The 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE concluded in the waters off Palma de Mallorca, drawing a competitive fleet of international sailors to the Balearic island for a week of tactical racing. According to final regatta results published following the conclusion of competition, division titles were claimed across multiple classes, highlighting both seasoned local campaigns and standout performances from visiting European crews.
King Felipe VI Steers Hispania to Division Podium
Competing in the highly contested Abanca ORC 0 division, Spain’s King Felipe VI helmed the historic yacht Hispania to a second-place overall finish. According to official standings, the Royal crew secured the runner-up spot after winning the final race of the regatta, finishing just behind the Italian entry Vudu, skippered by Mauro Gestri. Vudu maintained a grip on the top of the leaderboard after taking the lead on the second day of competition. Swiss entry Kilara II, rounded out the division podium in third place. This result marks the third time King Felipe VI has finished on the podium at the Palma regatta.
Intense Battles Decide ORC A and ORC B Classes
In the Sail Racing ORC A division, Estonian skipper Margus Uudam steered Nola to victory after a closely contested battle with Swedish competitor Niklas Zennstrom aboard Ran. Another Swedish entry, Garm, skippered by Pep Román, secured third place. Meanwhile, the Uber ORC B division saw domestic success as Javier Banderas’s Teatro Soho San Miguel captured its ninth Copa del Rey title. The crew dominated the week’s racing at the Real Club Náutico de Palma. Argentina’s Katara, skippered by Julián Somodi, mounted a late-regatta surge to finish second, ahead of Uruguayan entry L’Immens, skippered by Nicolás González.
German Crews and Local Favorites Claim Class Honors
German entries locked down the top two positions in the Azulmarino ORC C division. Sönke Meier’s Niramo claimed the class title, while compatriot Hendrik Brandis steered Early Bird to a second-place finish after slipping out of the top spot during the final race. Spanish entry Project Work, skippered by Antonio Porres, completed the ORC C podium. In the ClubSwan 42 class, Pedro Vaquer’s Spanish entry Nadir secured a dominant victory, finishing no lower than third place throughout the entire week of racing. Italian entry Selene Alifax, skippered by Massimo de Campo, and Spanish boat Pez de Abril, skippered by José María Meseguer, took second and third respectively.
Balearia Women’s Cup Honors Local Talent
The Balearia Women’s Cup concluded with the victory of the Balearia Team, led by María Bover. The crew navigated the Palma course to finish ahead of the Solgreen – Les Roches crew, led by Elena de Tomás, and the Pulperas Team, led by Sara Momplet Baixauli, which claimed the remaining podium positions.
Final Awards Ceremony at Palacio de la Almudaina
Following the conclusion of racing, official prize-giving ceremonies for the 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE were scheduled to take place at the historic Palacio de la Almudaina. The evening reception and trophy presentation were presided over by King Felipe VI, honoring the division winners and podium finishers from the week’s racing on the Bay of Palma.
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