Day one of the Superyacht Cup Palma saw Highland Fling take the win in Class A from Saudade and the 2017 Class winners, Win Win. Get ready for a showdown!
Highland Fling leads the fleet across the finish line on day one of the Superyacht Cup Palma
Win Win got the party started, crossing the line bang on her allocated 1300 timeslot as part of a staggered starting sequence, heading out to the left-hand side of the course. The rest of the superyacht fraternity followed suit, starting at two-minute intervals in a light but steady breeze.
While the staggered starts might eliminate the drama of a crowded start line, it does nothing to detract from the intensity and focus of the racing, with all the crews aiming to wring every ounce of performance from their yachts.
Highland Fling demonstrated her racing pedigree in Class A to win by almost a minute and a half on corrected time ahead of Saudade after two and a half hours of racing, with Win Win only 23 seconds further back.
“It was fantastic out there today, great conditions here in Palma with a nice nine to 12 knots sea breeze, and quite challenging at times,” said Cameron Appleton, Highland Fling’s tactician.
“I like this place it’s really special, the unique geography puts a bend in the wind you have to get right every time. We were fortunate to get past the right boat at the right time and pull away on the last leg to take first in our class. Timing was everything.
“The first race is always pretty key. We expect conditions to be similar tomorrow so we know what we have to do. Anything is possible.”
After racing competitors celebrated a great day on the water and enjoyed the North Sails Happy Hour followed by the Paella Dock Party at Jack’s Club by St Regis.
Pictures: Claire Matches
