Ibiza JoySail starts the clock: the race to break the Mallorca–Ibiza record begins

The Perpetual Trophy record window is now open, giving superyachts until 16 September to improve the benchmark times over the 48 nautical miles from Punta Cala Figuera to Tagomago.

The challenge has begun. Since 15 August, the Ibiza JoySail Perpetual Trophy has once again been testing the superyachts due to take part in the sixth edition of the regatta, held in the waters of Ibiza and Formentera from 17 to 20 September 2026.

Ahead lie 48 nautical miles between Punta Cala Figuera in Mallorca and the island of Tagomago in Ibiza, with an objective that is easy to explain but difficult to achieve: complete the crossing in the shortest possible time.

The window remains open until 00:00 on 16 September. Each team can wait for what it considers the most favourable weather, making the choice of timing a crucial part of the attempt.

3 hours 31 minutes: the record to beat

The benchmark belongs to Maximus, which set the outright Perpetual Trophy record in 2024 by completing the course in 3 hours and 31 minutes.

The trophy also maintains class records, allowing yachts of different lengths and characteristics to challenge their own benchmarks. Gelliceaux holds the 100+ class record, set in 2024 with a time of 4 hours, 4 minutes and 3 seconds.

This year, Win Win, Gelliceaux, Point Counter Point, Fortissimo and Rose are among the potential challengers. Wind conditions, strategy and each yacht’s performance will determine how many ultimately take on the challenge—and when.

The Owner Driver Award, new for 2026

The opening of the Perpetual Trophy sets the stage for an Ibiza JoySail that continues to strengthen its Corinthian spirit: an approach to competition that combines top-level sport with a more authentic way of enjoying sailing.

The sixth edition introduces the Owner Driver Award. In each class, it will recognise the first yacht whose owner remains at the helm for most of the regatta, including the start of every race.

“We also want to reward owners who decide to helm their yachts even at the most intense moments of the competition,” explains Ibiza JoySail director Nacho Postigo.

The new award joins the Corinthian Trophy, which will continue to distinguish superyachts competing in their usual configuration, with their cruising equipment, a limited number of racing sails and a reduced crew.

With the clock already running, Ibiza JoySail 2026 has begun before the first starting signal. Over the coming weeks, attention will focus on the 48 miles between Mallorca and Tagomago: will one of the challengers write a new time into Perpetual Trophy history, or will Maximus’s record remain intact?