I am writing this month’s editorial on the eve of the Superyacht Cup, eagerly awaiting one of my favourite weeks of the year. This year should be no exception with some of the world’s most beautiful Superyachts battling it out in the Bay of Palma, including two J Class yachts, Velsheda and Topaz.

The past month has seen some wonderful Superyachts visiting our waters, with Rising Sun, Katara, Ngoni, Al Lusail, Ventum Maris, Garcon, Sovereign, Ronin amongst them. This is further evidence of Palma’s increasing popularity as a yachting destination, not just a repair and refit hub.  June’s good weather has kicked off the charter season in fine style, with many brokers reporting positive sales.

One can’t help noticing the increasing number of cruise ships coming into Palma, and the increased traffic this causes, but I was horrified to discover that the emissions of one of these ships is equivalent to 1,000,000 cars!! With up to six of these beasts visiting each day, we should encourage the local government to concentrate their efforts in this area rather than preventing local boaters from anchoring in the island’s calas.

On a totally different tack, it has been very refreshing to see that the topic of mental health both on yachts and onshore is being addressed here in Palma and indeed within our pages, and MC Palma held a meeting recently to discuss this  which attracted a huge audience, evidence if any were needed that it is a subject close to many people’s hearts. The environment of working and living in a confined space, working long hours, sharing personal space are all triggers making it more likely for problems to occur. The tag line “it’s ok not to be ok” I think sums up the issue very well, and hope it resonates with those amongst us who suffer.

Finally, later this month sees the Copa del Rey Regatta, one of the major highlights of the Mediterranean Regatta season kick off on the 28^th July. As usual we will see around 180 yachts from over 25 different countries compete in what is always a first class week of racing .

Always looking to be pioneers of our sport, the RCNP have once again come up with a great Initiative, by introducing a “ Womens only Class”, and will compete in the super exciting Viper 640’s which have been such a huge success in Palma since their introduction earlier this year. The boats are all identical and are sailed by 3 or 4 persons normally, and will provide some great spectator sport if we get our normal sea breezes of 12 – 15 knots. We shall be out on the water as normal capturing some of the action on camera.

Fair Winds!

Simon Relph – Owner & Editor