New hardware at PalmaVela

First gathering of the 2009 Mediterannean mini-maxi fleet

In just six years, the Hublot PalmaVela, to be held this week from 16-19 April, has become one of the Mediterranean's leading spring regattas. Organised by the Real Club Náutico de Palma, it was conceived as a competition where different kinds of boats could sail against one another, boats of different ages and sizes, from the big glamorous Wallys, to vintage and classic boats to One Designs and grand prix boats, including TP52s and the latest generation mini-maxis and STP65s.

There are nine divisions for the different classes taking part which will sail on six racing areas, however the focus for this regatta is certainly the Maxi dvision which will include the Wallys, cruising maxis, but also the Mini Maxis.

The line-up is particularly strong this year including the brand new 72ft Ran II of Skype founder Niklas Zennstrom as well as the new STP65s, Container of Germany's Udo Schutz and the first non-America's Cup Luna Rossa. While Container was launched last autumn it is the first regatta for Ran II and Luna Rossa. All three of these are Judel-Vrolijk designs and they will be up against a boat we can expect to see more of in the Mediterranean this season - Hap Fauth's newly rebuilt Reichel-Pugh design, Bella Mente over from the USA.

There is a separate class for the Swan 'maxis' (ie over 60ft) and these will include Roel Pieper's all conquering Favonius and Austrian former TP52 campaigner Rainer Wilhelm's Astro de Lest.

Four TP52s will be competing in their own class - the new showpony will be Alberto Roemmer's brand new Matador. She will be up against two of the hot boats from last year - the Russians aboard Valars and Synergy, as well as John Cook's Cristabella. A fifth TP52, the Spanish Navy's Aifos, will be racing in IRC 1, where she will be up against Tony Buckingham's Ngoniwith thedailysail's own Andy Nicholson on board.