Supermaxi Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

Superyacht Cup Palma 2013: Sponsors announced and participation of 19 yachts confirmed

May 21, 2013

Set to take place from June 19 to 22, the Superyacht Cup Palma is very delighted to announce return of sponsors Claasen Shipyard, Marina Port Vell as well as Rondal. Now in its 17th year, The Superyacht Cup is a popular annual 4-day regatta in the Bay of Palma, drawing attention of some of the most beautiful sailing superyachts in the world, coming to enjoy competitive sailing as well as a relaxed and informal social programme.

Superyacht Cup Palma annually hosted by the popular Spanish yacht charter destination - Palma

Superyacht Cup Palma annually hosted by the popular Spanish yacht charter destination - Palma Photo credit to Claire Matches

As builders of several of the participating yachts, Dutch yacht builders Claasen Shipyards are returning as Silver Sponsors for 2013. The yachts they have built competing in this years regatta include the stunning J Class yacht Lionheart, the F Class sailing yacht Firefly and the 27m classic charter yacht Atalante. This impressive range of beautiful yachts highlights their world-class skills and craftsmanship.

Organisers offer a warm welcome to returning Silver Sponsors, Marina Port Vell. Located in the heart of the Spanish City of Barcelona, a favorite vibrant cosmopolitan destination for yachts of all sizes, the Marina is currently undergoing a huge transformation to create 162 fully serviced berths for sail and power yachts up to 180m. The significant investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure and new seven-star services will position the marina as one of the leading superyacht destinations in the world.

Based in the Netherlands, Rondal is a powerhouse of the superyacht industry, serving a global clientele. Modern engineering skills, excellent craftsmanship and a constant emphasis on ingenuity are the hallmarks of a company that believes above all in forward thinking. They have had a long-standing relationship in supporting the Superyacht Cup Palma and building relationships with their clients participating in the event.

Superyacht Cup Palma 2013, June 19 - 22

Superyacht Cup Palma 2013, June 19 - 22 Photo credit to Claire Matches

The highly experienced race team at Real Club Nautico de Palma headed up by Gaspar Morey will again manage the all so important racing. The Superyachts will be using the new ISYR rating system, which was well received at the recent British Virgin Islands regatta and the St Barth’s Bucket, whereas the J Class yachts will fleet race in their own class under their JCA rules.

The SYC Dock is now at full capacity with 19 entries and a few places remain for yachts who shall be accommodated in close proximity. As in previous years the yachts will be berthed stern-to at Moll Vell (formerly Pier 46) and STP and a central tented area will be the base for the post-race social programme. The Prize Giving Evening will be held at Es Baluard Museum overlooking the Paseo Maritimo and the yachts in the Port of Palma with live music from Groov Collectiv.

Luxury charter yacht KOKOMO III to attend Dubois Cup 2013

May 21, 2013

The majestic 58-metre charter yacht Kokomo III has confirmed her participation in the Dubois Cup 2013, bringing the total of attending yachts to 16.

Sailing Yacht Kokomo III - Underway at Sea

Sailing Yacht Kokomo III - Underway at Sea

Launched by the prestigious NZ builder Alloy Yachts in 2010, the 58m sailing yacht Kokomo III is designed by Dubois Naval Architects, with lovely interior design by Redman Whiteley Dixon. She is available for luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean, Europe, as well as the Caribbean, providing elegant and comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests.

Superyacht Kokomo Sailing

Superyacht Kokomo Sailing

Pendennis – Sponsor of Dubois Cup

May 20, 2013

The prestigious UK luxury yacht builder, Pendennis, is proud to be involved in the Dubois Cup as one of its sponsors. The 4th edition of the event will take place in the popular Italian yacht charter destination – Porto Cervo in Sardinia, from 1st to 3rd June, 2013. It will host 15 Dubois designed vessels, including the Pendennis built charter yacht Nostromo, as well as sailing yacht Tenaz (ex Mamamouchi).

NOSTROMO

NOSTROMO

Still retaining the wonderful ethos and atmosphere that is at the heart of the Dubois brand, the regatta grows year on year.

Rolex Capri Sailing Week Volcano Race 2013 to kick off tomorrow

May 17, 2013

The last preparations are in full swing for tomorrow’s race start at this year’s Rolex Capri Sailing Week Volcano Race. To last until 24 May, the event will welcome an international fleet of Maxi yachts to the Tyrrhenian Sea for nine days of exciting competing, as well as an amazing social programme.

Dockside ambiance in Gaeta - Photo by Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Dockside ambiance in Gaeta - Photo by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

Composed of four segments, the Rolex Capri Sailing Week Volcano Race promises challenging conditions for the 14 participating Maxi yachts. Representing Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States, the fleet eagerly awaits the alluring combination of inshore and offshore racing, set against some of Italy’s most iconic destinations.

“Capri is one of the most beautiful places in the world,” confirmed Sir Peter Ogden, owner of the Mini Maxi yacht Jethou, overall winner of the 2012 event and likely to be one of the frontrunners in 2013. “For sailors it combines onshore glamour and Rolex hospitality with challenging sailing conditions. In particular, the offshore Volcano Race presents a host of tactical issues, depending on wind speed and variability in direction.”

Caol Ila (Sui) in preparation for tomorrow's race - Photo by Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Caol Ila (Sui) in preparation for tomorrow's race - Photo by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

Thomas Jungblut, permanent tactician aboard superyacht Y3K, agreed with Ogden that capricious wind conditions in the area are known to upset the formbook. In 2012, Y3K was the second fastest boat on the water, a result the crew is aiming to better in 2013. “Due to varied winds and sailing conditions, sometimes the smaller or bigger yachts will have a big advantage or disadvantage,” said Jungblut. “Certainly there is no lack of tension among the fleet.”

In an effort to outperform this season’s competition, sailing yacht Y3K was optimised over the winter, configured with a more powerful mainsail, and, a deeper keel for increased stability and speed on the water. The crew has also undergone a four-day training session in La Ciotat, France to prepare for the challenges ahead. “The mix of races requires a variety of tasks, especially extremely good crew handling,” added Jungblut, emphasising the spirited contest expected within the fleet.

Dockside ambiance in Gaeta - Photo credit to Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

Dockside ambiance in Gaeta - Photo credit to Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

Ogden also confirmed the race’s reputation as being competitive and capable of surprises: “You can never prepare for everything and you have to adapt as the race develops.” He does offer some useful advice to newcomers; “The winning formula is easy: you just have to sail better than everybody else.”

Organised by the International Maxi Association, in collaboration with the Yacht Club Gaeta EVS and the Yacht Club Capri, racing officially begins tomorrow, Saturday 18 May, with a 100 nautical-mile offshore circuit that leads participants from Gaeta, past Ponza and Ventotene, to a finish on the iconic island of Capri. Two days of inshore racing will follow off Capri before the start of the fourth and final race, the Rolex Volcano Race, on 22 May. The Rolex Volcano Race is composed of a 300 nautical-mile journey around the UNESCO-protected Aeolian islands north of Sicily, with a start and finish in Capri.

Title Sponsor Rolex’s involvement in the Capri Sailing Week dates back almost a decade, while this is the third running of the Rolex Volcano Race.

Video of majestic J Class yachts competing in St Barths Bucket 2013

May 17, 2013

Taken place from March 28 to 31, this year’s St Barths Bucket Regatta once again hosted some of the world’s most spectacular yachts, coming to the Gustavia Harbor in the fabulous Caribbean yacht charter destination – St. Barths to enjoy three days of exciting competing. Below is an amazing video of the J Class yachts participating in the 2013 St Barths Bucket, made by Onne van der Wal. The yachts competing in the regatta included: S/Y Hanuman, Lionheart, Velsheda, charter yacht Ranger and Rainbow yacht.

Giraglia Rolex Cup 2013, June 14 – 22

May 16, 2013

The Giraglia Rolex Cup, a race that has annually taken place since 1953, will return from June 14 to 22, 2013. Organized by the Yacht Club Italiano in partnership with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, the weeklong event has long captured the imagination of the Mediterranean sailing community, and has experienced an important revival since Rolex’s emergence as title sponsor in 1998.

Group A Yachts, Start of the Offshore Race, Saint Tropez - Photo credit to Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Group A Yachts, Start of the Offshore Race, Saint Tropez - Photo credit to Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

This year’s proceedings commence with a prologue race from Sanremo to Saint-Tropez on Friday 14 June. The three days of inshore racing in and around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez that follow are an opportunity for the fleet to sharpen teamwork and tactics – with the town’s famous and eye-catching Vieux Port as a backdrop – ahead of the offshore race beginning on Wednesday 19 June.

Although a distinctly Franco-Italian event – the 243-nautical mile distance race runs from Saint Tropez to Genoa, via the Giraglia rock off the northern tip of Corsica – the 200 plus fleet regularly features scores of international yachts and comprises both fully professional and Corinthian crews.

Fleet in action during inshore racing in Saint Tropez - Photo credit to Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Fleet in action during inshore racing in Saint Tropez - Photo credit to Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

With race record holder superyacht Esimit Europa 2 not competing, an open field is expected for the battle to be first home in 2013. Among the likely pacesetters are three Mini Maxis who have shown impressive results recently: Sir Peter Ogden’s 62-ft sailing yacht Jethou (GBR), overall winner at the 2012 Rolex Volcano Race; Hap Fauth’s 72-ft yacht Bella Mente (USA), current Mini Maxi Rolex World Champion; and the 72-ft luxury yacht Shockwave (USA), owned by George Sakellaris, Giraglia Rolex Cup winner in 2010 under former owner Neville Crichton.

Last year’s overall race winner – determined by the rating system applied to the fleet – hailed from Switzerland, in the shape of Franck Noel’s TP52 Near Miss. In a democratic race with every yacht capable of victory, the crews’ ability to cope with the prevailing conditions during a contest that is often characterized by two distinct stages – the legs to and from the Giraglia rock – is decisive.

Prizes at final prizegiving - Photo credit to Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Prizes at final prizegiving - Photo credit to Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

Event Schedule

Friday 14 June
Race Sanremo, Italy to Saint-Tropez, France
Registration & Inspection

Saturday 15 June
Registration & Inspection (Saint-Tropez)

Sunday 16 June
Inshore racing (Saint-Tropez)

Monday 17 June
Inshore racing (Saint-Tropez)
Rolex Crew Party at La Citadelle (Saint-Tropez)

Tuesday 18 June
Inshore racing (Saint-Tropez)

Wednesday 19 June
Offshore race start – 243-nm Saint-Tropez – La Fourmigue – La Giraglia – Genoa

Thursday 20 June
Arrival of first boats (Genoa)
Race record: 14 hours, 56 minutes and 16 seconds

Friday 21 June
Final prizegiving, Yacht Club Italiano (Genoa)

Luxury sailing yacht LEOPARD 3 at Dennis Conner’s North Cove in NYC

May 14, 2013

The spring migration of spectacular yachts is well underway. Last week, luxury sailing yacht Leopard 3 visited Dennis Conner’s North Cove. At nearly 100 feet in length, charter yacht Leopard 3 was constructed to break sailing records around the Atlantic.

Luxury charter yacht Leopard 3 at Dennis Conners North Cove in NYC

Luxury charter yacht Leopard 3 at Dennis Conners North Cove in NYC

Superyacht Leopard 3 has visited North Cove several times before and been on stand by to test the Trans-Atlantic record. Today, she has been converted into a super high performance charter yacht and used for trips as well as corporate events. While in New York City, she did several days of sailing in the harbor with an ICAP spinnaker.

Superyacht Leopard 3 under sail

Superyacht Leopard 3 under sail

Then on Saturday, charter yacht Leopard 3 headed off across the Atlantic for her summer cruising grounds on the Solent in England.

Perini Navi Cup 2013, August 28 – 30

May 14, 2013

This year’s fifth edition of the Perini Navi Cup will take place in the beautiful Italian yacht charter destination – Porto Cervo in Sardinia, from August 28 to 30. The event is reserved for the sailing yachts constructed by the Perini Navi Group, a world leader in the design and building of large sailing and motor yachts.

Perini Navi Cup

Perini Navi Cup

The event, organised in collaboration with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, is a must see for all fans of sailing and of the Perini Navi lifestyle, at style that is synonymous with technological innovation, on board comfort and performance.

As of today there are 18 Perini Navi yachts enrolled in this competition that is characterised by great fun in total safety. The regatta will be held over three days. Yachts enrolled include the new 60m mega yacht Seahawk (hull C.2193), the 56m charter yacht Panthalassa and the latest 45m superyacht Clan. The 38m Racing Line charter yacht P2 will also be making her debut at this event.

Panthalassa - Cruising

Panthalassa - Cruising

A full calendar of social events will complement the racing calendar.

WallyCento Yacht HAMILTON – First Grand Prix Racing Yacht to Receive World Superyacht Award

May 10, 2013

Launched by Green Marine in Summer 2012, the majestic 100ft WallyCento yacht Hamilton has received a coveted Neptune award at the 2013 World Superyacht Awards, presented by Boat International Media in Istanbul earlier this week. Sailing yacht Hamilton was honoured with a Judge’s Special Award for Performance, in the Sailing Yacht 30-39m category. She represents the first contemporary racing yacht to win at the World Superyacht Awards.

WallyCento Yacht Hamilton launched by Green Marine - Image credit YCO

WallyCento Yacht Hamilton launched by Green Marine - Image credit to YCO

The award was the result of Hamilton yacht’s achievement in combining high performance with a comfortable, relaxing interior.  The judges also recognised the exceptional challenge that Green Marine and its partners faced in creating a yacht that was both remarkably light for its size, yet capable of managing enormous loads when in racing trim. They summed up their verdict by saying: “The judges felt that this combination of thoroughbred Grand Prix racer and luxury cruising yacht, with a premium quality interior executed to the highest levels of craftsmanship, was well deserving of a Neptune.”

The award was received at the gala dinner by Marcel Müller, Managing Director of Green Marine, who later said: “We were lucky to undertake this project in partnership with a great team of designers, engineers, project managers and builders for an owner who had a clear vision in mind.

“As well as naval architects judel/vrolijk and interior designers and overall stylists Design Unlimited, I should particularly mention the fantastic contributions from project manager James Stagg who was instrumental in keeping the project on schedule, and Struik & Hamerslag UK who built the beautiful lightweight interior.”

One of the judges at the ceremony was heard to say that yachts like Hamilton were ideal for young, successful businessmen who wanted to own boats of the highest standard that had enough comfort for a weekend trip with family or friends, but at the same time were highly competitive and sexy. Another added that even though Hamilton did not look like a ‘normal’ superyacht, its build quality was to superyacht standards and hence it well deserved a superyacht award.

Esimit Europa 2 yacht to compete in northern Europe for the first time

May 09, 2013

Following three fantastic seasons in the Mediterranean, the fastest as well as most successful European sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2 sails to the northern Europe for the first time. Esimit Europa 2 yacht will participate in the races in Germany (Kieler Woche), Sweden (ÅF Offshore Race), United Kingdom (Cowes Week and Rolex Fastnet Race), Italy (Bernetti Lombardini Cup and Barcolana) and will attempt to set a new world sailing record from Trieste – Valletta for the Medot Sailing Trophy and race in Malta (Rolex Middle Sea Race). New design of the Esimit Europa 2 yacht and her sails reflects new challenges and her mission in encouraging unity among Europeans.

Esimit Europa 2 Yacht

Esimit Europa 2 Yacht - Photo by Esimit Europa/Vicent Bosch

On the Europe Day, during the first official training in the new season, Igor Simčič, founder of the Esimit Europa project, and Jochen Schümann, skipper of the Esimit Europa 2 yacht, revealed ambitions for the upcoming sailing season. After achieving 19 victories at all the attended races so far and setting 5 new course records, one of the fastest yachts in world is eager to repeat its success – for the first time outside the Mediterranean since its christening in 2010. New challenges will be accompanied with the new hull and sails design. Brand new big yellow stars on the sides of the hull and on top of the mainsail, together with new light blue lines, illustrate new ambitions in the northern seas, while they project the team spirit among crew members and cooperation within all partners in the Esimit Europa project at the same time.

Luxury superyacht Esimit Europa 2

Luxury superyacht Esimit Europa 2 - Photo by Esimit Europa/Vicent Bosch

At the end of June, superyacht Esimit Europa 2 will race at the Kieler Woche. The happening with more than 3 million visitors, 1800 sailing yachts and 450 races is one of the biggest sailing events in the world. The Esimit Sailing Team will perform at 2 races and will move to Stockholm immediately after for the start of the most renowned Swedish regatta, the ÅF Offshore Race, on 30. June. The 350 nautical miles long race, which rounds the scenic Gotland Island and ends in Sandham, will see the record fleet of extremely attractive yachts, all of them eager to take line honours at this Swedish classic.

After her performance in Sweden, the 30-meter luxury yacht Esimit Europa 2 will be shipped to the United Kingdom for the start of the Cowes Week at the beginning of August, one of the oldest continuing sporting events in the United Kingdom (established in 1826). 18-member crew will show its skills at 3 inshore races and prepare for one of the toughest and most renowned European races, the famous Rolex Fastnet Race.

Esimit Sailing Team

Esimit Sailing Team - Photo by Esimit Europa/Vicent Bosch

With 608 nautical miles in front of legendary Jochen Schümann and his all-star crew, the Rolex Fastnet Race represents season’s highlight, but also a big test for the Esimit Europa 2 yacht herself due to always unpredictable weather conditions. In addition, the competition will be very tough, many excellent boats registered for the race, in total 380 yachts from 20 countries.

After the Rolex Fastnet Race, Esimit Europa 2 yacht will return to Mediterranean for 4 races in October. Starting with Bernetti Lombardini Cup and Barcolana in the Gulf of Trieste. On her way to Malta’s Rolex Middle Sea Race Esimit Europa 2 will try to break the course record (Medot Sailing Trophy).

Schuemann Simcic

Schuemann and Simcic - Photo by Esimit Europa/Vicent Bosch

New sailing challenges of the Esimit Europa 2 yacht and her mission in fostering European unity are embodied in the new yacht’s design. It features two big yellow stars on the sides of the hull and additional one on the top of the mainsail. Accompanied with light blue waving lines, showing a dynamic environment we are living in, all new graphic elements illustrate collaboration among crew members and cooperation within the partners of the Esimit Europa project.

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