King Felipe VI launches new TP52 ‘Hispania’ at 44th Copa del Rey de Vela in Palma
The 44th edition of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE sailing regatta runs from 1 to 8 August 2026 in the Bay of Palma, Mallorca. More than 100 teams from around 20 countries are competing in six classes, including the high‑performance TP52 and the agile J/70, making it one of the most internationally attended Mediterranean sailing events.
King Felipe VI will take the helm of the Spanish Navy’s newly acquired TP52 named Hispania, a vessel that cost about one million euros and replaces his long‑used Aifos after more than two decades. The king will also preside over the trophy‑presentation ceremony on 1 August at the Palacio Real de La Almudaina, underscoring the historic link between the Spanish Crown and the sport of sailing.
The event is organized by the Real Club Náutico de Palma on behalf of the Real Federación Española de Vela and is sponsored by MAPFRE. Admiral Jaime Rodríguez‑Toubes commands the navy team that includes the king, highlighting the continued royal patronage of Spain’s maritime tradition.
Entities: Armada Española · Hispania · Hispania (TP52) · King Felipe VI · King Felipe VI of Spain · Palace of La Almudaina · Palma de Mallorca · Real Club Náutico de Palma · Real Federación Española de Vela · Spanish Navy · TP52 Hispania
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 100 teams from about 20 countries, involving roughly 1,000 sailors, participated in the regatta. (existing)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The event is organized by the Real Club Náutico de Palma under the Spanish Sailing Federation and sponsored by MAPFRE. (existing)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The trophy‑presentation ceremony was held on 1 August at the Palace of La Almudaina, presided over by King Felipe VI. (existing)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The competition includes sailing classes such as TP52 and J/70. (existing)
- [● 2 SOURCES] King Felipe VI had used the Aifos for more than 20 years, since 1996. (existing)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE sailing regatta took place in Palma, Mallorca from 1 August to 8 August 2026. (existing)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Hispania vessel cost about one million euros and was acquired by the Spanish Navy. (existing)
- [● 3 SOURCES] King Felipe VI sailed on a new Spanish Navy TP52 named Hispania, replacing his previous vessel Aifos. (existing)