J Class duo put on a spectacular show to launch The Superyacht Cup Palma 20th June 2018
J Class duo put on a spectacular show to launch The Superyacht Cup Palma 20th June 2018
Download It was one race apiece on the opening day for the J Class with Velsheda taking the win in the second race - credit Claire Matches
As a curtain raiser to the 22nd Superyacht Cup it does not get much better than the sight of two of the superb J Class yachts strutting their stuff out on the vibrant blue waters of Palma Bay. The opening races of the Mediterranean’s largest and longest running superyacht festival pitched Velsheda and Svea head to head against each other, a vivid reminder perhaps of the class’s distinguished match racing heritage. The contest, which set the scene for a further three days of full-on Superyacht Cup fleet action, saw near ideal wind conditions under blue skies, only punctuated by the white clouds over Mallorca’s mountain backdrop. And as perhaps an indicator of the open, even handed racing that lies ahead, the day finished honours’ even with each boat putting a victory on the board.
“The Superyacht Cup could hardly have got off to a better start with Palma delivering the conditions it is renowned for and both our J Class stars taking a win each to launch the regatta,” said Event Director Kate Branagh. “The whole fleet will be out in force tomorrow for three days of racing, followed by some equally enjoyable socialising and catching-up on shore.” The fact that two yachts representing the full diversity of the J Class – from refitted original vessels like the 1933-built Velsheda to the new generation represented by Svea – can race and win is testimony to the sophisticated handicapping system used by the J Class Association, which was used in the opening act.