The 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE reached its penultimate day of fleet racing at the Real Club Náutico de Palma, staging two crucial tests that left titles hanging in the balance across more than half of the competitive divisions.
Abanca ORC 0 Leadership and Drama for the Hispania
In the competitive Abanca ORC 0 class, Mauro Gestri’s Italian entry “Vudu” holds a commanding advantage heading into the final day. The Italian crew sits nine points clear of Jamie Scott-Hopkins’ Swiss team aboard “Kilara II,” while Mauro Dottori’s Brazilian boat “Caballo Loco”—which claimed victory in the second race of the day—lies 11.5 points off the pace in third.
Drama unfolded further down the fleet for the “Hispania.” Sailing without King Felipe VI on board, the crew captured the opening race of the day in style. However, a costly ninth-place finish in the second heat dashed their overall podium ambitions, dropping them out of contention as the fleet heads into the final showdown.
Sail Racing ORC A Sets Up a Two-Way Battle
The Sail Racing ORC A division has narrowed into a fierce duel at the top. Niklas Zennstrom’s Swedish entry “Ran” captured two race bullets on the penultimate day, carving out a narrow edge over Margus Uudam’s Estonian team aboard “Nola.”
While the top two fight for the crown, the battle for third place remains wide open. Pep Román’s Swedish entry “Garm,” Christian Plump’s German boat “Elena Nova,” Fernando Chaín’s Argentine team on “From Now On,” Óscar Chaves’ Spanish crew aboard “HM Hospitales Hydra,” and Jean Pierre Joly’s French entry “Confluence” all retain mathematical chances heading into Saturday’s windward markers.
Uber ORC B, Azulmarino ORC C, and ClubSwan 42 Standings
In Uber ORC B, Javier Banderas’ Spanish entry “Teatro Soho San Miguel” aims to be champion with a comfortable 14.5-point cushion over Nicolás González’s Uruguayan team on “L’Immens,” with Julián Somodi’s Argentine boat “Katara” holding third place.
Meanwhile, the Azulmarino ORC C class has the most excitement with Hendrik Brandis’ German entry “Early Bird,” Antonio Porres’ Spanish team on “Project Work,” and Sönke Meier’s German boat “Niramo” separated by fewer than three points with two rounds left.
In the ClubSwan 42 division, Pedro Vaquer’s Spanish crew aboard “Nadir” experienced their first winless day of the series. Despite the hiccup, they maintain a cushion of more than six points over Massimo de Campo’s Italian entry “Selene Alifax.”
Balearia Women’s Cup Reaches the Medal Race
Away from the ORC and one-design fleets, the Balearia Women’s Cup concluded its initial round-robin phase. Six teams have successfully punched their tickets to the decisive Medal Race:
- Balearia Team: 18.21 points
- Solgreen – Les Roches: 37 points
- Pulperas Team: 39.64 points
- Italia Team: 40 points
- Merched y Mor: 46 points
- Rudder Rebels: 47.14 points
Schedule for the Final Day
Competition on the water will be followed by the official trophy presentation ceremony at the Palacio de la Almudaina, scheduled to begin at 20:30 local time.
Keep reading
