PALMA'S FUN FACTOR

FUN ON AND OFF THE WATER IS AN UNBEATABLE COMBINATION AT THE SUPERYACHT CUP PALMA, WRITES PHIL RILEY

- PHIL RILEY

It's undoubtedly the case that some long-running regattas, whatever their history and illustrious heritage, can on occasion become a bit 'samey, lacking surprise and the excitement of the unexpected.

Having recently celebrated its 28th edition the Superyacht Cup Palma might seem a possible candidate for such an unwelcome label... But in reality in 2024? Not a chance! On the 'unexpected' side there were one or two occurrences not predicted in the brochure, and the event once again delivered competitive racing and a jubilant social side ashore to maintain its 'unique vibe, as one skipper put it. In short: fun.

To start at the beginning, the first day of racing in the latest installment of Europe's longest-running superyacht regatta got off to a flying start with the trio of J Class competitors demonstrating their enduring appeal for sailors and spectators alike with two windward-leeward races out on the Bay of Palma. The always-competitive Svea took both race wins - ahead of the newly refitted Rainbow and the veteran Velsheda in each case - to make a clear declaration of intent.

"It was light out there today but there were two proper races and the race committee did a great job in getting us away," said Grant Simmer, strategist on Velsheda.

So far, so good.

However, the untypically overcast skies during Wednesday's opener did prove to be something of a harbinger for what was to come.

During the afternoon photos of an increasingly orange sky over Palma filled social media, turning darker and browner into the evening and overnight. Welcome to Mallorca's 'Martian' sky, aka 'calima' or dust in suspension. Unsurprisingly #SaharanDust was trending, and then falling in large quantities with rain to cover all below in a thin layer of mud.