The sailing yachts hoping to win the Superyacht Cup Palma 2018

Formerly known as Pink Gin V, the Baltic sailing yacht Scorpione of London was sold to her current owner in July 2017. Her Finnish builder brought her to water for the first time in 2006 and she was refitted in 2011 to reinforce her credentials as a high-performance sloop.

Clasically styled by German Frers with elegant overhangs both fore and aft, Bolero was built in South Africa to Lloyd’s standards from an aluminium hull and launched in 1992 by Bolero Yachts.

With a name that reflects her dual virtues as a regatta racer and a comfortable cruiser, WinWin was built by Baltic and launched in 2014 for a highly experienced and very active owner, who is particularly fond of the Superyacht Cup Palma, praising its “special and relatively reliable” thermal winds.

Launched in 2016 as the third Swan 115 yacht, Highland Fling XV features that winning combination of German Frers design and Nautor’s Swan construction, and she will be making her Superyacht Cup Palma debut in 2018. During her development particular emphasis was placed on boosting downwind speeds to offer more adrenaline-pumping racing without compromising on her ability to offer family cruising in supreme comfort.

The ketch-rigged sailing superyacht Sojana is another notable entry into the Superyacht Cup Palma 2018. Launched in 2003 and refitted in 2016, she has previously crossed the Atlantic in nine days and ten hours, and her owner has recorded a top speed of 20 knots under sail.

A high-performance composite sloop launched in 2009 by New Zealand yard Yachting Developments, Bliss has previously raced at the 2013 Dubois Cup and the Millennium Cup 2015. She will be making her Superyacht Cup debut this year. “Bliss has been cruising the Pacific and South East Asia for the last four years, so to participate in the Superyacht Cup Palma is a welcome return to the Mediterranean and a great way to see Mallorca at its finest,” said skipper Richard Allingham.

With a history that stretches all the way back to 1933, Velsheda needs no introduction. One of the original J Class yachts that fought it out for the America’s Cup more than 80 years ago, she was built from steel by Camper & Nicholsons and named after original owner WL Stephenson’s three daughters Velma, Sheila and Daphne. After a period of neglect Velsheda was restored in the 1990s with clever design tweaks provided Dykstra Naval Architects.

Designed and built by Perini Navi as the third in its 50 metre series, Silencio was delivered in 2001 and most recently underwent a refit in 2012. Sold in 2017, her new owner will doubtless be hoping to build on Silencio's former glory as the winner of both the Perini Navi Cup 2013 and Millennium Cup 2015.

Launched in 1997 by Kiwi yard Sensation Yachts, Mari Cha III is another Briand designed yacht due to race at the Superyacht Cup Palma 2018. More than 20 years after she was built from lightweight composites, this ketch-rigged sailing superyacht is still regarded as one of the fastest in her class. Look out for her distinctive spinnaker, which sports an oriental-style dragon motif.

"We are very excited to come back and participate in the Superyacht Cup Palma after a few years without racing,” said skipper Christian Lay. “Reuniting our team of highly experienced pros and past and present permanent crew is something we make a big effort to do. With consistent winds, a great race committee, good international access and a plentiful supply of hotels and restaurants this is the premier Mediterranean superyacht regatta.”

Easily the largest sailing yacht competing at the Superyacht Cup Palma 2018, Athos was launched in 2010 by Holland Jachtbouw. Her 2016 refit at Orams Marine Services in Auckland saw new Doyle staysails and mainsails added with Stratis Carbon Technora membranes. She is widely regarded as one of designer Andre Hoek’s most beautiful creations to date.