Four J Class yachts, including the new Huisman-built Hanuman, are planning to participate in The Superyacht Cup 2009 in Palma, June 24-27. It will be the first time the four J’s, Ranger, Velsheda, Shamrock V and Hanuman will race against each other.

Ranger and Velsheda have taken part in several Superyacht Cup events in previous years and next year these highly competitive rivals will be joined by the two additional yachts, racing under the new J Class handicap system developed by Gerry Dijkstra and managed by the Wolfson Unit at Southampton University. Hanuman is currently nearing completion at the Royal Huisman shipyard in the Netherlands and will have her first regatta outing in Palma. After time-out of the J Class racing scene, Shamrock V has chosen to make her comeback at The Superyacht Cup 2009.

2009 will be the 13th year for The Superyacht Cup and 11 yachts have already registered. The fleet of yachts will be berthed in the new central location in the heart of Palma at Muelle Viejo, directly in front of the cathedral and the historic old town district of the city.

Before then however, a 10 strong fleet will meet in the Caribbean in December for the third edition of the The Superyacht Cup Antigua (9-12th December). Two new yachts will be making their debut in Antigua, Perini Navi’s new P2 and the latest launch from Wally Yachts, the 148′ Tripp designed Saudade. Timoneer, Savannah, Wild Horses and Sojana are also planning to start their Caribbean season with The Superyacht Cup in Antigua.

www.thesuperyachtcup.com