It was a thrilling first day at the Superyacht Cup in Palma on Wednesday. The longest running superyacht regatta in Europe attracted a number of the world’s great sailing yachts to Muelle Viejo, creating a spectacle in front of the Palma Cathedral. The new generation of J-class yachts kicked-off the four-day event with a first race that set the tone for what is to come.

Lionheart, Velsheda, Hanuman, Ranger and Rainbow set off on the 20-kilometre course at 1pm, with 4 of the 5 superyachts taking the lead at different times. Ranger came in first, with Hanuman second and Lionheart third, at a narrow 100-metres and 15 seconds behind. On Wednesday evening, the owners and crew debriefed over drinks and placed bets on the outcome of the second day at a Welcome Cocktail Party. If you’re not in Palma, you can still see the action unfold on Claasen’s live blog.

With thanks to the St Regis Hotel, Palma, for their hospitality.