Alegre (GBR), together with Caol Ila R (USA), Shockwave (USA) and Stig (ITA).<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145552/image/large-341745e5fb15cfd17c8f37199d97d214.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145552">An absolute contrast to the cut and thrust of the ultra-modern Mini Maxis is provided by the presence of four elegant timeless J-Class yachts, all in excess of 120-ft. Two of which – Shamrock and Velsheda – were first launched over 80 years ago. The sight of these yachts gliding elegantly through the Maddalena Archipelago will provide onlookers with a vista of rare grace. Equally, the talent and technology offered by the Maxi, Supermaxi and Wally classes – showcases for contrasting styles and designs - will provide compelling sailing. The largest attending yacht is the 157-ft Nativa from Italy.“Weather-wise it’s going to be a little bit of everything, starting off relatively light but towards the end of the week we will see more breeze,” forecast Craig. “It’s going to be a terrific week.”Photos by Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup starts today

It was a supermooon that rose over the Es Baluard Museum where the prize giving dinner was held on Saturday night, it was the closest that we will see the moon to the earth this year and the perfect symbol to celebrate not only the longest day of the year, but the end to the 2013 Superyacht Cup in Palma. The guests and crew of the 20 participating yachts enjoyed cocktails and canapés whilst they grooved the night away to a fantastic live band.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144778/image/large-75b8b7f057007912f98ea96e2d88decd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/144721">This week has also seen some exceptionally close racing between the two Classes in the 15 strong Superyacht Fleet. In Class 1, the performance Perini P2 picked up the Yachting World starters prize for the most consistent starts (all under 5 seconds), with stiff on water competition from the 45m Dubois sloop Salperton, helmed by Shirley Robertson, and Rebecca the Frers designed ketch built at Pendennis racing back in the Med for the first time since 2007. On corrected time, Highland Breeze flying her Gaastra spinnaker was the overall winner, her Owner congratulated all for a fantastic time, and threw down the gauntlet for next year's event.In Class 2, the female Owner driver of Heartbeat , one of the Claasen Yachts, was estatic to be collecting the Big Bent Cleat trophy for the first time holding off last year's winners Maria Cattiva to second. Third placed Atalante collected their prize courtesy of Nespresso, with praise for the event and race management team saying "it was another great week at the Superyacht Cup it all worked perfectly."It goes without saying that the "cream on the cake" was to see 5 of the magnificent J Class Yachts fleet racing with a mix of windward leeward and coastal courses for the first time in the Med, with the hopes that this will see the beginnings of a growing class of these unique and historical yachts. It's exciting times, competition is tough and the calibre of crew is impressive "it's the who's who of yachting", commented Jerry Kirby sailing aboard Hanuman, "we have the best sailors in the world right here right now."<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144779/image/large-0f2a7c0d9a15e288bc9d6a3f2a590a20.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/144719">Even with a fairly even playing field, it was Hanuman who took three bullets this week showing that the boat is quick and certainly "has legs". Jim Clark, the Owner of Hamuman, extended his thanks to the Owners of Velsheda and Ranger for having the vision to create the competitive J Class fleet that we see today.Sunshine and the steady afternoon sea breeze made for perfect sailing conditions in the protected bay of Palma "it's by far our favourite regatta of the season" commented one crew member."Racing this week has been brilliant", thank you to the Race Officers Ariane Mainemarie and Gasper Morey for setting fair and interesting courses, as well as to John Winder from SYRA.The Superyacht Cup +34 971 402 553 <a href="mailto:info@thesuperyachtcup.com?subject=SYC%20article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@thesuperyachtcup.com</a> <a href="http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/" target="_blank">www.thesuperyachtcup.com</a>Photos by Merijn de Waard

Magnificent racing at the Superyacht Cup

Maria Cattiva - the Huisman built Bruce King design - was the fleet victor of the second day's racing at the Superyacht Cup Palma, with Highland Breeze the Nautor Swan 112 winning Class 1. Over the line, the Hoek designed Firefly took line honours for the second time, it was quite a sight to see all the superyachts running down wind towards the finish line just behind the magnificent J's.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144719/image/large-f2ff998a4be7781cd62ea6a4d6e2bf7d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/144719">"Another fantastic day out," said Melle Boersma, the helm aboard Tulip " it was a little lighter than we would have liked, but a good opportunity for us to practice our sail handling - we are a new boat with a new crew so are on a steep learning curve, but we are having fun and today was the best day out by far!" Tulip may not be placing so well in the standings but definitely making up for it on shore by winning the finals of the Boat Blow competition organised by Jongert.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144720/image/large-28f764ffd8fe6a0011ab695df9a959a8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/144720">The J's finished up their third race of the regatta and their first coastal race – Hanuman unfortunately was over the line at the start and was scored with an OCS. Lionheart however, had a fantastic day on the water leading from the first mark, "the Owner helmed his best race ever," said Bouwe Bekking, the tactician aboard. Results over the line saw Lionheart first, Ranger second, followed by Velsheda and Rainbow . This changed the overall standings, with Lionheart leading by one point from Ranger and two points from Hanuman.Heartbeat was the overall victor of the Superyacht Cup in Palma 2013; saturday's first gave her the edge over Maria Cattiva and Atalante in Class 2.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144721/image/large-f6849da889e22387add8dd5fe0fff46a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/144721">Manon Borrius Broek, the Owner on board Heartbeat was over the moon with the result, she bought the 23.8m Claasen yacht specifically big enough (and still the smallest in the fleet) so that she could enter the Superyacht Cup. "It was our dream to participate in the Superyacht regatta, we have been fine tuning for 3 years and are now the winners. We are very happy."<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144722/image/large-b94bd2ad3ad3d4ca6afadcd2adef68c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/144722">In Class 1, Highland Breeze ranked first overall in front of P2, Salperton. However competition was tough in the last legs of today's final race; Salperton had the edge on P2 and Rebecca as they rounded the final mark, however lost out to P2 over the line as they had to put a final gybe in to lay the line.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144723/image/large-c350f94875e95a5578a736ff68980975.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/144723">Freya has put in some consistent results over the event, Mike Toppa the tactician aboard summed up the general feeling of the event perfectly; "We have been having a ball, the sailing here is fantastic. The Owner has never raced before and is doing a great job at driving his boat, he is here with his friends and family and having a brilliant time."<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144724/image/large-5796730099330278da19b35b7a4f0929.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/144724">For the J's, it was all about the start in their last coastal race today. Velsheda charged the line and had by far the most spectacular start of the regatta.The all important first beat saw Hanuman round the first windward mark first, followed by shortly after by Velsheda. The next leg was a short reach, with Hanuman, Velsheda having a good lead on Ranger, Rainbow and Lionheart. Hanuman continued to lead the procession around the 2 hour course,second place was Velsheda making good on her fantastic start, followed by Ranger, Lionheart and Rainbow. Overall results, see Hanuman the victor (this will be 7 out of 8 firsts for her), Lionheart and Ranger have equal points however with a first in Race 3 Lionheart takes second, with Velsheda fourth and Rainbow fifth.Photos by Merijn de Waard

Heartbeat overall winner of the Superyacht Cup

The first day of the Superyacht Cup proved to be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the powerful J’s. Conditions in the bay of Palma were predictably perfect with the early afternoon sea breeze averaging 15-19 knots and wave height of only 1.5m, a contrast to the last battle of the J’s in St Barths – teams yesterday were anticipating that the flatter more protected sea would provide a more level playing field where tactics and team work would be paramount.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144635/image/large-4c7ccd64d63c9fe80324b13a0cd8ea3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/144635">An all clear start at 1.05pm for a 3 lap windward leeward, with Lionheart taking the windward end of the line. The right hand side of the course seemed to pay off for the first beat, and indeed for most of the race. Those that headed towards the cathedral seemed to have the advantage.Lionheart led Hanuman around the first mark, and it was a tight pack that followed with only boat lengths between the 5 J’s. At the first downwind gate it was neck and neck between Hanuman and Lionheart on the rounding, however on the second beat Hanuman gained a steady lead favouring the right hand side of the course.Nearing the top windward mark Hanuman was nearly a full ten boat lengths in front of Lionheart, before Lionheart unfortunately had an issue with her jib enabling the rest of the fleet to catch up and give Hanuman the clear lead. Second around the mark was Velsheda, followed within seconds by Rainbow and Ranger; Lionheart was quick to rejoin the race although now at the back of the fleet.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144636/image/large-25b9d6c94e761487d8a2446edf37c4e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/144636">The second downwind leg saw another movement in the positions, Hanuman still in the clear but Ranger again taking the preferred side of the course took second round the mark from Rainbow by a close 30 seconds. Velsheda, with a torn spinnaker meant that she was last through the gate. Up the last beat, Ranger kept a good four boat lengths over the remaining fleet, covering Velsheda as she tacked over.At the last windward mark, Hanuman retained first, followed by Ranger four minutes later. The tousle was now on between Rainbow, Lionheart and Velsheda, who were covering tack for tack.The last downwind leg was glorious, a true spectacle that all had come to be party to. It was a close race, after two hours all 5 J’s crossed the line within five minutes of one another.On corrected time Hanuman won by one and half minutes, Ranger took second with the closest finish between Lionheart and Rainbow whose positions were reversed on handicap with Lionheart taking third by eleven seconds.After racing Ken Read, helmsman on Hanuman said "Today was what it should be like. If today was your first day's sailing it couldn't get any better and you might as well retire! The conditions were what you would pray for. The calibre of racing is fantastic, it is impressive how all those magnificent machines are being sailed."Today will see the first race for the 15 Superyachts, and the second windward leeward for the J’s.The Superyacht Cup +34 971 402 553 <a href="mailto:info@thesuperyachtcup.com?subject=SYC%20article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@thesuperyachtcup.com</a> <a href="http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/" target="_blank">www.thesuperyachtcup.com</a> Photos by www.clairematches.com and Ian Roman

The first day of the Superyacht Cup

The Superyacht Cup Palma, which will be held from June 19 -22nd, is in its`17 th year, and attracts some of the most spectacular sailing superyachts in the world to an annual regatta in the Bay of Palma for four days of competitive sailing and a relaxed and informal social programme.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144420/image/large-c04818181b277351c9137a621c756d26.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/140380">As builders of several of the participating yachts, Dutch yacht builders Claasen Shipyards are returning as Silver Sponsors for 2013. The yachts they have built competing in this years regatta include the stunning J Class yacht Lionheart , the F Class Firefly and the 27m classic Atalante. This impressive range of beautiful yachts highlights their world-class skills and craftsmanship.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144421/image/large-10a5851270400bd955c3f9b9c4e517a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/135937">Organisers also welcome back Silver Sponsors, Marina Port Vell. Located in the heart of the Spanish City of Barcelona, a favorite vibrant cosmopolitan destination for yachts of all sizes, the Marina is currently undergoing a huge transformation to create 162 fully serviced berths for sail and power yachts up to 180m. The significant investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure and new seven-star services will position the marina as one of the leading superyacht destinations in the world.Based in the Netherlands, Rondal is a powerhouse of the superyacht industry, serving a global clientele. Modern engineering skills, excellent craftsmanship and a constant emphasis on ingenuity are the hallmarks of a company that believes above all in forward thinking. They have had a long-standing relationship in supporting the Superyacht Cup Palma and building relationships with their clients participating in the event.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/144422/image/large-0c416e5c936fbac185148aaee6f5d4bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/143799">The highly experienced race team at Real Club Nautico de Palma headed up by Gaspar Morey will again manage the all so important racing. The Superyachts will be using the new ISYR rating system, which was well received at the recent British Virgin Islands regatta and the St Barth`s Bucket, whereas the J Class yachts will fleet race in their own class under their JCA rules.The SYC Dock is now at full capacity with 19 entries and a few places remain for yachts who shall be accommodated in close proximity. As in previous years the yachts will be berthed stern-to at Moll Vell (formerly Pier 46) and STP and a central tented area will be the base for the post-race social programme. The Prize Giving Evening will be held at Es Baluard Museum overlooking the Paseo Maritimo and the yachts in the Port of Palma with live music from Groov Collectiv.The participating yachts are Atalante, Drumfire, Firefly, Freya, Hanuman, Heartbeat, Highland Breeze, Lionheart, Maria Cattiva, Only Now, P2, Penelope, Rainbow, Ranger, Rebecca, Reesle, Salperton, Scorpione Dei Mari, Tulip and Velsheda.The Superyacht Cup +34 971 402 553 <a href="mailto:info@thesuperyachtcup.com?subject=SYC%20article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@thesuperyachtcup.com</a> <a href="http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/" target="_blank">www.thesuperyachtcup.com</a>

19 Superyachts to participate in Superyacht Cup Palma

After a phenomenally successful 2012 that included winning the Kings Hundred Guinea Cup in Cowes, the 44-metre J-Class Lionheart started the new season with a splendid performance in the St Barths Bucket Regatta. The many years of research &amp; development by Andre Hoek and his design team in the Netherlands and the construction expertise of Claasen Shipyards again paid dividends in St Barths: Lionheart came second overall in the special J-Class races category and took home the special 'Corinthian Cup' for best non-professional helmsman.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/143819/image/large-45869937bcf4418c6422e3972d6bed00.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/140365">The St Barths Bucket is always a great way to inaugurate the new regatta season in the fabulous surroundings of the Caribbean, but the 2013 event will also be remembered as the first occasion that five J-class yachts squared up against each other. Velsheda, Ranger, Hanuman, Rainbow and Lionheart competed in four incredibly close races in varying conditions under the J-class Association handicap system.The first day saw the giant sailing yachts go head-to-head in an upwind downwind race in approx. 15 knots of wind. It was a tight race from the outset as Lionheart and Hanuman roared ahead of the fleet. Lionheart was in pole position at the last upwind beat but on the last leg of the race Hanuman went extreme and gained due to a massive shift and took the honours on the final downwind lap.On day two of the Bucket the wind had lessened to between seven and ten knots for the race around the island. Hoisting a massive code 0 on the first fetch gave Hanuman an immediate advantage as she was the only J to be carrying such a sail onboard. Hanuman took the gun with Lionheart second again.Day three was in 25 knots of true wind with squalls and some pretty unpleasant rainy weather. Lionheart was in a luffing duel with Rainbow and over the line early, forcing her to jibe back and start again. Although she almost managed to catch up with the fleet Lionheart could not win any more on corrected time and had to settle for fourth spot.Lionheart had saved the best for last on day four, which featured an extra J-class race around the island in 20 knots of breeze and some pretty heavy swells. She had a great first upwind beat coming back from third position to lead the fleet. Hanuman and Lionheart then jostled for pole position all the way to the finish in a very exciting race that saw Lionheart eventually take line honours just two seconds ahead.All in all, St Barths Bucket 2013 was a thrilling race event featuring some of the world’s top sailors. Hanuman and Ranger had fully professional crews while about half the crew onboard Lionheart and Rainbow were amateurs. Ken Read was at the helm of Hanuman, Earl Williams helmed Ranger and Marc Neeleman took the wheel onboard Rainbow. Both Velsheda and Lionheart had their owners at the helm, and the latter was delighted to win the Corinthian King’s Cup.All the Js had professional tacticians, including Bouwe Becking on Lionheart. “This was only the fourth regatta for the owner and he did remarkably well,” says Becking, who felt that the decision to have the J-class yachts sail fleet-style in their own group in the same regatta as the superyachts sailing pursuit-style worked perfectly. “It was great that we had our own start procession as it would not have worked any other way. The Js are much harder to manoeuvre so the emphasis on safety is good. It was a really incredible experience and we owe a great thanks to the Bucket Committee and the J-Class Association.”Andre Hoek was also among the crew onboard Lionheart. “Races with the Js are by far the most competitive superyacht contests with a very good handicap system,” he comments. “These mighty vessels are very close to each other in racing terms and all finished within five minutes of each other on a two-and-a-half-hour race. I was delighted with Lionheart’s performance in coming second overall and we look forward to seeing more J-class yachts being built in the future.”The next to be launched from Hoek Design’s boards will be J8, which is presently under construction. Meanwhile, four J-class yachts are gearing up to go bow to bow again at the upcoming Superyacht Cup in Palma this June.Hoek Design Naval Architects +31299372853 <a href="mailto:info@hoekdesign.com">info@hoekdesign.com</a> <a href="http://www.hoekdesign.com">www.hoekdesign.com</a>

Lionheart shows her heels in St Barths

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/142599/image/large-85adf91ea26190e3d658248ace87c0e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142599">Bystander in the Caribbean The 42 metre <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1480">Bystander</a> was ordered by her Dutch owner as the replacement for his 32m Feadship from 1963. She is used as a support vessel for the owner’s J Class yacht, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a>. She was built in France, at the JFA shipyard, and the design by Vripack and Rhoades Young Design, stems from 20th century workboats.By Maarten Janssen, photo by Bob Paylor

The luxury support vessel Bystander

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/140631/image/large-023a61ddfa544b530addb47c24d5a2ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/140631">The J class VelshedaDesigned by Charles Nicholson and built by Camper &amp; Nicholson in 1933 in Gosport. She was Nicholson's second design for a J Class and Stephenson's second big yacht. Velsheda was named after Stephenson's three daughters, Velma, Sheila and Daphne. Velsheda often participates in regatta's, most recently in the J class regatta in the UK.Photo by Benoit Donne

The J Class superyacht Velsheda under sail

After 12 years as Secretary of the J Class Association, and the great success of the two UK J Class events this year, David Pitman is retiring from the role. This has been a fascinating era for the J Class, starting with the inaugural meeting of the Association in 2000. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/140295/image/large-f5860bea9ef1205ea4d8d0fb536026d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139470">David created the constitution and a set of rules that would defend the historic original yachts (Shamrock V, Velsheda, Endeavour) but would allow for the building of new yachts, to original hull lines plans. This led to interest in new projects. David is extremely proud of his role in assisting the development, build and launch of four new J’s - Ranger in 2002, Hanuman in 2009, Lionheart in 2010 and Rainbow in 2012. One more yacht is nearing completion at Holland Jachtbouw Shipyard, whilst two more have plans approved and are scheduled to start shortly. Few people can have such a lasting, visible legacy of their work with four new J Class yachts on the water and three more on the way. The two major UK regattas were a culmination of many years of planning, and he is delighted to have completed these events with such success, bringing four J Class yachts to the UK for the first time in over 70 years and putting on racing to rival the glory years of the 1930’s. Regatta organisation is a complex task, encompassing container movements, berthing for yachts and support ships, awareness of large crew requirements, plus all the onshore activities that make a successful event. In his last two years as J Class Secretary, David laid the foundations for future events at top sailing destinations around the world. His superyacht knowledge and contacts were invaluable in the formulation of these long-term plans. David leaves a legacy of a strong class association, comprehensive rules, accurate handicap and measuring systems, unique event trophies and seven J Class Yachts on the water, with more in construction and planning. David stated: “It has been my pleasure to work and sail with the J class fleet for more than 15 years, creating an environment where the Class can grow and flourish”. J Class Association <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%202012%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

David Pitman retires as secretary of the J Class Association

A difficult first day began with strong winds and a fierce outgoing tide facing the four yachts at the start of the Solent regatta. Ranger crossed the start line first, followed extremely closely by Velsheda and Lionheart, with Rainbow a few seconds behind. Lionheart and Rainbow crossed onto the North shore for the long beat into a strong 20 knot SW wind and building sea. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/140195/image/large-8401c1cf04f5ce8e91024b9a83caa4e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/140195">Ranger and Velsheda elected to work the Island shore, where the stronger outgoing tide was expected to work in their favour. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/140196/image/large-e04d56c244d893c4cb06d86c43c1e55b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/140196">At the weather mark, now crowded with spectator boats from all around the Solent, Ranger rounded first, with Lionheart close behind, followed by Rainbow and Velsheda, who had slipped back. Ranger gybed and set onto a symmetrical kite whilst Lionheart split from her with a bearaway set onto an assymetric kite. Ranger then drew ahead, sailing the best angles into the foul tide with the symmetrical. The gap between the yachts never opened up significantly. Ranger led 100 metres from the finish line and just squeezed across first, despite a very strong finish from Lionheart. 1st Ranger 2nd Lionheart 3rd Rainbow 4th Velsheda J Class Association <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

Difficult first day at J Class Solent Regatta

Thursday saw another magnificent day's racing for the Js. Race 2 got underway on the wind towards Lymington against the last of the flood tide in a 15 knot Westerly breeze. Ranger and Velsheda approached the leeward end of the line early and Ranger found herself trapped between the inner distance mark and the committee boat. Velsheda had to restart after being two seconds early for the gun. Lionheart and Rainbow made clean starts but Lionheart flew a protest flag after being fouled by Ranger, who was clearing the line on port. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/140197/image/large-c912fe896efa89b06f9672ce649dfe9b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/140197">The long beat on the last of the flood tide to Solent Bank typified racing in the western Solent. Lionheart led followed by Rainbow, Velsheda and Ranger. Places did not change on the run back to Elephant. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/140198/image/large-ded98962d1afcf28f4606c248468e4c2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/140198">The breeze freshened as the yachts headed West again, this time to Lymington Bank mark where Lionheart consolidated her lead, putting a loose cover on the fleet. Here the tail-enders closed on the leaders with the strong Westerly tide. The leader, Lionheart, did a gybe set and headed back to the mainland shore to find the shallow waters, and Rainbow and Velsheda followed. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/140199/image/large-35ca57ef69c6124085cb9b9c6c121ffe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/140199">With little to lose and some distance behind, Ranger headed for the island shore. While this is the shortest distance back to Gurnard for the finish, the three yachts on the mainland shore gained from the significantly weaker tide. The finish saw Lionheart take the gun, followed by Velsheda, Rainbow, and Ranger. However, Velsheda won the race by just 5 seconds with a small handicap advantage; amazingly close racing for such big boats over such a long distance. A huge fleet of spectator boats followed the race and they witnessed some of the most fantastic racing seen in the Solent since the 1930s. Friday promises more spectacular racing; It is the final day of the Solent series and any boat can win the regatta on this race - Lionheart, Ranger, and Velsheda simply need first place to win the regatta, while Rainbow needs first place as well as a third or fourth-placed finish for Lionheart. The Js race for the Hundred Guinea Cup on Saturday. The intention has always been to set the course East around the island on Saturday but this will be dependent on weather conditions. We expect even more spectators today and Saturday, where the fleet of race marshals will need to work hard to prevent the spectator boats from interfering with the racing. A full race commentary is available on VHF channel 06.J Class Association <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

Magnificent day's racing for the Js

The last race of the Falmouth J Class Regatta took place in perfect sailing conditions; approximately 22 knots of wind and sunshine. The required results needed for each boat promised an exciting race as the regatta was Velsheda’s with any result except a Ranger win. Saturday’s cancellation meant that each boat’s best three results were required from the fleet’s four races. Velsheda was on 2 wins and 1 second, Ranger on 1 win and 2 seconds. A win for Ranger would see her on equal points with Velsheda and the result of the final race would be the decider. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139913/image/large-2aec7c3eecc9c8fd2604419c2afeb3a2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139913">Another very close start saw the four Js cross the line within seconds of each other. Unfortunately, Rainbow was just a second too fast again and had to turn and re-cross the line before continuing her race. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139914/image/large-7acbc92f983af45905aa7a9ab4095137.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139914"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139915/image/large-082df23b18b28a2089b29890be971244.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139915">At the first leeward mark, Lionheart rounded first, Velsheda second, and Ranger third. Rainbow was some distance behind but narrowing the gap. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139916/image/large-3320743e9fee04fe8e9c8a22763d6924.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139916"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139917/image/large-6beac0df7027e5bbc404b433c2f694f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139917">After a long beat in a strong breeze, Lionheart arrived at the windward mark with a good lead over second-placed Ranger. Velsheda rounded the top mark in third with Rainbow close on her transom. Unfortunately, Rainbow’s spinnaker slipped into the water off the leeward side and filled with water, forcing her to round up into the large spectator fleet. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139918/image/large-5f7bc55a588f529e38977d37423f151c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139918">Following a long battle to recover the spinnaker, Rainbow retired from the race. If Falmouth is anything to go by, Rainbow will be a real contender in the Solent; she’s a very quick boat and the newly assembled crew will have learned a lot from her first four races. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139919/image/large-717db997091886b0e23b1996f6f88085.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139919">The other three raced on, making great time on the downwind leg. Lionheart led, with Ranger close behind, and Velsheda in third. The boats kept these positions for four more marks, right to the finish line. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139920/image/large-7572e8aac75143fe3b1fa4738be0aa48.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139920">Lionheart did extremely well to take line-honours against the highly experienced Ranger and Velsheda. However, the final result was Ranger in first and Lionheart in second after Ranger’s corrected time put her just 35 seconds ahead, leaving Ranger as the overall winner of the J Class Falmouth Regatta. Velsheda wins the Corinthian Cup for best amateur helmsman. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139921/image/large-b0a6ef07b69955e8c4c0798a267ec3e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139921">After a highly successful regatta that was enjoyed by many spectators in some trying weather conditions, the Js will now prepare to move down to the Solent for the J Class Solent Regatta, starting on 18th July.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139922/image/large-0ea198946b18c6cf86e7abd7835a1932.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139922">Race Five results 1. Ranger 2. Lionheart 3. Velsheda Rainbow (DNF) Falmouth Regatta final results 1. Ranger 2. Velsheda 3. Lionheart 4. Rainbow J Class Association <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a> Photos by Louisa Lewis and Richard Callender

Exciting last day of superyacht racing in Falmouth

The third race of the J Class Falmouth regatta started at twelve o’clock as scheduled, with the first weak rays of sunshine and patches of blue sky that anybody had seen all week. The race began with Lionheart, Velsheda and Ranger approaching the start line together. Rainbow started to windward, locking the others out. Rainbow edged into the first lead, with Velsheda just to leeward, and Lionheart and Ranger following closely behind. The whole fleet were unable to tack with Rainbow locking them all into a long starboard tack. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139880/image/large-eb02f6fbf837d992ccf971eb64c1daec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139880">The boats arrived in a line together at the first windward mark, with less than a boat length between each. Rainbow turned first and was chased down to the 300 metre spacer mark by Velsheda, followed by Lionheart and Ranger. There was superb action from all the crew as they turned the spacer mark and launched their 10,000 sq. ft. spinnakers. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139881/image/large-b7a1629353ccd11e9d3aec501e9328fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139881">Ranger pushed past Lionheart on the first part of the downwind leg and climbed onto Velsheda’s windward side, in an attempt to overtake her. Lionheart, concerned at the opening gap between her and the others, raised her spinnaker staysail to increase sail area in a move that worked to stop them falling back but not well enough to close the distance. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139882/image/large-6d30f56a404b22b1f94b048ffb63164f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139882">As the fleet approached the leeward mark, they disappeared into a thick bank of fog. Rainbow rounded first again, closely chased by the other three, just seconds behind. Rainbow struggled with the Spinnaker drop and lost ground, reducing but keeping her lead. The gap was closed further by Velsheda’s incredibly fast sail change, her crew’s experience showing in this area. For the first time in the race, the fleet split up and chose different tactics in an attempt to grab an advantage. Ranger and Lionheart went left while Rainbow and Velsheda sailed on towards the coast. As the fleet split, they were all lost to the thick fog bank. When they reappeared, Velsheda and Ranger had moved ahead of Rainbow. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139883/image/large-715f9fcec28159b33c5f4e22e727d61e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139883">Before the next windward mark, a change of course was given by the PRO due to a change in the wind direction. Velsheda rounded the top mark first, followed by Ranger, Rainbow, and Lionheart. On the next beat-to-windward, Lionheart took a flyer to the right hand side of the course, which paid off as she beat Rainbow to the windward mark. The race finished after three hours nearly as closely as it had started. Velsheda once more took line honours. Ranger came in second, just fifteen seconds ahead of Lionheart, whose persistence and tactical bravery bought her a third-placed finish. Rainbow powered down towards the line but couldn’t close the gap. 1. Velsheda 2. Ranger 3. Lionheart 4. Rainbow J Class Association <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

Close finish at third J Class racing day

Fog delayed the start of the first race of the UK J Class Regatta series 2012, postponing the 1200 start, positioned one mile south of Pendennis Point, by one hour. By twelve o clock, the sun was still struggling to break through but visibility had improved enough to get the UK regattas underway. As 1300 approached, the number of spectators on the water grew towards the hundreds. Almost all spectators kindly complied with the race officers’ request to keep the start line clear. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139832/image/large-9d3ef8c909507cd31181f7a89b0831f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139832">After the ten minute gun, the yachts started circling and manoeuvring for the best starting positions, the atmosphere getting more and more tense as the minutes ticked away. The last few minutes were thrilling for all spectators. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139833/image/large-21d7c406f6aa9bad87f7d5f7d6b974fa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139833">At the start, the boats split into two sections; Lionheart and Ranger at the end of the line, and Rainbow and Velsheda at the port end. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139834/image/large-36f3e8f55b0f651862e0ec0de3e262bf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139834">As they accelerated towards the windward mark at Helford River, the support ribs and spectator fleet gamely tried to keep up. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139835/image/large-e9904ff4f88aca976ab43237a9fdb0ef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139835">Ranger, who had sailed on the seaward side of the course, managed to pull in front by a few boat lengths and by the time she’d rounded the windward mark had stretched her lead to 200 metres, along the short spreader reach, turning downwind and launching her 10,000 sq. Ft. Spinnaker. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139836/image/large-0ff1e860ad0a183dd1d5a356a1f36132.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139836">Lionheart was next around the mark, but after an early gybe she ran into a spinnaker problem and was forced to drop it on deck and launch another, smaller spinnaker. This proved costly as she slipped to last place further down the leg. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139837/image/large-9cf4b05f38a38011d805c1f298d901bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139837">Meanwhile, Velsheda and Rainbow sailed with spinnakers offshore, picking up a fresh wind from the seaward side and by the end of the leg, with freshening wind, closing the distance on Ranger. After around 2.5 hours of racing in various wind strengths across the bay, the race was shortened, with Ranger crossing the line first, comfortably ahead of Velsheda and Rainbow, with Lionheart some distance behind. 1 – Ranger 2 - Velsheda 3 – Rainbow 4 – LionheartJ Class Association <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

Thrilling first day of the UK J Class Regatta series

All four yachts racing in the 2012 Falmouth J-Class regatta were out practising on Sunday. With a perfect 12 knots and sunny conditions the yachts were out for more than four hours practising starts, and perfecting their impressive spinnaker handling. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139815/image/large-c5c38110d9e52ccbe057e2f71056814e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139815"><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2079">Lionheart</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016">Rainbow</a> are all using new dark North 3Di sails while <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> is using 3Dl. The black sails make a stark contrast with the horizon. After consultation with the captains, the race start has been moved to 1200 each day, weather permitting. You can view the yacht preparations from either alongside the Maritime Museum or on the pontoons. Ratings (TCFs) showing the small performance differences will be issued soon. These are calculated by the Wolfson Unit, Southampton University, to ensure the best possible fairness between each yacht. Three of the owners will helm the boats themselves, including Chris Gongriep who boasts years of sailing experience, having raced <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1183">Windrose</a> for many years before building Rainbow. Today's Race has been postponed until 13.00 due to fog in the bay. J Class Association <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

Excitement is building for the 2012 Falmouth J-Class Regatta

Shortly after the end of the St Barths Regatta, Hanuman, who had come last of the four Js by the smallest of margins, was withdrawn from the 2012 UK events programme; a big disappointment to all those looking forward to seeing her in UK waters. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139042/image/large-b6d6e6c86b5d666d9ef9e0510ce5df32.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138203">Endeavour has now announced that the owner has business elsewhere in June and cannot attend the Falmouth Regatta, so just four yachts are expected to attend, not the six that have been expected and planned for. Even though this is a big disappointment, four of these massive yachts sailing in Falmouth bay will still offer a spectacular sight - not to be missed. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139043/image/large-5188f1fbd567b66410f45446864713aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139043">Velsheda is due to arrive in Falmouth within seven days. Her support ship MY Bystander has already arrived. Ranger will very shortly berth in Ocean Village, Southampton, before repositioning to Falmouth by early June. The new yacht Rainbow, launched just before Christmas 2011, is now on sail trials in Holland in preparation for the event. She will be supported by the 57 metre ship, MV Holland. Lionheart is also scheduled to arrive in Falmouth shortly. The Js are planning to leave at the end of the Falmouth event, and reposition at Solent Refit, in preparation for the Solent regattas. Endeavour is currently still planning to compete, together with the other four yachts, making a fleet of five.J Class Association <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=Article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

Revised attendance at UK J-Class Regatta's

For the first time ever, the four J Class yachts; Endeavour, Hanuman, Ranger and Velsheda, lined up and raced against each other as part of the St Barths Bucket Regatta held this week in the Caribbean. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138625/image/large-ea266ce688c0a06e091d21a6bba8204a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138203">Fresh from the mammoth two year refit at Yachting Developments yard in New Zealand, Endeavour showed the fleet her pedigree with an impressive first race win. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138626/image/large-0571f7af4bc7e6bf8a681bbb4e4e2fdf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/130571">J Class Exhibition Race finishing order: 1st. Endeavour, 2nd. Velsheda, 3rd. Ranger, 4th. Hanuman.

Historic day for J Class yachts in St Barths

Still widely regarded as the world’s benchmark for high performance sailing yachts, the yacht that launched the superyacht career of multi-award winning designer Andrew Winch, the ground-breaking Royal Huisman ketch Cyclos III is now for sale with YPI Brokerage at an asking price of € 3,500,000. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138103/image/large-be6af43abad3b8e1a4165729f17a7073.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138103">Built in 1990 by Royal Huisman, with naval architecture by Ron Holland and showing off entirely innovative interiors by Andrew Winch, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/614">Cyclos III</a> was the ground-breaking yacht of her generation and she remains timeless even after 20 years. “What is there to say about <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/614">Cyclos III</a> that hasn’t already been said in award ceremonies all over the world,” says her YPI broker and Head of YPI Sailing, William Bishop. “She is craftsmanship, innovation and design at their very best. She represents the largest, most powerful sailing yachts of her generation – pushing the boundaries of modern yacht design from both a technical and aesthetic perspective.” <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/614">Cyclos III</a> was created to operate under sail and at anchor without the encumbrances of continuously running generators. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/614">Cyclos III</a> therefore harnesses the power of stored energy through a massive bank of gel cell batteries that allows for a hard day of sailing but importantly a quiet, ‘generator-free’, night’s sleep. “Cyclos III is a ketch built for those passionate about sailing and being at sea,” says Will. “She is exceptionally comfortable, naturally ventilated and when it comes to performance, she has power in abundance.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138104/image/large-4c1dbdd9c79d21488013e384bf01ab17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138104">Before joining YPI, Will sailed on <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/614">Cyclos III</a> as mate and subsequently as captain so he knows the yacht well. “She is truly one of the most exciting yachts to sail,” he says. “Whether that be in the challenging conditions off Oregon or powered up in the Caribbean Trades…she is a yacht you never forget.” The captain Will eventually handed the yacht over to, Captain Law, also went on to praise her highly: “I was on <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> for three years,” he was once quoted as saying, “Cyclos III beats her hands down for exhilarating sailing.” <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/614">Cyclos III</a> is now located at the Royal Huisman shipyard in Vollenhove, Holland and awaits a refit and upgrade from a new owner passionate about making sure <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/614">Cyclos III</a> graces the world’s oceans for decades to come. Yachting Partners International (YPI) William Bishop +377 99 99 97 97 <a href="mailto:will.bishop@ypigroup.com?subject=S/Y%20Cyclos%20III%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">will.bishop@ypigroup.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ypigroup.com">www.ypigroup.com</a>

Royal Huisman sailing yacht Cyclos III for sale with YPI

A vintage WWII Airshow featuring the Texas Flying Legends will follow racing at the ninth annual Newport Bucket Regatta on Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28. From 4:30 to 5 p.m. on each of those days, the Coast Guard will literally stop boat traffic off Fort Adams and Castle Hill as the public enjoys the spectacle. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/136244/image/large-92eb3dca1835a2127c163a77f3e5cdff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/136244">The Newport Bucket Airshow celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Bucket Regattas (held in Newport and St. Barth’s); it will feature six rare WWII vintage aircrafts including Last Samurai, one of only two Japanese Zeros still flying in the world; the FG-1D Corsair Whistling Death; the P-40K Aleutian Tiger; two P-51D Mustangs Dakota Kid II and Little Horse; and the Mitchell B-25 Bomber Betty’s Dream. “We’re always trying to think outside the box and figure out how to make the Bucket Regattas exciting for participants and spectators,” said Tim Laughridge, co-founder and director of the Newport Bucket Regatta. “In the past, the Bucket Regattas have been much more private events, and this year with the Texas Flying Legends making a debut in Newport, we can get the local community down to the waterfront and more involved than ever before.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/136245/image/large-993925b9b2f1ffb21e662a052af50940.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125227">The Newport Bucket is the sister regatta to the St. Barth’s Bucket held each Spring and is known for a legendary combination of thrilling big-boat racing and memorable shore-side celebrations set in the spirit of the Corinthian ideal. With 20 yachts registered to compete in Newport – including J Boats <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a>, the 37 meter Dubois/Fitzroy <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2098">Moonbird</a>, 42 meter Frers/Royal Huisman <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/595">Hyperion</a> and 35 meter Fontaine/Holland Jachtbouw <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1478">Whisper</a> – the regatta will once again live up to its reputation for hosting some of the world’s finest yachts afloat. Ironically, they are competing not for a fancy silver trophy but for bragging rights and a highly-sought-after tin bucket. The event is open to yachts over 100 feet LOA with the exception that those in the Demi Class can be 76 feet or over for 2011, in recognition of the earlier days in the regatta when the yachts competing were smaller.The Newport Bucket Peter Craig <a href="mailto:peter@bucketregattas.com?subject=The%20Newport%20Bucket%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">peter@bucketregattas.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bucketregattas.com/newport/">www.bucketregattas.com/newport/</a>

Newport Bucket Regatta to feature WWII airshow for the public

The J Class Newport Regatta finished on Sunday 19th June with a thrilling final race, a wonderful tactical exhibition that showcased the very best of the J Class yachts and the very best of sailing. Thousands of enthralled spectators gathered at Fort Adams, Castle Hill, and the headlands around Newport Bay over five days, as Ranger won four races to Velsheda’s one. The results, however, do not reflect the closeness of many of the races themselves, the first of which Ranger won by just one second on corrected time based on the new J Class Association handicap system. The regatta itself was superb, facilities were excellent and charming Newport was a perfect venue for this event. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/135628/image/large-be996569098583821b4007f5b78641ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/135628">With such a rich maritime history and the location of the firstAmerica’s Cup event in Js, Newport R.I. was the perfect venue for this regatta. The welcome from locals was overwhelming and many Newport sailors turned out to help manage and assist. It is hoped that the fleetwill return to Newport for further regattas in 2014. The Newport Regatta was the firstshowcase of the JCA handicap system, created by the Wolfson Unit at Southampton University. This new system is based on VPP calculations and was validated from towing tank results achieved from the 1930s prepared for Harold S Vanderbilt, who went on to commission the 1937 <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a>. Sparkman and Stephens USA officemade this comprehensive document available to the JCA and the information provided the vital cross-check required for the Wolfson Unit to complete the figuresfor accurate handicapping of the Js in the interests of fair racing and good sportsmanship on the race course. Ratings are issued for three wind bands, 0-9 Knots, 10-14 Knots, plus14 Knots above, and two types of courses, Circular Random and Windward Leeward. This set of ratings offers the fairest measure of boat on boat performance. Corum Watches presented a wonderful perpetual trophy to Ranger, the overall winner, who also won a unique timepiece - a Corum Tide Watch. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/135629/image/large-f067ce6485e433679a78b93a212d5dce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/135629">The next big J Class event is in Falmouth in June 2012 followed by The Solent in July 2012, finishingwith the ‘Hundred Guinea Cup’ race around the Isle of Wight on the original America’s cup course. J Class Association David Pitman <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%202012%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

Thrilling finish to the Newport Regatta

David Pitman, Secretary of the J Class Association announced that the first event in the J Class Global Calendar of events will be staged in Newport, RI. Racing in the famous waters of the America’s Cup, the J Class will use this regatta to kick off a four regatta programme culminating in a race around the Isle of Wight in July of 2012 on the original 1851 America’s Cup course, for the Hunderd Guinea Cup. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133792/image/large-ff147e317e5aafd124c3da9230e56fbf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133792">In 1930, Newport was the venue for the start of the remarkable J Class era. Between 1930 and 1937 there were just 10 of these stunning yachts constructed for the purpose of winning the America’s Cup. Two of the originals (<a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276">Shamrock V</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a>) will participate in Newport, together with <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a>, a true replica of the original. Negotiations continue with other new J yachts for them join the regatta. Lars Loftus, Captain of Velsheda, said, “Our team looks forward to racing in Newport, Brad Read of Sail Newport has given us an exciting course inside the bay which will be very testing for our thirty race crew.” In response, Dan Jackson, Captain of Ranger, said, “We look forward to competing against Velsheda on Ranger’s historic home waters.” Sail Newport and the J Class Association are responsible for the on water race management of the regatta. The yachts and their teams will be based at the Newport Shipyard with crews staying at the Newport Harbor Hotel &amp; Marina. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133793/image/large-5e323fdd0f2cd20ca1d65b7b6b0867f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133793">The regatta series of 5 races will be run from June 15th to 19th, 2011 with starts and finishes off of Fort Adams. Viewing stands will be set up on the Northwestern corner of Fort Adams and other excellent viewing options will be at Castle Hill Inn and various spots in Jamestown. Working with the US Coast Guard, Sail Newport will establish safe water viewing areas along the entire course. Mr. Pitman closed the announcement by saying, “This will be the first competitive J Class regatta in the USA since the America’s Cup event of 1937 between the Defender Ranger, and the Challenger Endeavour II.” “We hope to provide five days of spectacular racing and with the continued support of the State and the city of Newport we look forward to planning arrangements for a major regatta in Newport during 2014, featuring up to 10 yachts.” J Class Association David Pitman <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

J Class regatta announced for July 2012

The grande finale of the yachting season – certainly for the classic yachts that all summer-long prowl the Mediterranean in search of competition and camaraderie – began today. Close to 300 yachts filled the Vieux Port and nearby marinas for the weeklong Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, a ‘don’t miss’ stop on the yachting circuit. Spectacular fall weather conditions, a brisk mistral from the north with clear blue skies, prevailed on the first day to please competitors and photographers alike. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132471/image/large-ec23d70af3081dd247cb1c3969e101d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132471">The Tradition class boats, which start racing tomorrow, don’t have the stage to themselves however; there is a impressive grand-prix fleet of “moderns” from maxi yachts such as the Judel Vrolik 72-footer Rán, straight from a win at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo, the Wally class’ towering 44 metre Tripp-designed <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/202">Esense</a>, to the Tofinu class, most of which at 9.5metres are just below the official minimum length, but this local fleet have been grandfathered in and seemingly up to the challenge of sailing on the same body of water as these comparative behemoths. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132472/image/large-30a25f332f26ab5755db78df809726af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132472">But it is the solely the Traditional class and, within this grouping, only boats 16 meters and over, that can compete for the Rolex Trophy – this year there are 50 entries eligible. The winner will be the boat with the overall low point score after the week of racing. The winning boat and skipper will be awarded the Trophy and a Rolex Submariner timepiece. Racing for the Rolex Trophy is the 25-meter cutter-rigged, Halloween, created by the renowned Scottish yacht designer, William Fife III, from whose drafting table many famous, head-turning, and seakindly lines came, from the turn of the 19th century through the early 1900s. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132473/image/large-5ea200a0991b16ed13f8d68d9c22f774.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132473">Halloween was launched in 1926 and was a new type of design for Fife, sort of a cruising version of the successful 15-Metre class, which included Tuiga and Lady Ann. With her original rig, Halloween was – and in fact still is – a powerful boat: shortly after her launch, she won the Fastnet Race and set a course record of 93 hrs, 13 mins (with the start/finish off Cowes). <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132474/image/large-c4f3ec277ac97ea7b051ec0662a5f972.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132474">The boat changed hands and names several times over the years; as the yawl-rigged Cotton Blossom IV she was a force to be reckoned with, winning many races in the 1950s and ‘60s. She spent a decade in the Caribbean as a charter yacht, and was refitted in the late 1980s in Newport, RI. Then, sold again and taken to the Med, Halloween was returned to her original name and cutter rig, as per Fife’s original design. In a subsequent refit her mast was lengthened and boom shortened to allow for a more easier to manage permanent backstay. Halloween newest owners bought her in 2006. Two of them, Michael Cotter and Dan O’Connor, were racing Dragons in the Med where they were told the 83-foot classic was for sale, and what started as an innocent inquiry ended up as an addition to the fleet. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132475/image/large-27d3703d89bf634e5df5b89876f3ed9d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132475">The owners, in fact, include five keen Irish sailors, from around Dublin, who have known one another for over 20 years, many of them active in the Dragon fleet and other classes as well. One of them, Michael Cotter, also owns a similar sized Reichel/Pugh-designed modern maxi yacht that he’s actively campaigned at the Rolex Fastnet Race, Rolex Middle Sea Race, and Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, where he won class in 2009. But that carbon fibre and Kevlar-built boat is light years from the likes of Halloween’s teak planking on oak frames, yet Cotter and his happy-go-lucky band of friends seem to enjoy the best of both modern and classic sailing worlds. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132476/image/large-7f46c7256d8a1e81e0ba2d64c3f633fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132476">While the boat is regularly used, and shared, by all owners in a seemingly easy-going arrangement, it is also chartered for cruising and racing. Only a few classics with such a rich history as Halloween offer an opportunity to compete in an event such as Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. The Rolex Trophy The Rolex Trophy will be awarded during Sunday's prize giving ceremony at the Citadelle.The very first winner of the Rolex Trophy in 2006 was the 25 metre Marconi-rigged schooner, So Fong. Designed by the renowned naval architecture firm, Sparkman &amp; Stephens, So Fong was built in Hong Kong in 1937. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132477/image/large-01476357089c1b6f97d57f6e2a48283b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132477">The 25 metre yawl, Agneta, built in 1951, won the Rolex Trophy in 2007. Agneta’s beautiful varnished mahogany hull and tanbark sails are unmistakable on the water. But it is the Herreshoff-designed NY 40 class Rowdy, that all eyes are on this year. Rowdy won the Rolex Trophy two years in a row – 2008 and 2009 – and is back to defend her title for a 3rdtime! <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132478/image/large-684bccd8b9a2d4a58a52e90dc027986a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132478">Rowdy is one of the New York Yacht Club 40 class, so named because the design was commissioned by the New York Yacht Club and is 40 feet on the waterline. Of the approximately 14 boats constructed, Rowdy is one of the few left. In addition to having a major refit, the boat has been optimized more recently, under owner Graham Walker’s care. Walker’s crew, including boat captain Jonathan Greenwood, have left nothing to chance, carefully tweaking and improving both the boat and how they sail her. Rowdy has enjoyed an impressive record on the classic circuit and she’ll be a formidable boat to beat. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132479/image/large-fd30fcf13b9502f9e8f291c135557f05.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132479">Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2010 Event Programme Sunday, 26 September: Welcome for yachts Monday, 27 September: Welcome for yachts; Racing in Modern division Tuesday, 28 September: Coastal race for all Wednesday, 29 September: Coastal race for all Thursday, 30 September: Challenge Day (match racing) Friday, 1 October: Coastal race for all Saturday, 2 October, Coastal race for all Sunday, 3 October: 11am, Prizegiving Ceremony at La Citadelle Photos by Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2010 kicks off

The J Class Association has just released a statement that the 42.10 metre Hanuman has withdrawn from the Antigua Classic Regatta 2010, which will start later today on the Caribbean island. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130920/image/large-71aa5d7ba0f9637eda60ecc76f78e666.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/128352">The statement reads: “Everyone had been looking forward to watching the three J yachts <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Hanuman</a>, Velsheda and Ranger compete in the four day event. We hope to see Hanuman sailing against other Js in future regattas.” Both <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> will compete in the Spirit of Tradition Class, a fleet of around 7 yachts, schooners, yawls and sloops all over 90’ LOA. J Class Association David Pitman <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%202012%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a> By Merijn de Waard

Superyacht Hanuman withdraws from the Antigua Classic Regatta 2010

The J Class Association has announced outline plans for a series of spectacular regattas in England during 2012 - the Olympic Year. This will be the first time in history that more than four of these imposing yachts will race together in a fleet. The outline plan has received a positive response from J Class owners and event planning is now proceeding. Many yachts in the fleet are now preparing to be on the start line for these 2012 events. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130298/image/large-a5e568c138b96352f99c37018bcd0abb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/128352">This J Class event will attract many thousands of spectators. There are numerous headlands and vantage points close to the race courses for viewing this spectacular fleet. The potential exists to have up to nine J Class yachts completed in time for the regatta. They include: <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276">Shamrock V</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Hanuman</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2079">Lionheart</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016">Rainbow</a> <a href="http://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/details/3030/">Svea</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632">Atlantis</a> Just 10 yachts were constructed, six in the USA and four in England. There were other designs produced but not built. During this period there were never more than four J yachts racing together. Only three originals survived the Second World War - <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276">Shamrock V</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a>. They rested and rotted in mud berths, until their rebuild and rebirth as 21st Century racing superyachts. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130299/image/large-df030fbcaec9adae6ef33b0d2bc40149.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/128351">With the formation of the J Class Association (JCA) in 2000, the possibility existed for replicas from history to be built and race again. New yachts have been launched and some are under construction. Most of these projects are expected to be completed by 2012, creating a fleet of the biggest, finest racing yachts the world has ever seen. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130300/image/large-29366519e6fc155d97c85b5783c9ca60.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/129267"><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016">Rainbow</a> is expected to launch in 2011 and could line up against <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a>, repeating the historic races for the America’s Cup of 1934. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130301/image/large-248d08cd351497d68caa069daf631b23.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126902"><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Hanuman</a> could sail against <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> in the classic repeat of the 1937 America’s Cup. <a href="http://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/details/3030/">Svea</a>, a Swedish design dating from 1937 was never built but is expected to start construction this year, 73 years after being designed. In the 1930s they were the ultimate racing yachts. Now, with advanced rigging, hydraulics, carbon masts, PBO ropes and electronic navigation systems, the new Js still represent the most demanding yachts in the world. Sailors just off TP52s and Volvo yachts declare their awe at the power, loadings, size, skill and management required to race these monsters which are around 40 metres (140 feet) long and draw 5 metres (16 feet). <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130302/image/large-cf83508bd07b7e29795a14f893b2e290.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123977">Changing a genoa on a downwind leg takes 10 minutes and commits almost all the crew to lift and reposition sails, making every tactical decision critical. Yet these yachts are incredibly maneuverable and with no guardrails, spectacular to watch, making them probably the ultimate big yacht racing platform. “Being aboard a J is about the power and glory of sailing. It provides a unique link with another era dominated by one of the most visually stunning classes ever to take to the water”. David Glenn, Yachting World “It’s fantastic to see these magnificent giant J Boats back on the water racing after some 70 years and especially to have so many new replicas of the Golden J Boat era under construction” Erle Williams, Helmsman “I had the chance to be on the start line with two other Js for the first time in 50 something years. Now I’m hooked on the power, performance and challenge of racing Velsheda against other J’ as well as modern Maxis”. Tom Dodson, North Sails.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130303/image/large-93ad8d901eba008e839372e58fb0ebd8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123978">The first regatta will be based in Falmouth, Cornwall, hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. Races will be held in the bay and along the coastline. The second regatta will be based in the Solent, the traditional home of J Class racing in the UK during the 1930s. The last race will be held over the original course around the Isle of Wight, for the 1851 Hundred Guinea Cup Race, which is now known as the “America’s Cup”. J Class Association David Pitman <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%202012%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

Series of spectacular J-Class regattas in 2012

Capture some of the original 1930s J Class magic, along with fleet news and photography in the brand new desktop J Class calendar for 2010. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/129661/image/large-10936d875a32acdb2f12df2a8a07f7ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/129661">Taking a month each, the three original yachts, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276">Shamrock V</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a> are all featured, along with the replica new builds currently on the water, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Hanuman</a>. There are further photographs and information on J Class yachts currently in build, as well as Svea who has already had her lines plans approved by the J Class Association. The history of the J Class is summarised within the calendar and many of the photographs will be seen for the first time. The calendar costs £10.99 excluding postage, or it can be obtained at an introductory offer when joining the J Class Supporters’ Club. Either membership or the calendar would make an ideal gift for friends or family who are followers and enthusiasts of this iconic class. J Class Association <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=2010%20J-Class%20Calendar%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

The 2010 J-Class Calendar

The J-Class Rainbow, designed by Dykstra &amp; Partners for a repeat client, has started building at Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw. When the hull will be ready, Rainbow will be transported to be finished at Holland Jachtbouw (HJB). The re-build of this originally William Starling Burgess Designed yacht will be under supervision of Dykstra &amp; Partners Naval Architects. Rainbow will be built and fitted out to race with the existing and new J’s according to the JCA (J Class Association) rules. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/129267/image/large-63ac024306f3a823227bfc1a1875cb76.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/129267">To keep the J-Class fleet and races alive and to encourage new build yachts to enter the field, new JCA maximum performance rules have been developed, including allowing aluminum as building material. The new rule is a VPP (Velocity Prediction Program) based rating system which puts limits to the performance. This new rule has been developed by the Dykstra &amp; Partners office and the Wolfson Unit in Southampton. The aim of the JCA, the Dykstra team and the rule is to bring fair &amp; close racing to the fleet and to give all designs a chance of winning (on a handicap based system). Over the years the Dykstra team gained an enormous amount of hands-on information by racing on all the J’s in the current fleet. Dykstra &amp; Partners have gained over 20 years of J-Class experience and where responsible for the rebuilds of the J-Class yachts: <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276">Shamrock V</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a>, refit of <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> and the new build <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Hanuman</a> (Endeavour II project). <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016">Rainbow</a> will be the 2nd new J-Class in order for the Dykstra team. More new J-Class projects in design for clients and refits under supervision of Dykstra &amp; Partners for current J-Class yachts are planned to take place in the coming year. Dykstra &amp; Partners Naval Architects +31 (0)20 6709533 <a href="mailto:info@gdnp.nl?subject=J%20Class%20Rainbow%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@gdnp.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gdnp.nl">www.gdnp.nl</a> Holland Jachtbouw +31(0)75 614 9133 <a href="mailto:hjb@hollandjachtbouw.nl?subject=S/Y%20Rainbow%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">hjb@hollandjachtbouw.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hollandjachtbouw.nl/">www.hollandjachtbouw.nl</a>

J-Class Rainbow starts construction

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/117602/image/large-df31950a83782621aa43bbb14383a446.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/117602">The 32 meter Santa Maria anchored off Juan-Les-Pins on 18 September 2008. Santa Maria was built by Feadship Royal Van Lent &amp; Zonen for a well known businessman in 1963. When she was called Bystander she was used as the support yacht to the J Class Velsheda.

Feadship's Santa Maria off Juan-les-Pins

The 19th edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo, concluded Saturday with the announcement of the winners based on the prior day’s overall results. The Race Committee and the 40 competing Maxi yachts waited and prayed to the wind Gods on the waters off Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda until 1:45, but the light and shifty breezes failed to reach more than an average of two knots of intensity and the Race Committee was forced to abandon racing for the day. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125444/image/large-0254bcadf6cafce807d3670716f27166.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125444">Overall victory therefore went to George David’s (Hartford, Conn.) Rambler, Ernesto Bertarelli’s (SUI) chartered U.S. boat Numbers, John Williams' (Atlanta, Ga.) Ranger and Lindsay Owen Jones’ (GBR) Magic Carpet2 in the Racing, Mini Maxi, Cruising and Wally divisions, respectively. With Rambler and Alfa Romeo 3 the only competitors in the Racing division, the four days saw a constant leap-frogging between the two with the last to win taking control of the overall classification. Alfa Romeo owner Neville Crichton had confided in today’s race as his last chance to seize victory but instead saw Rambler, with America’s Cup strategist Ray Davies (NZL) on board, take the top spot. “The team feels great,” said Davies. "There were a couple of breakdowns on Alfa, and that really was in our favour obviously, but aside from the lucky breaks, the team sailed really well all week, and on behalf of George David, he’s really proud of the guys.""Porto Cervo is a fantastic venue, you can’t beat it – the absolute top-notch level venue. Racing around those islands, and up through bomb alley, and all of those boats. We started in the back of the fleet and had to sail through the J-boats and Wallys – it was probably the highlight of the week.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125445/image/large-130873c028177b26e64e4972d6af2b08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125445">“It has been a really fun event for me,” commented Crichton, who had assistance from GBR's 2008 Olympic Finn Gold Medalist Ben Ainslie and several crew from the Ericsson Volvo Ocean Race team. “It’s a pity we didn’t have a chance to catch up on Rambler but that’s the way it goes. I am really pleased with the new Alfa Romeo 3 (Crichton's other boat entered in the Mini Maxi division), however. Only 15 days after being launched she showed that she is a very fast boat and one which will be very competitive next year.” Alfa Romeo 3, with Brazil’s five-time Olympic medalist Torben Grael at the helm, came in fourth in the Mini Maxi division while Bertarelli’s Numbers, whose crew included Ed Baird (St. Petersburg, Fla.), Brad Butterworth (NZL) and most of the America’s Cup-winning Alinghi team, dominated from the beginning and finished with a five point delta over second placed Rosebud/Team DYT, owned by Roger Sturgeon (Hyannis, Mass./Ft. Lauderdale Fla.). Among the stars sailing with Sturgeon, who won the 2007 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race with the same boat, was former Shosholoza helmsman Tommaso Chieffi (ITA), Malcolm Park (Santa Cruz, Calif.), Justin “Juggy” Clougher (Newport, R.I.) and Sturgeon’s wife Isobel. Jim Swartz’s (Edgartown, Mass.) Moneypenny, with an impressive American crew that included America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race veteran Paul Cayard (Kentfield, Calif.), took third place. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125446/image/large-37bebf9f30391b29510dfec0341f2737.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125446">“Having one day in the week like this is not a problem after the days we’ve had,” said Bertarelli about Saturday’s cancellation. “ It’s a shame it’s the last day because some classes still had some close racing that needed to be resolved, but overall it has been a fantastic week of sailing, no question about it.” He was suitably pleased with the performance of the crew and the boat: “It’s a crew that works like a Swiss watch, so it’s on time in the manoeuvres and the trimming is precise. It’s fun. We are very proud of the design of the boat. Rolf (Vrolijk) is our head designer for Alinghi and a lot of the things we learned with Alinghi in the last America’s Cup have been introduced on this boat and the results show on the water. We were out to have some fun and we had great racing with very strong winds the previous few days, so overall no regrets, fantastic sailing, a good result – I can’t ask for anything more!” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125447/image/large-52df4998297d553cf03f949565bfdbca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125447">Ranger, the 135’ historic replica of Harold S. Vanderbilt’s J Class yacht that won the 1937 America’s Cup, stormed to victory in the Cruising class with a clean run of bullets and an 11 point advantage over second-placed Hetairos (GER). Velsheda (GBR), the other competing J Class boat, took third place. In the Wally class, which had eight competing yachts, L’Oreal President Lindsay Owen-Jones took first place with his Magic Carpet 2 (GBR) ahead of Irvine Laidlaw’s (GBR) Highland Fling X and Thomas Bscher’s (GER) Open Season. The final overall classification shows just how close competition was in this division with only two points separating the top four boats. Each of the division winners was presented with a trophy and a Rolex Yachtmaster Timepiece at the prize giving ceremony attended by YCCS President His Highness the Aga Khan and Rolex CEO Patrick Heiniger. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125448/image/large-8c1d29d2e95ff85619203de3d9b92f85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125448">Top-class racing continues at the YCCS next week with the Rolex Swan Cup in program from 8th to 14th September. Photos by Kurt Arrigo &amp; Daniel Forster / Rolex

Winners announced at Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2008

If they ever invent a 4x4 RIB the photographers and film crews that covered today's proceedings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup will be in the market for it. A one-hour postponement saw the wind build from zip to 20 knots and more. With the wind came the sea - short, sharp and steep. Great in a Maxi, dreadful in a small motorboat. But the spectacle was spectacular. And, whilst it was not all plain sailing, today was one of those days off Porto Cervo that sailors live for. Come results time, honours were even in the Mini Maxis with Numbers and Rosebud/Team both posting a first and second in their two races. J One collected a first bullet of the week in the Wally Division; the J-Class Ranger maintained her perfect record in Cruising and Racing went to the super-maxi Alfa Romeo. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125422/image/large-187f3cfc17dd4d26c8f1b7f102002e12.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125422">Principal Race Officer Peter Craig and the race committee kept crews in the harbour for an extra hour, which would have done little to help anyone prepare for the afternoon ahead, because though the wind was expected to build no one had quite predicted what occurred. Today was the allotted day for the Mini Maxis to sail two windward/leeward races - one of 8.8nm and one of 10.8nm. What a day for it. Meanwhile, Cruising, Racing and Wally Divisions took on a 24 nm coastal race that included a short leg to windward, a run downwind to the rocks at Monaci, a fetch down to Secca Tre Monti, before a long old beat to Mortoriotto and a run back to the finish off Porto Cervo, with a small hitch into Golfo Pevero, which kept everyone on their toes. Neville Crichton's 30-metre lightening bolt, Alfa Romeo (NZL), blitzed the 24 miles in a shade over two hours. By all accounts the downwind legs were sights to behold as she lit up and took off to Monaci following the initial beat and then subsequently to the finish following the beat to Mortoriotto. George David's Rambler (USA) clung on to her coat tails, but could do nothing against the raw power that Crichton has at his fingertips finishing 14 minutes behind on elapsed time and 4 minutes down on handicap. Still tomorrow is another day and as the crew on Rambler showed yesterday she is capable of making her time. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125423/image/large-526d4724e2337f3b44dcb6a8de812d49.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125423">In the Wally Division, the day belonged to Jean-Charles Decaux's J One (FRA). She may be one of the smallest in the form, but J One has shown previously she is not prepared to be bullied by her bigger classmates. Decaux has an excellent afterguard comprising former around the world skipper Matt Humphries, Jens Christiansen and navigator Mike Broughton. But Decaux has to keep his hands on the wheel under class rules if he is not to incur a penalty. Was a day like today difficult? "It was a tough day. As usual here, we some very different wind speeds and a bit of swell so it was quite an interesting race," he responds. Do you enjoy being on the helm in these conditions? "Yes for sure, that is really a pleasure for me. I enjoy winning even more, but I enjoy being on the helm. It's hard, but when you like what you do you put in all the focus and concentration that you need." <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125424/image/large-3d8f8a1b749d1f5994301afdb6562727.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125424">The Mini Maxi Division took their medicine. It was a nasty day for windward/ leewards, especially after the two previous, relatively gentle days. In race one today, the first beat saw the top five boats in the division pull away quickly from the rest of the fleet and then make short work of the downwind leg. "It was 4 and 4" according to Malcolm Park, trimmer and project manager for Rosebud/Team DYT, explaining to the bewildered that he was not referring to an off-road vehicle, but the minutes spent on each gybe. Roger Sturgeon, owner of the STP 65, and winner of the 2007 Rolex Sydney Hobart made it sound like child's play. "It was just like sailing in Santa Cruz, California, except when the waves hit you they're warm instead of cold," he laughs. "The seas were not as flat as the other days this week, so that made it a little bouncier. But everything was fast with a lot of tight racing. At the first weather mark we had one guy above us and one below, and we're trying to survive in between." Survive they did. Rosebud went on to pass the Ernesto Bertarelli-chartered Numbers (USA) on the downwind leg and maintain her lead to the finish, where three boats crossed the line within a space of 15 seconds. Rosebud took the win on handicap too. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125425/image/large-c4367b989d71168151e0118bcc624bad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125425">It was not quite so good in the second of the day's races, where Numbers got away from Rosebud on the first run, to finish first on the water and handicap. Despite Torben Grael and his ocean-racing crew on Alfa Romeo 3 (NZL) sneaking into second on elapsed time Rosebud/Team DYT did enough to place second on corrected time. Sturgeon is really enjoying the week, "it's fabulous here. The racing's great, I love all the obstacles.the rocks. We cut a corner the other day and made a 100 yards, it's a lot of fun!" Before anyone points out that cutting corners is a little foolhardy in these waters, Sturgeon goes on to explain that he and his crew did a lot of diving before racing began to check just what does lie beneath the waves. Time well spent, as a number of boats from previous events will attest. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125426/image/large-45c9c7cb4931b2b6f13e1c6a33a3e019.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125426">In the Cruising Division the two J Class yachts renewed their private battle with a little too much vigour. A collision on the start saw Velsheda take a penalty turn, which meant their race was virtually over before it began. Worse was to befall this proud J, a standard bearer for yachts of a by-gone era, as she approached the turn at Mortoriotto and a series of mishaps led to her eventual retirement. Ranger, meanwhile, did not allow her dented bow to dent her performance. With more water over her deck than some of the submerged rocks Ranger kept up their picture perfect performance to come home third on the water, and win by some 15-minutes on handicap from Charles Dunstones' Hamilton II. Another of the spirit of tradition yachts here this week, Hetairos, added a fourth place to her scoreline to keep her in second overall in the standings. Jens Cornelson, the project manager for the boat described the day, "we had a good day, we saw about 22 kts, but the boat loves it. Some things were overpowered a little, we had some technical problems: a little breakage from the hydraulic roller furler for the genoa. So we changed down to the inner forestaysail, and hopefully we'll have it fixed for tomorrow." <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125427/image/large-896d423feac7a1c5f381228967f17acf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125427">Hetairos is one of those boats that never sits still, despite her elegant appearance. She spent the winter off East Africa, enjoying a busy cruising season. She races with a mix of amateurs and professionals, and with little opportunity to practice, her adeptness at the start and during other race manoeuvres is surprising, but down to the quality of the people on board according to Cornelson. The Race Committee expects good winds again tomorrow, when racing is not scheduled to start before 1400 in order to accommodate the International Maxi Association annual general meeting in the morning. All four divisions will undertake a coastal race and in the evening owners and invited guests will enjoy the Rolex Gala Dinner at the Cala di Volpe. Photos by Kurt Arrigo &amp; Daniel Forster / Rolex

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2008 Race Day 3: Big Wind, Big Waves, Big Day

Day 2 of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup opened with less than promising conditions. The Race Committee kept the fleet ashore until 1130, but even then it was not until 1330 that the racing began in just over 5 knots of easterly breeze. Three hours later, the Cruising and Mini Maxis had completed a 17 nautical mile course that took them to a windward mark, before reaching back west towards Capo Ferro where they entered the channel and reached off to the submerged outcrop of rocks known locally simply as Secca. From there, in a freshening breeze, they followed a fetch north to Monaci and another fetch back to Golfo Pevero, before finishing off Porto Cervo. Ranger (CAY IS) took a second bullet in Cruising, as did Numbers (USA) featuring the Alinghi crew in the Mini Maxis. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125409/image/large-b2dd3f6da525932e906effbafc7356c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125409">The Racing and Wally Divisions stretched their longer, more nimble legs a little further covering 25nm which included a long beat from Monaci down towards Mortoriotto before returning to Pevero and the finish. As they turned the corner at I. di Nibani the returning Wallys found themselves on a beam reach and at times appeared overpressed under their massive mains and spinnakers. With the foot of kites toying perilously close to the foaming bow waves, crew nerves must have been tingling. What looked a short hop must have felt like an age. Open Season was one to almost round up as she took a gust broadside, but this did nothing to upset her otherwise perfect day. Thomas Bscher's Open Season (GER), in the Wally Division, was joined by George David's Rambler (USA) in Racing on today's winner's podium. Jochen Schuemann is tactician on Open Season: “The day started with a postponement but the race committee did a very good job. They waited exactly to the moment the breeze developed and we were able to sail downwind into the islands, which look great with all these maxi yachts sailing through the rocks.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125410/image/large-b38131d097eafe704575ea2b919b0a6e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125410">Schuemann, another triple gold medallist from the Games competing here this week, continued, “we have to fight in our division with two similar-sized boats. Today we had a good start and all three were very close together. Luckily we were in a very good position to keep Magic Carpet behind us and not to lose distance on Y3K in front. Real concentration was important during the entire race, but especially close to the coast where the wind was stronger than further offshore. Tactical decisions were very important because although you can't influence the smaller boats behind you have to beat them. It is what we were able to accomplish today and of course we are very happy about. It has been the first win for Open Season since quite a long time ago. The crew did a great job today!” Whilst Y3K led the 143-foot Esense home on the water, it was Open Season that took the race ahead of Jean Charles Decaux's J One on handicap and now leads the Wally Division after two races. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125411/image/large-e079c042adb2f8460c139f6a6e0e5a9d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125411">Back to Aboukir Bay, or at least the reach past Capo Ferro and into Bomb Alley. This was great sailing for the front-runners in the Mini Maxi Division. Almost a straight-line drag race, but for an annoying gybe near the end. Neville Crichton's Alfa Romeo 3 (NZL) with Torben Grael in the hot seat led by some distance a pack comprising Alegre (GBR), Numbers, Roger Sturgeon's Rosebud (USA), Jim Swartz's Moneypenny (USA) and one or two of the smaller Wallys, such as J One down towards the unsuspecting picnickers. The wind had finally built to double figures at this point and the spectacle was complete, as the group gybed together, as though signalled to do so by the lead boat. Andy Soriano, owner of Alegre, who lives in the Philippines and is usually seen racing on the Asian Circuit was pleased with the way the day went and with progress generally, “it's a tough fleet. Every day we do a little better which is good. There was a little bit of everything today windwise, and we sailed a good race, which is important. I'm really enjoying being out there racing with a number of similar boats.” Alegre went onto to finish the race in third place on the water behind Alfa 3 and Numbers, but came in second on handicap and now lies second overall behind the word-perfect Numbers. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125412/image/large-ec2a11b28790fd8a605138eb7bb0e159.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125412">Peter Holmberg, an Olympic silver medallist, is tactician on All Smoke (GBR). Gunther Herz's 24-metre yacht, a former event winner under IMS, is struggling to keep up with the newly launched pack of IRC Mini Maxis, but finished a respectable eighth on handicap today to add to her sixth of yesterday. Holmberg paid credit to the Race Committee for getting the race underway, “I thought Peter Craig was being a bit ambitious, but he got us off at the right time. It was light at the start and these big boats can be pretty tricky in that, so it was a challenge. The breeze filled in downwind, so it was a good test of crew work and an enjoyable day.” Holmberg is also enjoying the range of courses on offer, “Today was tricky because the wind kept switching and you did not know how far it was going to change. Every boat has a navigator, the water's clear and when you have scenery like this I'd much rather race around the rocks than the buoys”. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125413/image/large-04ac4ec202ded517da4e2de76d1b35b0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125413">In the Cruising Division the two J Class yachts Ranger and Velsheda enjoyed another match-race round the course, seemingly oblivious to all that is going on around them. Ghost was first home again after a poor first leg that saw her trail the Js around the initial windward mark. Some good work on the ensuing long, downwind leg saw her open up on her more traditional looking rivals. The gap was never going to be enough, because though Ranger and Velsheda seemed only interested in each other they are sailing so well to post a 1,2 today some 13 minutes ahead of Edwin Van Der Straten's Bristolian on handicap. Ghost repeated yesterday's eighth, whilst things went very badly wrong for the mighty Salperton. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125414/image/large-cfded0a8a339410ede2bbf4dae2132e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125414">After yesterday's wide grins, Salperton was forced to retire from today's racing with hydraulic problems that will see her crew hard at work tonight to ready her for a return to the fray for the remainder of the series. After yesterday's excellent result everyone has their fingers-crossed the biggest boat in the fleet will be on the start line tomorrow. In the Racing Division, the 90-foot, conventional keeled, water ballasted Rambler struck a blow for the little guy by pulling out a win today. Despite finishing some thirteen minutes behind the 100-foot, supremely powerful Alfa Romeo, George David's crew, with Ray Davies and Peter Isler sharing the tactician's role, scraped home on handicap by a mere 18 seconds. But that is the name of the handicap game. One second, one minute, one hour - a winning margin is a winning margin. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125415/image/large-b2be7b41a373634fbe90cf39fdd909fc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125415">Principal Race Officer Peter Craig is hoping for better breeze and earlier start tomorrow. Whilst the Mini Maxis are expected to undertake Windward/Leewards, the remaining three divisions will continue to contest more of the fascinating coastal racing on offer off Porto Cervo. Photos by Kurt Arrigo / Rolex

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2008 Race Day 2

The J Class Association is pleased to announce that the name of the new Frank C Paine ‘A’ design yacht will be Atlantis. This yacht has been commissioned for a Dutch owner from original lines plans designed by Frank C Paine in the 1930’s. His J Class designs were never built although drawings for two designs were fully completed at the time. Over the past few months lines plans have been prepared by Andre Hoek Design from these original plans and approved by the JCA. Frank C Paine was the son of General Charles J Paine of Boston, a three times owner of the successful America’s Cup defenders for the New York Yacht Club, Puritan in 1885 (as part of a syndicate) and later Mayflower (1886) and Volunteer (1887). He was brought up in the world of yachts and was younger brother to an amateur yacht designer John Paine, who had designed Jubilee’for a Boston based syndicate for the 1893 defence when Vigilant had been selected by the New York Yacht Club. Frank went on to become one of the most important designers during the first half of the twentieth century. He worked alongside designers such as William Starling Burgess, and L Francis Herreshoff (son of Nathanial G Herreshoff) and subsequently was famous for the design of Yankee (originally an R class sloop), which launched in 1930 and was renowned for being fast in a breeze and the beamiest of her contemporaries. Frank C Paine became President of builders George Lawley and Son for many years. He died in 1952. Atlantis will become yet another step forward in the development of the JCA and experts will be keen to compare potential performance of this design and other new and existing designs. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125268/image/large-89599fd3938a7afa1fd92f385e478866.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125268">Olympic Games, CHINA Endeavour is currently visiting the sailing centre at Quindao, China. She is expected to refit before returning to the Northern hemisphere. Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup Both Velsheda and Ranger are expected to compete at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Porto Cervo, Sardinia, 1st to 6th September where the racing through the many islands will again prove a test of nerves for these yachts which draw 4.7 metres (16 feet). For more infomration contact the J Class Association: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com">http://www.jclassyachts.com</a>

New J Class yacht named Atlantis

What is possibly the largest, and certainly the most spectacular, annual gathering of Maxi Yachts is set to take place in Porto Cervo in just over one month. Organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, established in 1980 and now in its 19th edition, will host approximately forty maxi yachts from across the globe from September 1st to 6th and the participating yachts will range from cutting edge, high-tech, pure racers to fast, but comfortable cruisers and vintage grand dames of the sea. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125229/image/large-2d61f4d2665efd591e95bbc88637fcf1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125229">Participating yachts should be divided into up to five separate divisions depending on the number and variety of yachts entered: Mini Maxi, Racing, Wally, Cruising and Spirit of Tradition. The Racing Division will see two-time winner (2003, 2006) Neville Crichton of New Zealand with his 100 foot-long (30.5 metre) canting-keel supermaxi Alfa Romeo hoping to continue his season's run of success which includes winning the Maxi Division at Rolex Capri Sailing Week, breaking his course record in the 243-mile offshore Giraglia Rolex Cup race and sweeping the board at the YCCS-organized Boat International Superyacht Regatta where he won all three races on both real and corrected time. Alfa Romeo is not the only race winning, record-holder to compete in the Racing Division, however, as Rambler (a former Alfa Romeo), owned by the USA's George David, currently holds the race records in both the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the Rolex Buenos-Aires to Rio Race. Crichton, a YCCS Member, will also be present in the Mini Maxi Division with the August-launched Alfa Romeo 3 competing in her first-ever regatta. Like her older sister she is also designed by Reichel/Pugh and built by McConaghy, however, at 70 feet (21.14 metres) she is considerably smaller and lighter. Although Crichton himself will be racing aboard the larger yacht, he is particularly looking forward to seeing Alfa 3 compete in Sardinia to keep a close eye on the new team and boat's performance. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125230/image/large-530c2fb38a213647d843d54ff98d5b6a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125230">The Mini Maxi Division encompasses boats measuring between 60 and 79 feet and could see the best of the competition. Alfa Romeo 3 will be joined by a number of serious racing machines, all launched in the last couple of years and currently taking the grand-prix scene by storm: the 2007 Rolex Sydney Hobart winner, Roger Sturgeon's STP65 Rosebud/Team DYT, will compete alongside fellow American Jim Swartz's Moneypenny, also an STP65, which arrives fresh from battling it out at Cork Week with Andres Soriano's Mills 68 Allegre (GBR). Others to look out for include Acaia Cube, the Southern Wind yacht, chartered by well-known Italian actor Claudio Amendola with America's Cup sailors Flavio Favini at the helm and Tiziano Nava calling tactics. Carlo Puri-Negri's Atalanta II, division winner in 2006 and 2007, returns with Brazil's two-time Olympic bronze medallist Lars Grael, who will bring along his Argo project crew - an international team of sailors and athletes with physical disabilities due to participate in the 33rd America's Cup. The Wally Division will see the first-ever regatta participation of the custom 143 foot (43.7 metre) sloop <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/202">Esense</a> (ITA). Wally founder and President Luca Bassani will be at the helm of this Bill Tripp-designed "contemporary classic" which features a carbon hull, 900 sq metres of sail area and a 60 metre mast for speed, plus, for luxury, a sea terrace, glass and mirrored walls, and adjustable modular guest cabins for the ultimate in comfort. Esense will be up against past event winners Jean Charles Decaux's J One (FRA, 2007) and Lindsay Owen Jones' Magic Carpet Squared (GBR, 2006). Two J-Class entries in the Spirit of Tradition division, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> (CAY), winner in 2007, and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> (USA), may race together with the Cruising Division yachts per last year's edition. The largest yacht in the fleet is expected to be the 44m/145-foot <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/494">Salperton</a>, designed by Ed Dubois and built by Fitzroy yachts in New Zealand. Sporting a 60m carbon fibre mast, she was built to the latest yachting standards and is a sleek superyacht designed for luxurious cruising performance. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125231/image/large-ff9d403c8fb294fdf0e0097a58743a6c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125231">Racing is scheduled to take place over five days with courses set through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago off Sardinia's rugged north-eastern coast. Racing will be followed by the usual array of exquisite social events organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and title sponsor Rolex. "This 2008 season has been a particularly busy one for the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda," commented YCCS Sports Director Edoardo Recchi. "We had six events back-to-back in May and June alone, including two world championships. Now the traditional big September events are just around the corner and we are raring to go. The fleet of Maxis lining up for this edition is truly spectacular and no sooner will they claim their prizes than the Swans will be here for their biennial gathering and another world championship. It will be another challenging and exciting time for us!" For further information on the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the entire YCCS sporting season please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yccsmaxi.com">www.yccsmaxi.com</a>.

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2008

Bottler, producers of high quality gimballed wine bottle stand for yachts, will be supplying a trophy to the J Class Association for the fastest yacht on corrected time using the J Class handicaps at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. This will be a perpetual trophy competed for annually. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124698/image/large-75782f1fa0b7877c461237ea3d2d6705.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124698"> The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, Sardinia has become a regular meeting place for these prestigious yachts. Race courses through the islands and along the coastline are ideally suited to the yachts and with the possibility of increased numbers of J Class yachts in the next few sailing seasons, the Bottler Trophy will ensure that the yachts compete closely together under the J Class Association rating system. The next Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is scheduled between1st to 6th September 2008 and the J Class yachts Ranger and Velsheda are expected to attend.