19 yachts take on a dramatic 21.43-nautical-mile course around Formentera as changing conditions produce a highly competitive second day
After a weather-disrupted opening day, Ibiza JoySail 2026 finally delivered a full day of racing on Friday, taking its 19-strong fleet around the southeastern coastline of Formentera.
Divided into five classes — Performance Cruising, Performance Cruising 1, Performance Cruising 2, Performance Cruising 3 and World Cruising — the fleet started in staggered fashion, with Nostromo leading the fleet away.
The 21.43-nautical-mile course provided a spectacular backdrop, with the yachts sailing against the contrasting blues of the Mediterranean while storm clouds continued to build on the horizon. A waterspout was also spotted during the day, adding another dramatic element to the race.
Despite the unsettled conditions, the fleet benefited from a strengthening breeze, which reached around 12 knots at the start and up to 18 knots along the southern section of Formentera.
Precision makes the difference
While the course was relatively straightforward, tactical decisions remained crucial. Timing sail drops and sail changes effectively proved capable of gaining valuable minutes, while navigating through the changing conditions demanded constant attention from crews.
MOAT took line honours as well as victory in her class, with WINWIN, CERVO, POINT COUNTER POINT and AURELIUS taking the remaining class wins.
For CERVO, the day delivered a particularly strong result. Chief Steward Josh Swart praised the Race Committee for getting the fleet racing despite the challenging weather, while celebrating a 22-minute class victory.
“We managed to stay in front of the squalls, and we won our Class by 22 minutes! It’s a great vibe onboard, everyone’s excited and it’s just awesome to be here.”
For AURELIUS, the return to Ibiza JoySail produced another memorable day on the water. Owner Daniel Van Starrenburg described the event as his favourite regatta, highlighting the organisation, scenery and favourable wind shifts that helped the yacht secure the win.
A tactical finish for MOAT
Starting last due to being the fastest boat in the fleet, MOAT faced the additional challenge of navigating through the traffic ahead.
Navigator Chato Domecq explained that communication and maintaining a strong sailing line were particularly important during the final stages, when the faster yacht had to work its way through the fleet.
The result was a successful day for MOAT, which combined line honours with a class victory.
With Day Two now complete, Ibiza JoySail 2026 has moved firmly into racing mode. After storms postponed the opening day, the fleet has now demonstrated both the competitive depth and the spectacular sailing conditions that make the Ibiza and Formentera waters such a distinctive setting for a superyacht regatta.
