The highly anticipated 2025 King’s Cup Sailing Regatta kicks off tomorrow, Tuesday, 29th July, at the Real Club Náutico de Palma with record participation. More than 130 teams from 24 countries and over 1,700 sailors will take part in the most iconic regatta in the Mediterranean, which concludes on 2nd August. Among them will be, once again, King Felipe VI at the helm of the Aifos.
King Felipe at the helm of the Aifos during today’s training session on Monday. Photo: COPA DEL REY.
This year marks the 43rd edition of this MAPFRE-sponsored event, which for the first time includes the ORC European Championship, the premier continental event for cruising sailing. For one week, Palma Bay will host intense competition and social activities.
Another major highlight of this edition is the historic number of female participants. More than 200 sailors from 29 nations will compete across different classes, both in all-female teams and mixed crews. It is the highest female participation in the event’s history.
Classes and categories in the 2025 King’s Cup Sailing Regatta
The racing includes various ORC categories, along with special classes:
-
ORC 0 (ABANCA ORC 0): a high-performance fleet featuring TP52 yachts and other top monohulls. The defending champion Teatro Soho San Miguel, skippered by Javier Banderas, is one of the favourites. King Felipe VI will also compete aboard the Aifos.
-
ORC A (Sail Racing ORC A): the most international category, with 33 teams from 15 nationalities. Models like the Swan 42, DK46, Corel 45, and XP‑50 compete here, highlighting the Elena Nova and the Estrella Damm Sailing Team.
-
ORC B (Ubico ORC B): the largest fleet, with 35 boats from 12 nationalities. This is one of the most evenly matched classes regarding length and performance.
-
ORC C (Uber ORC C): a compact but competitive fleet with a dozen teams vying for the European title in this class.
-
ClubSwan 42 and ClubSwan 50: prestigious one-design classes. Around 15 boats are expected in each category, with yachts like Earlybird (ClubSwan 50) and Pez de Abril or Nadir (ClubSwan 42) competing for victory.
-
Balearia Women’s Cup (Blue Sail): a fleet dedicated exclusively to female competition, racing boats provided by the organisers. Entirely female teams, many linked to the Spanish Navy or national training programmes, will participate.
King Felipe VI trains aboard the Aifos ahead of the regatta
King Felipe VI sailed today in Palma Bay aboard the Aifos, the Spanish Navy’s TP52. The day began at Porto Pi harbour, where the crew set off to the race area for a training session ahead of the official start of the 43rd MAPFRE King’s Cup. Under excellent wind conditions, the team fine-tuned maneuvers and adjusted the boat in preparation for the ORC European Championship, which begins tomorrow, Tuesday.
More info: official website of the 43ª Copa del Rey MAPFRE.
Leave A Comment