At the time of writing 17 awe-inspiring superyachts will be taking up this year's challenge. Race enthusiasts will be able to look forward to a stellar fleet, not to mention tight racing and, as most entries will have been whipped into shape by virtue of the St Barths Bucket and/or Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, a showdown which will be all the more exciting. Take for example four of the world's most beautiful.
At the time of writing 17 awe-inspiring superyachts will be taking up this year's challenge. Race enthusiasts will be able to look forward to a stellar fleet, not to mention tight racing and, as most entries will have been whipped into shape by virtue of the St Barths Bucket and/or Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, a showdown which will be all the more exciting. Take for example four of the world's most beautiful classic racing yachts: Svea (44m), Ranger (41m), Topaz (43) and Velsheda (38m) - Svea may have had the upper hand in St Barths, the upcoming Superyacht Cup will be Topaz and Velsheda's chance to turn the tables. There's also plenty of excitement set for the superyacht classes. A new entrant bound to make this year's performance-based boats nervous is first-timer Highland Fling 15 (35m), and rightly so. Lauded as the ultimate 'performance-Swan', her plumb bow, wide stern and twin rudders scream speed, power and agility. That this speedster's bark is as bad as her bite is clear from her prior successes, like her class-win at last year's America's Cup Superyacht Regatta.
Download First-timer Highland Fling, the ultimate 'performance Swan'. ©Carlo Borlenghi, photo courtesy of Nautor Swan
The on-water warrior Mari Cha III (45m) has also set her sights on overall victory. Outmanoeuvring Mari Cha III will be no mean feat as sailing all-out is second nature to her. She beat the Transatlantic Record in 1998 and the Sydney to Hobart in 1999, hitting speeds in excess of 30 knots. Christian Lay, captain on board, commented: "We've made a big effort to reunite highly experienced pros with past and present permanent crew. Consistent winds, a great race committee and perfectly located with plenty of hotels and restaurants: The Superyacht Cup, for us, is the Mediterranean's premier superyacht regatta."
Download The on-water warrior Mari Cha III has also set her sights on overall victory. @www.clairematches.com