# 2026 Copa del Rey MAPFRE regatta – opening races

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-copa-del-rey-mapfre-regatta
> Updated: 2026-08-04T10:32:35.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 3.

The 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE opened on 4 August 2026 in Palma Bay with about 100 boats from 20 nations across six classes. King Felipe VI took the helm of the Spanish Navy’s new TP52, Hispania, for the first time, steering the yacht to a provisional lead in the ABANCA ORC 0 class after the opening two races. Hispania recorded a win and a second‑place finish, tying Italy’s Vudu on three points, while Switzerland’s Kilara II sits third.

A minute of applause honored the recently deceased sailors Manuel “Noluco” Doreste and Javier Vallejo, followed by the king’s inspection of Hispania and a media photo‑op. In the Uber ORC B class, Javier Banderas’s Teatro del Soho‑San Miguel led the fleet, echoing the earlier day‑one performance.

Alberto Barovier, Hispania’s tactician, praised the king’s sailing, noting the crew did “just enough” to secure the result. The competition continues through 8 August, with the king expected to remain aboard for subsequent races before departing for Colombia’s presidential inauguration.

## Claims

- The 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE sailing regatta took place in Palma, Mallorca from 1 August to 8 August 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- King Felipe VI sailed on a new Spanish Navy TP52 named Hispania, replacing his previous vessel Aifos. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Hispania vessel cost about one million euros and was acquired by the Spanish Navy. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The event is organized by the Real Club Náutico de Palma under the Spanish Sailing Federation and sponsored by MAPFRE. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- King Felipe VI had used the Aifos for more than 20 years, since 1996. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- More than 100 teams from about 20 countries, involving roughly 1,000 sailors, participated in the regatta. (single source)
- The trophy‑presentation ceremony was held on 1 August at the Palace of La Almudaina, presided over by King Felipe VI. (single source)
- The competition includes sailing classes such as TP52 and J/70. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-04: King Felipe VI steers Hispania to provisional lead in Copa del Rey regatta

King Felipe VI helmed the Navy’s new yacht Hispania to a provisional lead in the ABANCA ORC 0 class at the opening of the 44th Copa del Rey Mapfre regatta in Palma, amid tributes to late sailors Doreste and Val

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-felipe-vi-launches-first-regatta-on-navys-new-sailboat-hispania

### 2026-08-01: Felipe VI's Hispania yacht debuts at 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE in Palma

King Felipe VI sails the new Hispania yacht at the 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE regatta in Palma (4‑8 Aug 2026), featuring 100+ boats from 20 countries and backed by MAPFRE and the Spanish Navy.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-felipe-vi-launches-new-tp52-hispania-at-mallorca-copa-del-rey-mapfre

### 2026-07-27: ClubSwan 42 class heads to Palma for 44th Copa del Rey Mapfre showdown

Nine ClubSwan 42 boats will race in Palma for the 44th Copa del Rey Mapfre, with Spanish champion José María Meseguer (“Pez de Abril”) defending his title against rivals Nadir (Andratx) and France’s Glen Ellen.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/clubswan-42-class-heads-to-palma-for-44th-copa-del-rey-mapfre-showdown

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Cite as: 2026 Copa del Rey MAPFRE regatta – opening races. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-copa-del-rey-mapfre-regatta