The fourth edition of the Ibiza Joysail is approaching, taking place from September 19 to 22. Although it is among the newer regattas on the Mediterranean circuit, this year it has reached full capacity, featuring 20 world-class sailing yachts competing along the rugged coastlines of Ibiza and Formentera, Spain.
BOAT provides an in-depth look at some of the most thrilling competitors…
Maximus
Length: 59m
Builder: Vitters
Designer: German Frers
What makes her a fierce competitor?
For upwind racing, Maximus boasts an 80-ton lifting keel that extends to eight meters, reducing to five meters for maneuverability. The twin carbon rudders assist with precise steering, ensuring sailors stay on the optimal course. The Dutch yard has referred to her as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” and she recently won gold at the Superyacht Cup Palma, clinching victories in both the St Regis race and Class A overall.
Gitana
Length: 45m
Builder: Fitzroy Yachts
Designer: Dubois Naval Architects, Adam Lay Studio
What makes her a fierce competitor?
Gitana was commissioned by Barry Houghton, a seasoned sailor with over two decades of experience. This sailing yacht is a regatta veteran, having participated in races since her delivery in 2009 and was nominated for Best Sailing Yacht at the 2010 World Superyacht Awards. She underwent refits in 2017 and 2020, ensuring this well-equipped sloop remains in racing condition.
Gelliceaux
Length: 35.4m
Builder: Southern Wind Shipyard
Designer: Nauta Design, Farr Yacht Design
What makes her a fierce competitor?
With an upgraded sail plan, a lifting keel that ranges from 4.2 to six meters, and a low displacement of 78.9 tons, Gelliceaux is described as “a very powerful yacht” by the South African shipyard. Additionally, she features a BAE HybriGen propulsion system that “virtually extends her range indefinitely.” This sailing yacht demonstrated her capabilities this year by becoming the overall winner of the 2024 St Barths Bucket.
Moat
Length: 35.2m
Builder: Nautor Swan
Designer: German Frers, deVosdeVries Design
What makes her a fierce competitor?
Moat was commissioned by an experienced racing yacht owner and belongs to a series known as the “ultimate performance Swan” – the Swan 115. She features a long bowsprit for enhanced downwind performance, along with a retractable propeller for racing, in addition to a straight propeller shaft arrangement and sail handling at the push of a button. Moat also made her mark at last year’s Ibiza Joysail by winning the Performance category.
WinWin
Length: 33m
Builder: Baltic Yachts
Designer: Javier Jaudenes, Design Unlimited
What makes her a fierce competitor?
True to her name, WinWin has celebrated victories at the 2016 Superyacht Cup and a remarkable three-year streak of wins at the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Superyacht Cup Palma. With a 7.9-meter beam at the transom and low displacement, she can be managed by a crew of just four, while her square-topped racing mainsail with a bolt-on bowsprit enables the use of more powerful kites.
Kiboko Tres
Length: 32.3m
Builder: Southern Wind Shipyard
Designer: Nauta Design, Farr Yacht Design
What makes her a fierce competitor?
Kiboko Tres was optimized specifically for the Mediterranean superyacht circuit, featuring a larger sail plan, three additional tons of lead in the fixed keel, and twin rudders. Weight savings were critical, and the owner opted for a manual passarelle, reducing weight by 60kg, alongside a full carbon hull, deck, and bulkheads. She is named after the Swahili word for “hippopotamus” to symbolize the yacht’s power and speed.