What changed
2026-08-04 18:02 UTC → 2026-08-04 19:07 UTC ·
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In late July the ClubSwan 42 class was highlighted as a headline feature of the The 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE in Palma Bay. The regatta opened on 4 August 2026 in Palma Bay with more than about 100 boats across six classes from around 20 nations. A key addition was nations across six classes. King Felipe VI took the helm of the Spanish Navy’s new TP52 yacht, TP52, Hispania, which King Felipe VI sailed for the first time, replacing steering the long‑used Aifos. At yacht to a provisional lead in the opening ceremony ABANCA ORC 0 class after the king presided over opening two races. Hispania recorded a tribute at the Real Club Náutico de Palma to 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, after which he inspected Hispania, posed for the media and set sail with the crew for the first race. Hispania, formerly the US‑crewed Vesper that won the 43rd Copa del Rey in followed by the ORC 0 class, now serves as an officer‑training vessel. The first day king’s inspection of racing saw favourable south‑south‑west winds (9‑12 knots) Hispania and the yacht Teatro Soho‑San Miguel, skippered by Javier Banderas, take the lead in a media photo‑op. In the Uber ORC B class, securing a first‑place finish (tied on points) and a third‑place finish. Other Spanish entries, including Hispania in the Abanca ORC 0 class and Estrella Damm, posted mixed results, while Javier Banderas’s Teatro del Soho‑San Miguel led the Bazán finished near fleet, echoing the bottom of its class. Organisers continue to stress earlier day‑one performance. Alberto Barovier, Hispania’s tactician, praised the event’s economic, tourism and cultural impact on Palma and king’s sailing, noting the Balearic Islands, alongside its social and environmental initiatives, and crew did “just enough” to secure the royal family will host result. The competition continues through 8 August, with the traditional evening reception king expected to remain aboard for officials and guests. subsequent races before departing for Colombia’s presidential inauguration.