Y9 Bella takes second in class at Ibiza JoySail

Y9 Bella takes second in class at Ibiza JoySail

28 September 2026 | Events

Y9 Bella concluded the 2026 Ibiza JoySail with second place in Performance Cruising 2 and first place in the Corinthian division. The result followed three days of varied coastal racing around Ibiza and Formentera, in a fleet of 19 yachts ranging from 80 to 147 feet.

The opening day remained a shoreside affair. With an official weather warning in place and a strong front approaching the Balearic Islands, the organisers kept the fleet in port. Racing began the following day with a 21.43-nautical-mile course around the south-eastern side of Formentera. Squalls remained visible on the horizon, while the wind increased from around 12 knots at the start to approximately 18 knots along the lower part of the island. In these conditions, accurate timing during sail changes was particularly important.

On the second race day, the fleet started west of Ibiza at Cap des Falcó before passing Es Codolar and Punta Yondal and continuing towards Es Vedrà. Stronger winds and relatively flat water suited Bella well. The course also offered greater tactical scope, with both upwind and downwind sections and frequent changes in pressure and direction.

The final race took place in lighter conditions over a shorter, 16-nautical-mile course off Ibiza. Several marks and converging course lines once again required careful positioning and clear communication on board. For Bella and her crew, every race presented a new tactical challenge. Frequent changes in wind direction and pressure made it difficult to identify the favoured side of the course. Close observation of the conditions, clear communication and quick decisions were therefore essential.

As one of the smaller yachts in the fleet, the 90-foot Bella sailed with notable consistency throughout the event. She was particularly effective on the reaching legs, where her speed allowed her to remain competitive alongside considerably larger yachts. Her balanced performance and straightforward handling also enabled the crew to respond efficiently as the conditions changed.

Bella finished second overall in Performance Cruising 2 and secured the Corinthian title. The Corinthian division is closely aligned with the character of the YYachts Y9: it allows owners and crews to race their yachts in their established cruising configuration, preserving their original purpose while still enjoying measured competition on the water.

This result shows what the Y9 is capable of. Bella was fast across the entire course and particularly impressive on the reaching legs, where we were able to compete with yachts much larger than ourselves. The constantly changing wind made the racing tactically demanding, but the entire team remained focused and adapted exceptionally well to every new situation. Everyone on board contributed to this success – and, most importantly, we had a fantastic time together.
Max – Tactician aboard Bella

Away from the racecourse, the programme ashore offered crews and guests time to meet in a relaxed setting at Marina Ibiza. Bella also welcomed a particularly young member on board: a four-month-old baby, quite possibly the youngest guest of the regatta.

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