Everything is ready for the Ibiza JoySail, the sailing show in the Balearics

This Thursday, September 19, the Ibiza JoySail begins, a superyacht spectacle now in its fourth edition and a key end-of-season event on the Mediterranean superyacht calendar, and the 2024 edition will be no exception. Eighteen superyachts will gather at Marina Ibiza for a spectacular four-day coastal event.

Given the popularity of the event, which started with just four boats in 2020, an additional day of racing has been added for this edition so that the yachts can take advantage of the magnificent racing conditions in the Balearic Islands, particularly Ibiza and Formentera.

The event, which is by invitation only from the organizers, will feature a wide range of superyachts, from two Y7 Y Yachts, Shambho and the latest Viento, to two Baltic Yachts Café Racers, Open Season and Pink Gin, as well as Gitana and Maximus at the larger end of the fleet.

Once again, the race director of Ibiza JoySail is the renowned sailor Nacho Postigo, one of the most sought-after navigators in the racing world and a true connoisseur of sailing superyachts, having competed in both European circuits (Saint-Tropez, Palma, Porto Cervo, etc.) and in the Caribbean (St Barths Bucket, Caribbean 600, etc.).

Postigo comments: "We are very happy that so many owners have decided to bring their beautiful yachts to join us at Ibiza JoySail. It’s great to see such a wide range in the fleet, with professional yachts, and up to ten yachts competing for the Corinthian Trophy. The Corinthian class emphasizes the philosophy of Ibiza JoySail to 'come as you are': The boats do not need to convert from cruising mode to racing mode, as the event is open to all types of sailing."

The 2024 edition also presents a different format for the Perpetual Trophy, which is awarded for the fastest passage between Mallorca and Ibiza. In previous editions, this was held during the race itself, but for the 2024 edition of Ibiza JoySail, Postigo and his team have given teams the opportunity to choose their own time window to compete among the beautiful Balearic Islands at any time during a 30-day period before the Ibiza JoySail trials begin.

Maximus, the powerful 195-foot German Frers built by Vitters in the Netherlands, set the standard in early September, creating a new record for Ibiza JoySail by completing the 48-nautical-mile passage in 3 hours and 31 minutes. Gelliceaux also attempted to break the record and, while they did surpass Maximus’s record, they set a new record in the 100 to 110-foot category with a time of 4 hours and 4 minutes. However, since the deadline for the record won't close until midnight on September 19, Gelliceaux and other participants, including Moat, Liberty Squared, Aurelius, and Nostromo, have stated they may attempt the record if the weather permits.

The fleet of 18 boats includes four elegant yachts designed by German Frers, from Maximus, the largest yacht ever to compete in Ibiza JoySail, to the high-performance Moat and the ocean cruisers Alarife and L'Hippocampe.

The 195-foot Maximus does not compromise on performance or onboard comfort; it even features a small grand piano in its main salon. It will be spectacular to see this ketch, with its crew of 40, maneuvering through the Ibiza JoySail racecourse.

In this star-studded fleet, there are also three World Cruisers designed by Ed Dubois. Bliss, Gitana, and Nostromo are designed for independent navigation in the most remote regions of the world. All three yachts have a relatively high displacement to allow for ample fuel and water storage during sailing. However, Dubois ensured that performance was also an important feature of these spectacular yachts.

Two Café Racers from Baltic Yachts, Open Season and Pink Gin, designed by Mallorca-based naval architect Javier Jaudenes, have also joined the fleet. Optimized for day cruising in the Mediterranean, they will certainly ensure that the Performance Cruising class is highly competitive.

Hugo Ramón, captain of Open Season, comments: “We will compete with 14 crew members onboard and hope that in two or three years the Café Racer fleet will grow to have our own class.”

Ten boats from the fleet will compete in the Corinthian class, underscoring the spirit of the event, which is open to all boats over 70 feet, and the organization’s desire to welcome yachts to "come as you are."

In addition to the four days of competition, held according to the rules of the Superyacht Racing Association, Ibiza JoySail is also known for its extensive social calendar and friendly atmosphere, which is fitting for an island known for its festive vibe.

Ibiza JoySail will be based at Marina Ibiza, one of the most luxurious marinas in the Mediterranean, and is organized in collaboration with STP Shipyard Palma. Marina Ibiza stands out with its berths for superyachts up to 110 meters in length, 24/7 security, and personalized concierge service. This five-star marina will offer crews and their guests the best luxury experience in sailing, entertainment, shopping, and dining.

Although Ibiza JoySail is held at Marina Ibiza, most of the fleet has been based at STP Shipyard Palma, one of the most important repair and refitting facilities in Europe. The shipyard's open management model makes it unique in the industry and allows clients to choose which companies they want to work with for full control over any repair and refitting process.

Led by Postigo, the race itself is organized by a prominent technical and water team from STP Shipyard Palma, Marina Ibiza, the Ibiza Nautical Club, and the Real Club Náutico de Palma.

During the four days, coastal races will be held using the local topography as course markers, and a maximum of four races will take place during the regatta. The fleet will be divided into five classes: World Cruising L, World Cruising XL, Performance, Performance Cruising M, and Performance Cruising L.

Ibiza JoySail will take place from September 19 to 22 and will be based at Marina Ibiza, the starting point for the coastal races in Ibiza and Formentera.