Gaastra in Palma

Fresh from his sponsorship of Les Voiles de Saint Barth in April, Ben Kolff, the Dutch proprietor of the Gaastra clothing brand and owner of the Swan 112’ Highland Breeze, is gearing up for the Mediterranean race season and especially The Superyacht Cup in Palma de Mallorca from 20-23 June. Now in its 16th year, The Superyacht Cup is the longest-running superyacht regatta of its kind in Europe and has become a favourite with owners and crews. This year Gaastra returns as Gold Sponsor of the four-day event for the third time.

Ben Kolff at the helm of Highland Breeze, is preparing to race in
The Superyacht Cup, Palma de Mallorca, from June 20-23

Like many of his countrymen in a seafaring nation, Kolff is a passionate yachtsman who has sailed since childhood. He acquired Highland Breeze in 2007 from her second owner and put the yacht through a comprehensive refit last year. Accustomed to skippering his previous yacht (the classic 65-footer Windrose designed by Andre Hoek) by himself with his family, he took the decision to move up in size because he also wanted to compete in regattas around the world with a race crew.

“We really enjoy sailing Highland Breeze in The Superyacht Cup,” he comments. “We’re not always fast enough to be competitive against some of the other boats in light airs, which means we can concentrate on having fun. The event in which we really want to perform is the Rolex Swan Cup, which takes place very two years, when you’re racing against boats that are all the same.”

But there is another side to these events for the managing director of Gaastra apart from the competitive spirit and the fun factor. “The other half is business,” admits Kolff. “During Les Voiles de Saint Barth, for example, we’ll sail with customers around the islands and enjoy cocktails on the aft deck in the evening. Having said that, it’s not about hard sell. The Gaastra brand has sailing at its heart and it’s just a great opportunity to combine marketing with my favourite hobby in life.” 


First established as a sailmaking company in 1897, Gaastra became a well-known windsurfing brand in the ‘70s and ‘80s before launching two clothing brands in 1996: Gaastra Sportswear and Gaastra Pro. Based in Amsterdam, the company is due to move into new headquarters on the water in the heart of the city in September. In addition to The Superyacht Cup, the brand sponsors other regattas such as the Copa del Rey and Les Voiles des St Tropez.

“Last year in Palma was amazing, because Hoek Design was celebrating its 25th anniversary and they allowed boats under 100 feet for a fleet of 35 yachts,” concludes Kolff. “This year I think we can expect 18 or 20 entries, so still a good number. It’s a great location on Pier 46 and you get to sail with some of the most beautiful yachts in the world.”

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