Visione, owned by Bermuda resident Hasso Plattner, is among an extensive fleet of yachts that will compete for the coveted Boat International America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta Trophy when racing begins today.

Plattner’s Reichel/Pugh design Baltic 147 underwent a refit in 2007 and since then has produced a string of impressive showings, including claiming class honours at the 2015 Superyacht Challenge Antigua.

Visione is among the fastest superyachts in the fleet and among her crew is Glenn Astwood, the former Bermuda Olympic sailor.

A new champion will be crowned this year as the 180ft twin-masted schooner Adela is not back to defend her title.

Among the other contenders for Adela’s vacated title are the classic 43-metre yacht Rebecca, 88-metre Maltese Falcon and the 47-metre Hyperion.

The America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta is an invitational event, open to yachts measuring a minimum of 24 metres in length. The fleet will be divided into classes based on the size and specifications of the entrants.

The regatta will also feature the most complete fleet of J Class ever assembled.

These majestic titans of sail competed for the America’s Cup during the 1930s and are perhaps still some of the most famous yachts afloat. Only ten J Class yachts were ever built.

“The Boat International Media Superyacht Regatta is a unique event at the heart of the 35th America’s Cup,” said Darrell McLennan Fordyce, chief marketing and events officer at Boat International Media.

“We are excited to see these extraordinary yachts showcased as they compete in Bermuda and we look forward to congratulating the winning owners and crews at the end of the regatta.”

The one-design J Class will start and race as a single fleet. The Superyacht fleet will start and race in a staggered start format, with individual starting times. The Superyacht fleet may be divided into as many as three classes. The race committee reserves the right to change from the staggered start to pursuit format.

The J Class yachts will be scored based on the JCA handicap, while the Superyacht fleet rating rule is the ORC Superyacht Rule.

The offshore regatta will also feature some of the world’s most experienced sailors, including Brad Butterworth, a four-times America’s Cup winner, as well as Olympic medal-winners Peter Holmberg, Ross MacDonald, Ian Walker and Shirley Robertson.

Racing will take place north, east and south off St George’s.

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club is hosting the regatta, which runs from today to Thursday, in conjunction with Boat International Media and the America’s Cup Event Authority.