Running from 19 to 22 September, the fourth edition of the Ibiza Joysail is right around the corner. It may be one of the newer regattas on the Mediterranean circuit, but this year has hit maximum capacity, with 20 world-class sailing yachts set to compete across the craggy coasts of Ibiza and Formentera, Spain.
BOAT takes a closer look at some of the most exciting entrants...
Maximus
Length: 59m
Builder: Vitters
Designer: German Frers
What makes her a fierce competitor?
For upwind racing, Maximus has an 80-tonne lifting keel that draws eight metres, reducing to five metres for manoeuvres. The twin carbon rudders aid in precision steering, keeping sailors on the best course. She's been described as a "wolf in sheep's clothing" by the Dutch yard and recently took gold at the Superyacht Cup Palma, winning both the St Regis race and Class A overall.
Gitana
Length: 45m
Builder: Fitzroy Yachts
Designer: Dubois Naval Architects, Adam Lay Studio
What makes her a fierce competitor?
Gitana was commissioned by Barry Houghton, an experienced sailor of over two decades. The sailing yacht is a regatta veteran, having participated in races since her delivery in 2009 and was a nominee for Best Sailing Yacht at the 2010 World Superyacht Awards. She received refits in 2017 and 2020, ensuring her already well-equipped sloop is kept in racing shape.
Gelliceaux
Length: 35.4m
Builder: Southern Wind Shipyard
Designer: Nauta Design, Farr Yacht Design
What makes her a fierce competitor?
An increased sail plan, a 4.2- to six-metre lifting keel and a low displacement of 78.9 tons contribute to making Gelliceaux "a very powerful yacht", according to the South African shipyard. She is also equipped with a BAE HybriGen propulsion system that can "virtually extend her range indefinitely". The sailing yacht proved her mettle this year by becoming the overall winner of the 2024 St Barths Bucket.
Moat
Length: 35.2m
Builder: Nautor Swan
Designer: German Frers, deVosdeVries Design
What makes her a fierce competitor?
Moat was commissioned by a highly experienced racing yacht owner and belongs to a series known as the "ultimate performance Swan" – the Swan 115. She has a long bowsprit for improved downwind performance, a retractable propeller available for the racing man in addition to a straight propeller shaft arrangement and sail handling at the push of a button. Moat also left her mark at last year's Ibiza Joysail as the winner of the Performance category.
WinWin
Length: 33m
Builder: Baltic Yachts
Designer: Javier Jaudenes, Design Unlimited
What makes her a fierce competitor?
WinWin remains true to her name with wins at the 2016 Superyacht Cup as well as a three-year streak of victories at the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Superyacht Cup Palma. A 7.9-metre beam at the transom and low displacement means she can be handled by a crew of four, while her square-topped racing main with bolt-on bowsprit allows for more powerful kites.
Kiboko Tres
Length: 32.3m
Builder: Southern Wind Shipyard
Designer: Nauta Design, Farr Yacht Design
What makes her a fierce competitor?
Kiboko Tres was optimised with the Mediterranean superyacht circuit in mind with a larger sailplan, three tonnes more lead in the fixed keel and twin rudders. Weight saving was crucial and the owner even opted for a manual passarelle – saving 60kg – alongside a full carbon hull, deck and bulkheads. She is named after the Kenya Swahili word for "hippopotamus" to represent the yacht’s power and speed.