An accomplished sailor and a dynamic businesswoman who takes tacking superyachts in her stride, Kate Branagh talks to us about her experiences at the helm of the longest-running superyacht regatta in the Mediterranean.
Kate Branagh has been involved with the Superyacht Cup since the year 2000, when she stepped off superyachts and set up for life ashore on the Balearic island of Mallorca.
“I moved to Mallorca in 1999 after several years working on boats alongside my husband, and prior to that I’d worked for the Whitbread Round the World Race. When I arrived in Palma, Patrick and Spike -who founded the Superyacht Cup back in 1996- were looking for some help, and the rest, as they say, is history!” begins Branagh who, 13 years later in 2013, came to be owner of the Superyacht Cup, and remains in the position of Event Director.
“One of my first tasks back then was to establish sponsorship options, helping the event to grow and ensuring its ongoing viability. With that, the Superyacht Cup family grew and we went from beers at the back of the boats to a much bigger setup. And some of those original sponsors, like Pantaenius, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, and Southern Spars continue to be partners of the event today.”
Branagh’s sailing experience -from dinghy racing to the Admiral’s Cup- was another valuable addition. Her intrinsic knowledge of what matters most to the captains and crew, the support they need to prepare for the regatta, and the infrastructure required to make participation as easy as possible. “The Superyacht Cup is a regatta that welcomes every kind of owner,” says Branagh. “We have established members of the superyacht racing scene with us, as well as those completely new to it. And there’s a mix of crew as well – some boats bring in the rock stars; others want to race with family and friends. That we cater for everyone is important to me, and I encourage boats to simply come as they are.”
Highlights over the years have included involvement of the J Class, and bumper attendance numbers. “The atmosphere when we used to hold the event at Moll Vell was quite special. In those days, we had bigger fleets, and the dock parties were great fun – it was quite an important opportunity for people from across the sailing sector to get together,” says Branagh.
With the arrival of the COVID pandemic in 2020, continuing the event at Moll Vell was no longer feasible, and the decision was made to move to Real Club Nautico Palma in 2021. As Branagh explains, “Remaining at the Moll Vell site required an upfront commitment that we just couldn’t risk. The partnership with RCNP has worked well. They are incredibly welcoming, and they have everything we need on-site. We have to consider the benefit of that from an environmental aspect, too.”
The Superyacht Cup is a SYRA-sanctioned regatta, meaning it adheres to the safe racing rules of the association, and uses its rating system for classing competitors. That the Cup is part of this progressive movement towards safer, fairer racing, is important to Branagh: “I’ve been involved with SYRA since its inception and the steps that have been taken to make superyacht racing safer -such as the 40m Rule- are vital. Racing yachts of any size, but particularly superyachts, come with huge risks; it would only take one serious collision to signal the end of big boat racing. Safety is a paramount concern for everyone involved with the Superyacht Cup. When I know everyone is safely back on the dock each day, it’s a big relief.”
Bringing each edition of the Cup to life is a year-round job for Branagh and her team. Kate is joined by Daphne Morgan Barnicoat managing the PR and media team, and Susie Walker as sponsor liaison. Both have a background in top-level yacht racing events, with roles at the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race on their CVs. Maintaining the Cup’s family values, Kate’s daughters are also familiar faces amongst the event team, helping with shoreside logistics. “I’m never short of help, but it takes a lot of people a lot of time to make the Cup what it is, and we can’t plan for everything. The biggest challenges are always those spontaneous issues; when the wind doesn’t blow; a bus doesn’t turn up, or a yacht’s schedule needs to change last minute,” Branagh explains. “People forget that these are privately owned boats, not commercial racing enterprises, and that this is people’s leisure time. Nothing is certain when it comes to superyachts!”
As soon as one event finishes, the wheels are set in motion to plan for the next. “By October, we’ll already have an indication from a number of boats whether they intend to join us for the following edition. These may be returning boats or those who’ve been inspired by the exploits of their friends, or their experience as guests at the event,” says Branagh. “The informality of the Cup, its inclusivity, and that good-natured competitive sailing, remains the primary focus, and is key to the regatta’s continued popularity.”
The Superyacht Cup benefits from Palma’s wider appeal as a superyacht hub, with many boats here for refit works, general maintenance, or part of their Mediterranean charter and cruising programmes. “Without a doubt, that’s a big bonus for us,” says Branagh. “Owners know they have the services here that they need, and the back-up of skilled personnel and companies if there are any breakages or problems.”
Attendees of this year’s regatta can expect all the shoreside fun of previous years, with post-race drinks, a daily prize giving, and the owner’s summer BBQ at the St Regis Hotel. At the time of writing, there are two classes set to race and, more unusually, each yacht has its own direct competitor; there are two yachts designed by Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design and built by Vitters Shipyard; two J Class yachts; two Dubois-designed blue water cruisers that were both built in New Zealand; and two Swans amongst the line-up.
“When I think about the future of the Cup, my immediate hope is that it continues in the same ethos. We’re already expecting 2024 to be huge, with the America’s Cup in Barcelona being an extra attraction, and that’s really exciting.”
And the highlight for Branagh each year? “Handing over that winner’s trophy! When the last boat has crossed the line. When I can put the clipboard down and pick up a glass of Cava – that’s just wonderful.”
The Superyacht Cup 2023 will take place from June 21st to June 24th.
