The impact of
THE SUPERYACHT CUP - PALMA DE MALLORCA 2007

If last year’s event caused such a major stir with 17 yachts, this year’s SUPERYACHT CUP 2007 left a historical record in the Bay of Palma. With the co-operation of the Port Authority, Chamber of Commerce, Palma City Council and the Tourist Authority, the prominent event helped feature a glorious Mallorca on the international stage, showing off the beauty, diversity and excellent facilities available to yachts and sailing enthusiasts. Almost labeled “patrimony” of the mega-yachting industry, the event managed to assemble for the first time in history 53 of the world’s most renowned super yachts on Mallorca’s Dique del Oeste in what was meant to be the pursuit of The Superyacht Cup Ulysse Nardin and The New Zealand Millennium Cup but developed into a duel over pride and glory in a majestic exhibition. The Superyacht Cup 2007, which took place from June 16th to 19th, was conveniently slipped into the gap between the Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup Match to ensure maximum participation. The overwhelming scene of the world’s largest super yacht fleet raiding the Mediterranean certainly left a memorable episode for Mallorca’s autobiography and a hearty story to tell by all those who experienced direct and indirect participation, or simply mingled with the thrilling ambience to share the success.
 
Governmental representatives, local businesses and services, international media and certainly the unique stars of the race gathered the essential ingredients to create an unbeatable picture in a truly spectacular setting. Maltese Falcon, Lulworth, Meteor, Kokomo and other renowned yachts of imposing presence took the opportunity to prove that beyond the looks there’s a spirit of good seamanship and the heart of a true warrior. Industry titans Camper & Nicholsons International participated in the event as one of the main sponsors and provided the organization with the official SYC Committee Boat, the historical ILONA OF KYLESKU kindly offered by her owner. This stunning classic vintage yacht, endowed with majestic splendour, starred at the event to honour her glorious centennial history in a well-patterned commemoration, which was repeated during the XXIII Trofeo Almirante Conde de Barcelona race in Palma from August 13th to 19th. The event provided another excellent opportunity to admire the yacht in a live presentation on a naval parade, during which time she was treated to a centenary act in honour to her impressive naval service record and eclectic civilian history. Today ILONA OF KULESKU is recognized as an asset to the maritime heritage, after her spectacular restoration work left the yacht in a perfect structural state, despite her having confronted both World Wars.
 
In a historical, long-awaited occasion the XXIII Trofeo Almirante Conde de Barcelona also raised the curtains to welcome the 1909-built 15-metre international “HISPANIA” back into society after her several years of costly reconstruction. HISPANIA, designed by William Fife upon order of Spanish King H.M. Alfonso XIII, obtained many a triumph in the international regattas, promoting Spanish bays as one of the world’s main centre stages for sailing and water sports. HISPANIA is the sister-ship of the equally illustrious TUIGA, flagship of the Yacht Club de Monaco.
With international events of such magnitude taking place on the island, we can proudly say a prominent Mallorca stands in the spotlight! Our sincere congratulations to a victorious Superyacht Cup 2007 and a memorable Trofeo Almirante Conde de Barcelona.

by Haley Khaghani
Camper & Nicholsons International

Photos: FIRST MALLORCA