At the time when four of the J class sailing yachts chose The Superyacht Cup Palma as their first European race of the 2013 season, super yacht Hanuman was due to sail from the Caribbean to the Pacific.  However, after her exceptional performance in St Barth’s they have come to a decision to return to the Mediterranean. This year will be the first time that five of these historic yachts have raced together in Europe ever.

Hanuman yacht heads to Palma - Photo Claire Matches

Hanuman yacht was built by Royal Huisman Shipyard and launched in 2009 for owner Jim Clark. Helmed by double Volvo Ocean Race winner Ken Read, they took 4 wins in in 4 races in St Barth’s, an impressive result in this highly competitive fleet. The racing was tactical, close and intense, where every manoeuvre showed gains and losses between the boats. In preparation for their 2013 racing yacht Hanuman underwent a full optimisation programme directed by Read and is now listed for sale.

Palma this year will have a tremendous fleet of yachts, combining the most competitive and experienced campaigns with the more Corinthian cruising sailors, “Our boss just loves the Palma regatta, he invites all his friends and family, they have fun out on the water enjoying the beautiful sailing in the Bay and admiring the other yachts, then they all join in the fun in the beer tent straight after racing, what can be better!” commented one of the Captains returning for the 3rd year.

There are currently 18 registered entries so it is likely there will be two classes for the superyachts in order that the more similar yachts sail against each other. In the early years of the Superyacht Cup all the yachts raced together but now with such vast ranges of designs and speeds of these yachts it is far safer and more fun for yachts to be in smaller groups to race each other. More trophies hopefully mean more happy owners!