Superyacht Cup Palma: Nail-biting day sets the scene for a dramatic finale

Nail-biting day at Superyacht Cup Palma sets the scene for a dramatic finale Friday 1 July, 2022

Velsheda bounces back to take J Class win Wally 80 Rose follows disappointment with her own victory Savannah takes top spot by a single second

Some big changes in fortune, along with a change in wind direction and the closest possible finish in one class, saw results in the Superyacht Cup Palma fleet set the scene for a dramatic finale after a day of frenetic activity out on the Bay of Palma. With an initially solid north-easterly breeze supplanting the more usual sea breeze for New Zealand Race Day, the three classes were launched on their way upwind and heading towards the city itself. Once again the majestic quartet of J Class yachts led the way, all four hitting the startline within seconds of each other in a dramatic demonstration of power and something akin to poetry in motion, their jet-black sails overlapping each other. The white-hulled Ranger, the weather boat, was first to tack away, soon followed by Topaz. Meanwhile Velsheda and Svea stayed on their starboard tack for what would prove to be a decisive few minutes, with the pair establishing a narrow lead at the first mark which they would hold to the finish. For Velsheda the win marked a remarkable bounce back from her fourth place in the previous race.

For Velsheda the win marked a remarkable bounce back from her fourth place in the previous race. Her captain Barney Henshaw-Depledge said: "Today we managed the beats well and we managed to get around in front of Svea. It was obviously a lot more encouraging and the owner was locked in on the helm and he left very happy. As for tomorrow, well may be more of the same, and it's great to be back in the pack.”

Source: Superyacht Cup Palma official press release