The SYC Organisers have appointed Stuart Quarrie as Race Officer for The Superyacht Cup and Millennium Cup in June 2007. Stuart is presently the Director of the Cowes Combined Clubs organising the annual Cowes week regatta for over 1,000 boats in the UK. As a main Committee Member and former Rear Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, he has a wealth of experience in running top-level racing. Quarrie is also a highly successful Race Navigator taking part in several international grand prix events every year as well as having been navigator on Brunel Synergy in the Whitbread Round the World Race.

Event Director Patrick Whetter commented: “Over the past ten years The Superyacht Cup has primarily been a fun regatta, with as much emphasis on the parties as the sailing. This year, with such a diverse fleet of some of the biggest superyachts and most competitive racing maxis in the world, we felt it was important to bring in a Race Officer with major regatta experience. Stuart understands the style of our event and will bring his knowledge of top-level racing to ensure that our event is still fun, but above all safe, fair and well managed,”

The logistics of organising racing for up to 60 superyachts, ranging in size from 30m to 90m is a huge task. With this in mind, the decision has been taken to split the fleet into two classes, based on a simple displacement/length overall ratio. The two classes will still be following the pursuit race format, but the faster yachts will sail a slightly longer course, aiming to bring the two fleets back together for the finish.

The Bay of Palma provides an excellent setting for the event, a bay of over 10 miles wide with consistent afternoon sea breeze producing an average wind speed of 15 to 20 knots and relatively flat water. The start area will be in the south east of the Bay and after sailing a 20 – 26 mile course the fleet will finish in the western side of the Bay close to the shore. This will provide an impressive spectacle from the viewing position at Castello de San Carlos adjacent to the Superyacht Cup Dock and Village. The yachts will then return to the Dock for the entertainment and social events each evening.

The Superyacht Cup incorporating The New Zealand Millennium Cup currently has over 40 entries and is expecting up to 60 yachts over 30m LOA. It will be held at Dique del Oeste in Palma, Mallorca, 16¬-19 June 2007.