The 43rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE is inaugurated

The most iconic regatta of the Mediterranean inaugurated on Saturday, July 26th, its 43rd edition in the Real Club Náutico de Palma, marking the beginning of a week in which the bay will reunite the best ORC teams and the most highlighted female crews.

Palma hosts since last July 26th a new edition of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE, consolidated as an international reference of sailing in the Mediterranean. The 43rd edition has began officially with the traditional presentation act and the ribbon cut celebrated at 1:00 p.m. in the Magna Room of the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP), in an ambience of maximum expectation and with the presence of authorities, teams, sponsors and media.

The act has counted with the presence of Rafael Gil, RCNP’s president; Miguel Ángel Mestre, MAPFRE’s Territorial Delegate in the Balearics; Jaume Bauzà, Tourism, Culture and Sports of the Balearic Government Councilor; Javier Bonet, first tenant of Mayor and responsible of Tourism, Innovation, Culture and Spots of Palma’s Town Hall; and Alberto Pindozzi, Super Yacht Manager of the ORC class and institutional representatives.

Manuel Fraga, RCNP’s director, was the responsible one of welcoming and he did it explaining that “since its first edition in 1982, the Copa del Rey MAPFRE has led the cruiser sailing in Spain, and four decades later this trajectory ends with the celebration, for the first time in history, of the Europe ORC Championship, the maximum continental date of the cruiser class, which will take place in the mark of our regatta”.

“This year’s edition surpasses the 130 teams coming from 24 countries, with the direct participation of over 1.700 sailors and their respective support teams. These figures place the Copa del Rey MAPFRE as a sporting, social and economic platform of reference for Palma and our islands”, added Fraga.

Rafael Gil, for his part, began his speech by stating that “the Real Club Náutico de Palma is once again at the service of the city by organizing an event that, beyond its sporting dimension, is part of Mallorca's heritage and the history of Spanish sailing. The Copa del Rey MAPFRE is much more than a regatta: it is a shared legacy that we have all built together for more than four decades.” “ None of this would have been possible without the effort, perseverance, and commitment of the club, its members, and its employees. It is important to highlight this at an event like this, where we are joined by authorities, sponsors, and the media, and at a particularly significant moment for the continuity of this institution,” Gil emphasized.

“At MAPFRE, we feel deeply connected to this regatta,” Miguel Ángel Mestre began.“Not only for what it represents in the sporting arena, but also for what it means to Mallorca and its people. We share the same values in sailing: hard work, self-improvement, teamwork, respect for the environment, and a vision for the future. That's why MAPFRE wanted to be here once again, collaborating closely with the Rea Club Náutico de Palma, which I congratulate for its impeccable organizational work. Thanks to the club, the participants, institutions, sponsors, collaborators, and volunteers, because with everyone's effort and enthusiasm, I'm sure we'll have an unforgettable week. At MAPFRE, we're convinced that this edition will once again be a success and we will continue working to ensure that the Balearic Islands, its people, and its sea remain the center of attention.”

Throughout the week, the RCNP will host intense days of racing and social gatherings featuring the best ORC class teams and the international elite of women's sailing. This 43rd edition promises thrills on the water and a unique atmosphere on land, reaffirming the Copa del Rey MAPFRE's leadership as the Mediterranean's premier nautical event.

Activities kick off today, Saturday, and tomorrow, Sunday, with boat measurement sessions and participant registration. Monday is reserved for official training on the racecourse, and the competition kicks off on Tuesday with the start of the first scoring events that will mark the development of an intense week in Mallorcan waters.