Big Boats Return for the 21st Sandberg PalmaVela

Magic Carpet E - the latest 100-foot Maxi yacht launched in early 2025 © SailingShots by Maria Muiña

With the 21st edition of one of the Mediterranean's most iconic regattas just a month away, the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) and its renowned bay are set to host the world debut of Magic Carpet E, the latest 100-foot Maxi yacht.

Launched in early 2025 by Persico Marine, this state-of-the-art vessel was designed by the acclaimed Guillaume Verdier for British owner Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, marking his fourth addition to the legendary Magic Carpet racing lineage.

A Revolution in High-Performance Sailing

Marcello Persico, CEO of Persico Marine, emphasized the innovation embodied by the new Magic Carpet E:

"In an era where it seems that any innovative and fast sailing yacht must be a foiler, this project demonstrates that there are virtually no limits to the pioneering concepts that can be developed for a 'traditional yacht.' Magic Carpet E raises the bar for high-performance technology to an unprecedented level."

This new Maxi, a member of the International Maxi Association (IMA), joins five other entries already registered for the 21st Sandberg PalmaVela, including Pascale Decaux's Wally Cento Tilakkhana; the German yacht Rose, another 80-foot Wally helmed by Sven Wackkerhagen; and the Spanish Pelotari Project, a 68-foot Vismara Mills skippered by Andrés Varela Entrecanales.

Also competing in the Maxi class are two 60-footers: the French Spirit of Lorina owned by Barjon Jean Pierre and the Polish R6 helmed by Robert Szustkowski, further establishing the Sandberg PalmaVela as a premier gathering for both large and small yachts in the Mediterranean.

'La Larga' Also Attracts Big Boats

Last Friday brought good news for Sandberg PalmaVela's offshore race, 'La Larga,' as six large yachts registered to compete across the Balearic archipelago. Notably, Loren Jarsen's VO70 L4 Trifork (formerly Ericsson 4, winner of the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race) will participate under the RCNP burgee. L4 Trifork boasts a victory in the 2021 edition and has held the Round Mallorca record since 2020.

Another 'La Larga' regular is Andrés Varela Entrecanales' Pelotari Project. The 68-footer from Real Club Nàutic de Pollença clinched the 2022 edition and will face larger yachts such as the French Luce Guida owned by Jean-Michel Caye, a 77-footer also designed by Vismara Yachts.

Among the favourites in the big boat category is Stefan Jentzsch's Botín 56 Black Pearl, arriving in Palma after winning the 2024 Aegean 600 in Greece and narrowly missing the podium with a fourth-place finish at the Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta.

Palma: The Epicenter of Cruiser Racing

Palma Bay will once again become the epicenter of international sailing with the 2025 Sandberg PalmaVela. From April 26th to May 4th, a fleet of 157 yachts will navigate its waters in one of the most emblematic events on the nautical calendar.

The event kicks off with 'La Larga,' the offshore race that will take the fleet around the Balearic archipelago, starting on April 26th. Beginning May 1st, the Multiclass regatta will commence, offering four intense days of excitement and strategy until Sunday, May 4th.

Combining tradition with high-level competition, the Sandberg PalmaVela promises spectacle both on and off the water, solidifying Palma's status as an indisputable reference in international sailing.

With the countdown under way, RCNP director Manu Fraga expressed satisfaction with the regatta's strength and growth: "Not only due to the loyalty of the big boats but because the Sandberg PalmaVela represents the full splendour of cruiser sailing."

Fraga highlighted the event's inclusive nature: "This regatta brings together virtually the entire spectrum of cruiser sailing, from offshore races in 'La Larga'—with full crews and double-handed teams—to the intense coastal and windward-leeward races of the multiclass competition."

He also noted that the Sandberg PalmaVela "will serve as a prelude to the ORC European Championship, which will be held as part of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE and is already seeing a high rate of registrations."

Event website: www.palmavela.com