Organisers of the Superyacht Cup Palma are expecting an impressive line up with up to 20 entries taking part. The event is celebrating its 10th anniversary and will take place from 11-14 October hosted by Marina Port de Mallorca in the centre of Palma.

Entries are still officially open, but the limit of 20 yachts looks like being reached earlier than ever before as interest in the Superyacht Cup events grows. Patrick Whetter, Director of The Superyacht Cup commented: “Each year the event has had a slightly new element added to it, many of the yachts are returning year after year and we have aimed to maintain the same atmosphere, yet every year it has developed in a slightly different way. It is often hard to predict the numbers with changing schedules for yachts, but it is good to see that this year we shall welcome back many returning yachts, as well as new entries coming for the first time.”

Among the entries returning are ‘Victoria of Strathearn’ (Langan 39m), ‘Windrose of Amsterdam’ (Dijkstra & Partners 46m) , ‘Sojana’ (Farr 35m) and ‘Unfurled’ (Frers 34m) and with new yachts such as the Briand 35m ‘Hamilton II’ the sailing should be close and exciting.

The Superyacht Cup has grown from its early days as a gathering of yachts waiting to cross the Atlantic, into the biggest superyacht event in the Mediterranean. Started in 1996 by Patrick Whetter and Spike Thompson, the event has attracted more entrants and even bigger boats over the years but the atmosphere has remained a unique mix of informal social functions and competitive sailing of a different nature to the grand prix circuit.

The pursuit racing format always adopted for The Superyacht Cup ensures that boats of all sizes and designs can sail against each other. The aim is to have the racing as close as possible for the final day, where the points are weighted to leave the overall results open to the end.

Critical to the success of The Superyacht Cup has been the support of the sponsors. “We have supported The Superyacht Cup for many years, it provides us the opportunity to meet the yacht owner’s, guests, and captains as well network with other marine industry representatives. We want to show what Palma can offer as a central service point for yachts in the Mediterranean.” Comments Diego Colon of Astilleros de Mallorca, the Yacht Service Centre has offered great support for several years.

A new event for this year, The Superyacht Cup Antigua will be held 13-16 December in Nelson’s Dockyard. The Superyacht Cup Palma 2007 incorporating The New Zealand Millennium Cup, will be held 16-19 June.