2024 Ibiza JoySail already has strong entry list

Spectacular image of the superyachts, with Es Vedrà in the background, in the Ibiza JoySail 2023 © Nico Martínez

Entries for the fourth edition of Ibiza JoySail, the showcase Mediterranean Superyacht regatta which was run for the first time in 2021, are already ahead of expectations leading organisers STP Shipyard Palma and Marina Ibiza to believe that between 15 and 20 Superyachts will enjoy the unique recipe of friendly, competitive racing on the beautiful waters of Ibiza and Formentera and a relaxed, enjoyable shoreside programme.

Early April there are already 11 entries received with many more captains, owners and crews ready to firm up on their plans to join Ibiza JoySail which is now extended to four days, 19 to 22nd September, hosted by Marina Ibiza. To date the entry list contains a pleasing proportion of yachts and crews returning again, year on year, and newcomers who have been attracted by positive reports from the three first regattas.

Indeed, three of the last year's division winners are already committed to returning this September, winners of the Performance division Moat (Swan 115), Performance Cruising division Dark Horse (Swan 80) and World Cruising division victors Aurelius (Dykstra 111).

And among the newcomers are three of Baltic Yachts' new concept 68-foot Café Racers, Open Season, Ganesha and Pink Gin Verde, a design by the Spanish Javier Jáudenes.

"I'm really impressed and enthused by the number of entries we already have, considering it is only just turned April. Usually we see crews and owners taking their time to decide exactly what they want to do and where in a season, and for us that means we see the bulk of the entries for Ibiza JoySail come in May and June. And so from that observation I am sure we will see between 15 and 20 boats this year." Enthuses Nacho Postigo, Regatta Director of Ibiza JoySail. "And the other this we were maybe concerned about was is that we thought some might head direct to the America's Cup in Barcelona where there is a Superyacht event, but we have a good entry so far and the evidence is crews maybe want to do both. Ibiza JoySail has such a unique, different appeal that we can fully understand that idea!"

The boats in Marina Ibiza with Dalt Vila in the background - Ibiza JoySail - photo © Nico Martínez

Postigo is excited, too, about the new Café Racers electing to come and race at Ibiza JoySail, "They may not be giant Superyacht but the look, feel and ethos are very much 'Superyacht' and the owners are 'Superyacht owners' who want something simpler and easier - a day racer - to come and race with us. We expect three and they should enjoy boat for boat racing in the most beautiful environments and taking in a shoreside ambience which so in keeping with their philosophy."

He adds, "Ibiza JoySail is so much about family and friends and the wide array of philosophies. For example, we love to see crews take a quiet swim before racing and then anchor in a bay for lunch after racing for example. There is no one prevailing agenda or outlook on life afloat at Ibiza JoySail."

The choice of going for the Corinthian prize in each race division proves popular with the main appeal being here that all boats race in their usual division accordingly but choose to fall in line with the key Corinthian rules which are primarily only four professional crew are allowed in addition to the yacht's permanent crew. They are allowed to use only one furling jib, one spinnaker and one reaching Code sail. No changes are allowed in the event of damage to these foresails.

Postigo concludes, "The spirit of the Corinthian trophies are very much that the yacht sails in the same set up as they would cruise the day before and the day after the event, so that is to say they would likely leave their tender at the dock likely, but it is easy, no stress for the crew there is no setting a boat into 'race' mode making lots of time consuming changes."

For more details see ibizajoysail.com

Entry List as at 16/04/2024:

The Svea passing by the Espardell lighthouse - Ibiza JoySail - photo © Sailing Energy