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The 42nd edition of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE was a whirlwind of emotions, with a week filled with intense races and changes in leadership. The Bay of Palma was the stage for a vibrant competition that brought together some of the world’s best sailors.
Opening Day: Excitement and Early Wins
The competition kicked off on the 30th of July with perfect weather for sailing, and we quickly saw the favourites staking their claim. In the Watches of Switzerland ORC 0 class, “Aifos”, helmed by His Majesty King Felipe VI, won the first race of the day, making it clear that they were not there just to participate, but to win. However, Javier Banderas’s “Teatro Soho Altavista” was not far behind and won the second race, taking the lead by a small margin.
In other classes, teams like Earlybird in ClubSwan 50 and Meerblick in Balearia ORC 3 also showed their dominance by winning their respective races. In the ClubSwan 42 class, Pez de Abril and Canopo were tied at the top, promising a close battle for the rest of the week.
Day Two: Debuts and Long Races
On July 31st, the day began with a slight delay due to a lack of wind, but soon all the classes were on the water. It was the debut day for the Women’s Cup Class and Sandberg Estates J70, completing the line-up with all 123 teams in action. The wind arrived just in time for the coastal race of the ORC divisions, challenging the teams with a long and technical course.
“Aifos” and “Teatro Soho Altavista” faced off once again in a close duel, but this time it was Javier Banderas’s boat that won, maintaining its lead by a narrow margin. Meanwhile, in the Women’s Cup Class, Balearia RCNP, helmed by María Bover, stood out as the team to beat, winning four of the five races of the day.
Midweek: Defining the Final Series
On August 1st, ideal conditions allowed the completion of the Preliminary Series, marking the halfway point of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE. Leadership positions changed in several classes. “Teatro Soho Altavista” and “Aifos” continued their fierce competition, sharing the day’s victories, which left “Aifos” just one point behind the lead.
In ClubSwan 50, Earlybird remained at the top thanks to its consistency, but the margins were narrowing, increasing the pressure for the final days. The Women’s Cup Class and the Sandberg Estates J70 class also saw significant changes, with C.N. El Balís and Patakín taking the lead in their respective categories.
Penultimate Day: Adjusting the Final Strategies
The penultimate day, August 2nd, was marked by unstable winds that tested the crews’ skills. It was a decisive day for many teams, with changes in leadership in five of the eight classes. “Teatro Soho Altavista” took the opportunity to consolidate its advantage in ORC 0, while “Aifos” had its worst result of the week, complicating its chances of victory.
In the Women’s Cup Class, Citanias RCN Vigo took the lead, while in J70, Kimpton Hotels Les Roches moved up to first place with a solid performance. The tension was palpable, with all teams adjusting their strategies for the final day.
Final Day: Celebrating the Champions
The final day, August 3rd, was a spectacle of nerves and excitement. In ORC 0, “Teatro Soho Altavista” confirmed its supremacy by once again beating “Aifos,” claiming victory after a week of constant duels. Javier Banderas and his team celebrated their ninth Copa del Rey MAPFRE, an impressive achievement.
In ORC 1, Elena Nova successfully defended its title with two wins in the final races, while in ORC 3, Fala Pouco was crowned overall champion. Earlybird in ClubSwan 50 and Pez de Abril in ClubSwan 42 also secured their titles, closing a week of adrenaline-filled races.
Finally, in Women’s Cup Class, Citanias RCN Vigo took the title after an exciting Medal Race, and in Sandberg Estates J70, Kimpton Hotels Les Roches dominated with the largest points margin.
Farewell and Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony at Ses Voltes was the perfect closing for this edition of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE. King Felipe VI, along with other dignitaries, presented the trophies to the champions of each class, wrapping up an unforgettable week in the Bay of Palma.
The 42nd Copa del Rey MAPFRE has been a celebration of the sport of sailing, friendly competition, and a passion for the sea, leaving everyone eager for more next year.
Source: Copa del Rey press office
IMAGES: Villegas Photo
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