Hosted at the splendid Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) in mid June by the yard and local Contest agent Fine Yachts, the Contest Meeting Mallorca this year drew a handsome fleet of eleven yachts for two days of racing in the bay, and three evenings to relax and enjoy some fine dining. Ever a social as well as fun and competitive event, the mix and mood was perfect.
With the yachts moored stern-to the dock the crews were able to benefit from the club´s first class facilities, including the outdoor swimming pool, as well as glass architectural bar and fine restaurant. The scene was as peaceful as it was picturesque. Away out on the course, the cameras again clicked but this time focused on a stage come alive!
Throughout the two days Louis Irrisarri and crew sailed exceptionally well taking the Contest 57CS Gregal to 1st place in both races. Jose Mayol sailing the smallest and oldest boat in the fleet, Contest 33 Karrina into 3rd in both races showed similar consistency. To either side the event was anybody’s, or more precisely, either of the two boats who jostled in the rankings for 2nd and 4th place.
In race one the order ran Gregal, Amati (Roger Bos – Contest 55CS) , Karrina (Jose Mayol – Contest 33), September (Theo Van Uhm – Contest 43) and in race two Gregal, September, Karrina, Amati.
Getting to know each other is all a great part of this event, and after the first day’s racing the group escaped the coast and headed inland towards the towering Tramuntana mountains in the centre of the island for a very relaxed wine tasting tour and dinner at the charming Bodegas Angel, Santa Maria del Cami. True there may have been a few bleary eyes in the morning, but the breeze and fine weather beckoned, and the racing began once more. Nothing gets in the way of a good Contest regatta!
Next year’s Contest Meeting Mallorca is planned for 9th - 11th of June, and we look forward to welcoming as many boats as possible. To get a great flavour of the event, please see our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYqM7gMCXSU
