Inside the Biggest Superyacht Regatta in Palma Wind, Waves, and Winners

A Regatta for the Ages in the Heart of the Mediterranean

The Bay of Palma once again solidified its reputation as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations, providing the perfect stage for the 29th edition of the Superyacht Cup Palma. Held from June 25-28, 2025, Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta delivered a masterful blend of high-stakes competition and relaxed shoreside camaraderie that has become its signature. This year, however, history was made as one yacht achieved an unprecedented triple victory, etching its name into the annals of sailing history.

The event, renowned for its professionally managed racing and the reliable sea breezes of Mallorca, drew an impressive fleet of the world’s most prestigious sailing yachts. Owners, guests, and top-tier crew gathered for a spectacular celebration of sail, where strategy on the water was matched only by the vibrant networking and social events ashore. From the opening race to the final, dramatic conclusion, the 2025 edition was a proof to the enduring appeal of this iconic event.

The Fleet: A Showcase of Design and Power

The allure of the Superyacht Cup Palma lies in its ability to attract a diverse and compelling fleet, and this year was no exception. The entry list featured a dynamic mix of high-performance racers, elegant classic designs, and innovative new builds, creating thrilling matchups across the classes. A significant point of interest was the head-to-head competition among the Hoek Truly Classics, where the elegant 38m sloop Atalante returned to the regatta aiming to improve on its 2024 performance. Her sistership, the 42m Vijonara, a past class winner, joined her, keen to defend her bragging rights. Adding a fresh dynamic to this battle for classic supremacy was the debut of the 39m Linnea Aurora, another stunning Hoek design.

Bringing a new level of performance-focused racing to the event was a striking lineup of four Baltic 68 Café Racers. This new class, designed by Javier Jaudenes, included Ganesha, Hormar, and Open Season, which had already made a strong impression by winning a race at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. The squadron was rounded out by Pink Gin Verde, a yacht boasting impeccable green credentials with a zero-emission, all-electric propulsion system. Beyond these focused class battles, the fleet was stacked with other formidable contenders. The 39m Bill Tripp-designed sloop Cervo returned with a score to settle after being denied a class win by a single second on corrected time in the previous year.

In comparison, the 35m Farr-designed Southern Wind 108 Gelliceaux made its debut with a formidable reputation after claiming overall victory at the 2024 St. Barth’s Bucket. All eyes, however, were on Rose. The 24m Wally 80 had won back-to-back titles in Palma, and her crew arrived with one goal in mind: to make Superyacht Cup history and secure an unprecedented third consecutive victory.

How the Regatta Was Won: Three Days of Sun and Strategy

The regatta unfolded over three days of tactical racing under Palma’s famously reliable sea-breeze conditions. The Pantaenius Race Day kicked off the event, with Cervo and Open Season firing the opening salvo and claiming top honors in their respective classes, signaling their intent for the week.

As the competition intensified, the fleet saw a shuffle in the standings. On the second day of racing, the Hoek Truly Classic 128 Linnea Aurora delivered a masterful performance, turning the tables on her rivals and tightening the points at the top of the leaderboard. This victory showcased the unpredictable nature of the racing and set the stage for a dramatic final day.

The St. Regis Race Day served as the grand finale, and it did not disappoint. In a historic conclusion to a spectacular regatta, the 24m Wally Rose sailed a flawless race to clinch the overall victory. This marked the yacht’s third consecutive win at the Superyacht Cup Palma, a feat never before achieved in the event’s 29-year history. The win cemented Rose and her crew as legends of the regatta, surpassing the back-to-back wins of Kokomo in 2000 and 2001.

The Spirit of the Cup: More Than Just a Race

While the racing is fiercely competitive, the Superyacht Cup Palma is equally defined by its unique and relaxed atmosphere ashore. For the 29th edition, the regatta relocated to the prestigious Club de Mar-Mallorca, which provided an exceptional venue for the event’s renowned social program.

Each day began with a social breakfast and concluded with dockside Happy Hours, allowing owners, sponsors, and crew to mingle informally with the superyachts moored stern-to. A highlight of the social calendar was the Owners’ Midsummer Barbecue, an exclusive event held at the regatta’s preferred hotel partner, the St. Regis Mardavall.

This blend of serious racing and a fun, convivial atmosphere is what participants highlight year after year. As sailing legend Mike Sanderson notes, the event is “the full package - good sailing and good fun.” This ethos is further supported by the inclusive Corinthian Spirit Class, which offers owners a simplified racing format, broadening the event’s appeal.

A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Innovation

Since its inception as a simple dock party in 1996, the Superyacht Cup Palma has evolved into the premier superyacht regatta in the Mediterranean. Now under the ownership of Kate Branagh’s Aquamarine Events since 2013, the event continues to innovate while staying true to its core values.

The move to the Real Club Náutico de Palma in 2021 and now to the Club de Mar-Mallorca for 2025 demonstrates a commitment to providing world-class facilities. Furthermore, the introduction of new classes, such as the Baltic 68 Café Racers, shows that the event is constantly looking forward, enhancing the experience for all stakeholders.

As the sails are lowered on another successful edition, the Superyacht Cup Palma has once again proven why it is a “must-do” event on the global sailing calendar. With its unique combination of ideal conditions, intense competition, and a renowned social scene, it remains the heart of superyachting in the Mediterranean.