The yachting world is made up of fantastic events, from roaring regattas to glamourous boat shows. However, one company that takes this to a whole new level is British builder of sailing yachts, Oyster Yachts. With on average two major sailing regattas planned per year for its owners, including the Oyster Regatta Palma and the Oyster Regatta Antigua, this is a brand that knows how to celebrate the boating lifestyle.
Earlier this month, the Palma Regatta took over parts of the Balearic Sea as Oyster owners raced each other to victory. A high-spirited event comprised of sailing and socialising in near equal measure, those lucky enough to attend now have a thousand amazing memories to reflect on. For those who didn’t make it this year, catch up on all the best bits below.
Highlights of the Oyster Regatta, Palma
Day One
Sunday (30th September) saw the Oyster Regatta, Palma kick off with a cocktail reception, welcoming the Oyster Family to the island. This was the first regatta the company had held since changing hands to new owner Richard Hadida in April, and Hadida was sure to put his own personal stamp on it.
After the new format was introduced, owners, families, crews and Oyster staff rocked out to company board member Eddie Jordan’s band, the Robbers. A truly incredible start to the Palma Regatta.
Day Two
Monday was the first day of Palma Regatta racing, and the 27-yacht fleet faced near-perfect Champagne sailing conditions as the luxury sailing yachts cruised around the bay of Palma.
As the day drew to a close it was time to head to Palma’s beautiful Bellver Castle for the first prize giving ceremony. Everyone swapped stories about the day’s events, sampled some delicious tapas and enjoyed lively flamenco dancing from the locals.
Day Three
Tuesday at the Oyster Palma Regatta saw the yachts race over to the ancient Mallorcan town of Andratx in a beautiful 20 - 25 knots, where an informal dock party awaited them. After an exciting day on the move, this was a chance for the fleet to kick back.
Day Four
The sailors raced the passage back from Andratx to the Real Club Náutico de Palma, again in 25 - 30 knots. The fleet decided to dress up for the occasion, and with costumes ranging from superheroes to leprechauns, the Palma Regatta yachts were a sight for sore eyes as they sailed to the finish. Wednesday’s evening plans involved unwinding with some mouth-watering paella and sangria.
Day Five
Thursday was the final day of the Oyster Regatta, Palma. Everyone took part in one last race around the island before evening celebrations at the magnificent Jardines de Alfabia, where the overall race winners were announced. After a delicious dinner, owners, crews, teams and partners danced the night away to the lively music of the Bogus Brothers - the perfect end to a perfect regatta.
A Clean Regatta
This year’s Palma Regatta was part of the Sailors for the Sea's Clean Regattas programme, aiming to minimise the impact the event had on the seas by reducing the use of single-use plastics. To achieve this, all caterers provided environmentally-sound alternatives to single-use plastics and there was a free drinking water refill station on the Palma dock. What’s more, yachts that were signed up for the Clean Regatta program received four durable, sustainable and reusable Oyster drinking bottles per yacht.
Ending on a high
From all the smiling faces, it looks like even those who didn’t win had an amazing time. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and to the Oyster owners out there - we’ll see you at the next event!
Sponsored by Oyster Yachts
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