Too Hot to Handle

The 21st edition of The Superyacht Cup, Europe's longest running superyacht regatta, is set to burst into action in less than one week's time. Most of this year's competitors are, by now, docked stern-to inside Palma's STP, which is positively buzzing with activity. The SYC team have started building the Regatta Village, while sailors and contractors are working around-the-clock on the competing yachts, getting ready for the first day of racing on Thursday.

A number of competing superyachts have certainly earned the right to swagger, as they've proven their regatta-winning potential during some of our previous editions. The 33m Win Win, built by carbon specialists Baltic Yachts, claimed overall victory last year. The 27.5m Atalante 1, built by Claasen and designed by Hoek, put in a sparkling performance in both our 2012 and 2013 races, finishing a satisfactory second at each.

The 27.5m Atalante 1, built by Claasen and designed by Hoek. ©www.clairematches.com

The 33m Inouï, a yacht that is far from the average, is also accustomed to podium-glory. We'll be looking forward to seeing her telltale green flash hammer around the circuit, as watching her is addictive. Another entrant which comes alive when under sail is the 45m Saudade. This well-versed competitor came class third during our 2015 edition and boasts three back-to-back Loro Piana wins. Boasting an appetite for winning, and fresh from an extensive refit, there is no telling what the limits will be for this racing-attuned rival.

While captains and crew are busy making final preparations, and the world's sailing elite board planes bound for Palma de Mallorca, we look forward to seeing this year's wildly diverse fleet grace the Bay of Palma for our 2017 edition of the regatta.

As Mallorca seems to have skipped spring this year and has plunged straight into the sweltering heat of summer, we've got high hopes of being blessed with one of the regatta's most longed-for ingredients, wind, to make a solid appearance every day. In any case, as renowned for its social program as it is for its racing, we're certain that our 21st Superyacht Cup will decidedly not disappoint.

The Superyacht Cup is as renowned for its social program as it is for its racing. ©www.clairematches.com

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We are delighted to see silver sponsors ZIS return to the event this year. They have a quarter of a century of experience in providing marine, property and corporate insurance for some of the most discerning clients in the world. Regardless of the location of a yacht, crew or business, ZIS has the global reach to provide optimum cover and to act precisely when needed.