Six YYachts lined up for the inaugural edition, creating one of the strongest one-design style fleets ever seen at Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta. From the much-loved Y7 to the flagship Y9, the fleet showcased the remarkable breadth of the range while sharing the same unmistakable DNA: lightweight carbon construction, elegant proportions and yachts designed to be enjoyed at the helm. The racing itself left little doubt about the concept.

The newly launched judel/vrolijk-designed Y7 Beati delivered a flawless performance, winning all three races to become the first-ever winner of the YYachts Class. Distancia sailed a consistently strong series to secure second place, while Calabash, Michael Schmidt’s own Y8, completed the podium after three closely fought days on the water.

Yet, as impressive as the results were, they only told part of the story. What truly defined the week was the atmosphere. Owners stood at the helm of their own yachts. Families sailed together. Friends met again after months apart. Between races, the pontoons became gathering places where stories of Mediterranean passages, Atlantic crossings and future cruising plans flowed as naturally as the evening conversations over dinner. This has always been the spirit behind YYachts. The shipyard was never founded simply to build luxury yachts. It was created to build yachts that owners genuinely want to sail. That philosophy could be felt everywhere in Palma.

For Michael Schmidt, one of the most memorable moments came ashore. Lying side by side in the marina were Peregrin – better known to many as the legendary Cool Breeze – and Makai. The first yacht was originally conceived as a one-off project, built simply because Schmidt wanted the perfect yacht for himself. The second confirmed that the idea deserved a future. “Seeing both yachts together again in Palma was something very special,” Schmidt reflected. “They represent where everything began.” Few could have imagined then that, only a decade later, an entire YYachts fleet would be racing together at one of the world’s most prestigious superyacht regattas. The creation of the YYachts Class was the natural result of a long-standing relationship between the Superyacht Cup Palma Richard Mille and the shipyard.

Over the years, YYachts has built far more than a fleet of carbon sailing yachts between 65 and 100 feet. It has brought together an international community of owners who actively sail their yachts, often covering thousands of miles every season, and who share remarkably similar values. They appreciate elegant design. They value performance without unnecessary complexity. And above all, they enjoy being at the helm themselves. “Our owners love sailing their own yachts,” Michael Schmidt said during the event. “They appreciate performance, simplicity and elegance. The Superyacht Cup is exactly the kind of place where all of that comes together.” That philosophy is evident in every YYachts model.

The extensive carbon construction keeps displacement exceptionally low. Carefully optimised sail plans and intuitive deck layouts allow yachts of this size to be handled confidently by their owners and small crews rather than large professional teams.

Throughout the changing sea breezes and tactical conditions off Palma, these characteristics proved exactly what they were designed to achieve: responsive, rewarding sailing that puts the experience ahead of the complexity.

After four unforgettable days, the overall winner almost seemed secondary. The real success of the inaugural YYachts Class was something far more meaningful. It brought together a community. It celebrated a shared way of sailing. And it proved that modern luxury and genuine owner-driven sailing are not opposing ideas, they belong together.

During the closing gala dinner at the newly opened Club de Mar-Mallorca, Michael Schmidt also took the opportunity to thank everyone who helped make the inaugural YYachts Cup possible. “This event could not have happened without the commitment of our owners, friends, partners and the entire YYachts team,” he said. “We are sincerely grateful to Frisch, Reckmann, iShine, Alexseal, judel/vrolijk & co, AXXON, B&G and Zaoli for their generous support and for sharing our vision.”

Schmidt looked not only at what had been achieved, but also at what lies ahead. “We had nine YYachts here in Palma this year, with six of them racing,” he said. “I’m convinced we can double that number in 2027.” Listening to him, it was difficult not to believe him.

Because the first YYachts Cup never felt like the launch of another racing class. It felt like the beginning of a tradition. One built around friendship, unforgettable days under sail, and a simple belief that has guided YYachts from the very beginning: The finest yachts are the ones that make you want to cast off the lines and go sailing.