First Day of 2017 Palma Superyacht Cup

As the Palma Superyacht Cup kicks off today, yachts are primed for action and crew members have been perfecting their sailing maneuvers, as well as picking the brains of
local racing virtuosos.

Competitors saw a 6-14 knot sea breeze during yesterday's training and the coming days are expected to see light winds, with hopes of Palma's trademark sea breeze which normally builds around noon. 

Previous event victor, the 33m Win Win, capable of some very quick speeds, out training yesterday. 

The entrants in this year's fleet range from new launches such as the 34m Malcolm McKeon-designed sloop Ribelle to the 32m German Frers-designed Bolero. Built in 1991, Bolero is this year's most senior entrant, while the largest is the 46m Windrose of Amsterdam, an award-winning schooner which last competed in 2009.

Another former competitor and prime example of Dutch boat-building expertise is the 27.5m Atalante 1 designed by Hoek and built by Claasen, also the smallest entrant this year.

The fleet of 10 yachts is split into classes A and B, and will race three challenging coastal courses selected on the morning of each race. As usual there will be a staggered start with two-minute intervals, sure to produce an exciting finish.

This year's edition sees th launch of the Daily Race Awards (in the SYC tent) adding a celebratory sparkle to the regular end of day drinks and get togethers.

The 32m Southern Wind Farfalla, a fast boat, training in the Bay of Palma. 

The Superyacht Cup's social programme kicked off last night with the Welcome Cocktail celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Silver Sponsor, Astilleros de Mallorca, renowned for their refit and repair facilities for yachts up to 70m.

Competitors at the Palma Superyacht Cup will be in the safe and trusted hands of MedAire, on-site to provide medical cover and emergency response.

Racing is scheduled to start at 13.00 today.