The most iconic regatta in the Med takes place at Palma’s RCNP attracting best sailors from around the globe
The 42nd edition of the prestigious COPA DEL REY MAPFRE traditionally takes place at the end of July and the first week of August at the Real Club Náutico de Palma. Renowned for its very competitive racing, steady winds (embat) and high level of social events.
King Felipe VI himself competes aboard the Spanish Navy’s yacht, Aifos, highlighting the event’s importance. The regatta began with an intense race and fierce competition in the ORC 0 class between AIFOS and Teatro Soho Altavista, owned by Javier Banderas. AIFOS clinched victory in the inaugural race, setting a competitive tone for the event.
TP 52 AIFOS and Teatro Soho Altavista competing in ORC 0
King Felipe VI racing on AIFOS with its navy crew.
Over 120 yachts from 25 countries gather for this week of intense competition in several ORC and One Design classes like CS50, CS45, J70, and Womens Cup.
The most international class is Odilo ORC 1, with 12 countries racing and 22 boats registered. Due to the ORC Rating, the classes open up to different boats being able to compete against each other.
Start of Odilo ORC 1
Swan 42 Elena Nova successfully defended her title in ORC 1, with a narrow lead before the last race day.
Swan 42 Owner of Elena Nova Christian Plump: The Copa del Rey is so special because it is so hard to win. We have been sailing here for over 11 years and have only won twice, as the regatta format is very demanding. It is no coincidence that the Copa is considered the unofficial European Championship. The Race Committee here is extremely good, the jury is excellently staffed, and the courses are very precisely set. That is why in 2025, the ORC European Championship will also be held here together with the Copa del Rey. We prefer to sail in the ORC because of the high number of participants, and we enjoy racing in much larger fleets against a wide variety of competitors.
YC Monaco Women’s Cup team competing in the new format
The Women’s Cup:
For the first time since the inauguration of this class five years ago, the number of teams in this One Design class has exceeded 14, including a women’s team from YC Monaco. This year’s Women’s Cup features a different competition format. Teams compete for the title in a ‘Round Robin’ – where all teams face each other – followed by several elimination rounds leading up to the Grand Final.
First-time participant Anne Schouten from YC Monaco:
We love sailing here; it is an amazing opportunity for us. Our female team here consists of five nationalities, with members ranging from 17 to 62 years old. In Monaco, we have the Pink Wave sailing team, which allows all female sailors in our YC to compete. Normally, we sail the J70 or the classic William Fife Tuiga D3. Next time, we’ll bring our J70 because we will definitely be coming back!
Portugal’s three-time Olympian and Ocean Race sailor Diogo Cayolla: The Copa del Rey is an iconic event not to be missed. It perfectly combines intense sailing with vibrant social events, like a summer gathering with friends in a fantastic environment. Last year was particularly memorable for us: we won the overall regatta on Italia Yachts 11.98 Scugnizza, triumphing in all our races. That was truly exceptional.
Class Winner Swan 50 Earlybird ahead of her fleet.
CS 50 Earlybird owner Hendrik Brandis:
For me, the Copa del Rey is one of the most remarkable events of the year, both onshore and offshore. The club organizes it exceptionally well, and the consistent wind conditions between 8-18 knots, thanks to the thermal winds, are as certain as amen in church. We were able to sail two races every day, which was simply perfect. Over the last 17 years, we have only won five times, the first being when Don Juan Carlos was still sailing. That remains one of my best memories.
The CS 50 is an unparalleled one-design class, a competition for sailors just like in the Olympics. It’s a very well-managed class—sailing doesn’t get better than this in the world. We will be back soon for the CS50 World Championship with 15 boats starting on October 20th.
Swan 50 One Design Winning team Earlybird.
Ric Maldo, Project & Team Manager and Navigator aboard TP52 AIFOS:
La Copa is the most important regatta in Spain and almost the entire Mediterranean. It is an iconic event. The presence of the royal family, with the king as a member of the navy, has given the Copa even more visibility. We sail with His Majesty the King, who integrates into the team as just another member of the navy and does his job very well. It will be a week of fierce competition in ORC0.
The final winner of their respective classes:
Watches of Switzerland ORC 0 Teatro del Soho Altavista
Odilo ORC 1 Elena Nova
Altavista ORC 2 Katara
Balearia ORC 3 Fala Pouco
ClubbSwan 50 Earlybird
ClubSwan 42 Pez de Abril
Sandberg Estates J70 Kimpton Hotels Les Roches
Women’s Cup Class Citanias RCN Vigo
Save the date for the 43rd edition of Copa del Rey and the ORC European Championships 2025: 26.07.25 – 02.08.25
Exciting until the last second:
The Copa del Rey MAPFRE consists of a Preliminary Series and a Final Series.
The Preliminary Series consist of six races in the first three days, the Final Series is made up of four races for ORC and ClubSwan monotypes.
The novelty with respect to previous editions is, that the total Preliminary score of each boat sums of all her points, discarding her worst score. The races of the Final Phase are not discardable and have a coefficient of 1.5.
SUSTAINABILITY
The 42nd Copa del Rey MAPFRE is the most sustainable edition ever. For several years, this event has been dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint. It was one of the first regattas to collaborate with the Cleanwave Foundation, providing free drinking water to avoid single-use plastics. In collaboration with TrueWorld and supported by MAPFRE, this event plays a pioneering role in the fight against climate change and works tirelessly to protect the oceans.
SOCIAL EVENTS & BEHIND THE SCENES
The Copa del Rey MAPFRE is not only renowned for its competitive sailing but also for its unique social events. Each evening after the regattas, there is a crew party by the pool, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for catching up with old friends and fellow sailors while enjoying a cold drink and good music from a DJane.
Adding to the festivities, Jaime Anglada, a renowned Mallorcan musician who is also an avid sailor in ORC1 and a close friend of King Felipe VI of Spain, performs live at the after-party. His attendance at these events, where he shows his support and captures moments on his phone, adds to the unique charm of the gatherings.
WHITE PARTY
One of the highlights is the traditional White Party, held every year on Thursday night for yacht owners and sponsors. This event is celebrated as the best networking opportunity at one of the most beautiful locations. It is a very well-organized event featuring delicious food and entertainment by the well-known Spanish band, La Unión. The night is further enlivened by a talented DJ, accompanied by percussionists and saxophonist, who kept the dance floor buzzing.
BEHIND THE SCENES
This is the team that makes it all happen: from setting the regatta courses to live broadcasting, organizing the social events, and the prize giving ceremonies. Thank you RCNP Crew!
