Superyacht Cup 2010

The sound of clinking glasses, popping corks and champagne bubbles filled the air around the harbour in Palma this weekend as we celebrated the end of the 2010 Superyacht Cup. The Superyacht Cup, which has been running for 15 years, is a race like no other. Twenty privately owned sailing yachts, which are generally designed for cruising rather than racing, set off in a staggered start with the fastest at the back of the pack and the slowest at the front. Over the course, the boats behind catch the slower vessels out in front so that the finish is close one with all the boats meeting at the line. First one to cross is the winner.

I was lucky enough to be invited on board the beautiful, sleek superyacht Tenaz - a 40 meter yacht which has six full time international crew. In addition to these permanent crew members, the owners had enlisted the extra help of a professional race crew. These “Rock Stars of Sailing”, as I'm sure their business cards would read, have been America's Cup winners and world record holders, but the vibe on board was very much relaxed. Much fun was to be had with family and friends who had been invited along to enjoy the race - and throw the occasional water balloon at rival yachts.

Whilst SY Tenaz didn’t end up on the winner’s podium, the owner still had a smile on his face and a round of applause for his crew and guests as we crossed the finish line. The 29 meter Scorpione Dei Mari took the winning spot, with Royal Huisman Gliss in second and Jongert Ithaka finishing third.

Of course, there is more to the Superyacht Cup than just racing - we were all looking forward to the evenings where there were a variety of themed parties at the dock side. Thursday was “Western night” with a very enthusiastic fancy dress party and barbeque. Friday was the yacht-hop and Spanish paella night where each boat opened their gangways to welcome on board the other owners and guests. Finally, Saturday night finished off the festivities with a very glamorous prize giving and cocktail party at the spectacular Es Baluard Musuem, set high on the ancient city of Palma’s walls, overlooking the harbour and the Bay of Palma.

The world famous Red Sox band played that evening with some great support from local musicians. After some delicious canapés and a few drinks, most of the guests headed for the dance floor to let their hair down and sing & dance along to the classic tunes from the band.

In all it was the highlight of the summer so far and we can't wait for the yachts to return next year so we can get back out on the water!

Have a look at our video from the event...