The 2026 Copa del Rey Sailing Regatta (King’s Cup) will once again place Palma at the heart of international sailing. The 44th edition of the event will take place from 1 to 8 August, bringing together more than 100 yachts from around 20 countries in the Bay of Palma. Around 1,000 sailors will compete in a regatta that will once again feature some of the best crews on the international circuit.
Image from last year’s Copa del Rey MAPFRE. Photo: regatacopadelrey.com
The 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE will be contested across six classes, with one of its main attractions being the presence of several ORC world champions, turning the Bay of Palma into a rematch of this year’s World Championship held in Sorrento. They will be joined by a strong Spanish contingent determined to challenge for victory on home waters.
World champions set for showdown in the Bay of Palma
Three of the four reigning ORC world champions will line up for the regatta. Sweden’s RAN, Argentina’s Katara and Italy’s Rober da Mat will once again go head-to-head with some of Spain’s top teams in what promises to be one of the most competitive editions in recent years.
Another highlight of the 2026 Copa del Rey Sailing Regatta will be the debut of Hispania, the Spanish Navy’s new TP52. The yacht will make its first appearance in the Copa del Rey MAPFRE against leading rivals including Vudu, Red Bandit and Vhitas Urbania, all among the favourites for the title.
The regatta will also feature the ClubSwan 42 class, led by reigning world champion Pez de Abril, as well as the Women’s Cup, which will once again bring together national and international crews in one of the event’s fastest-growing categories.
A week of racing and social events
Alongside the racing programme, the Copa del Rey MAPFRE will once again offer a packed social calendar. The event officially begins on 1 August with the traditional opening ceremony at the Real Club Náutico de Palma. The following day will see the premiere of the documentary Cáscara de Nuez, directed by Miguel Ángel Tobías.
The programme also includes the welcome cocktail for owners, sponsors and guests, the traditional White Cocktail by MAPFRE, and the prize-giving ceremony, scheduled for 8 August at the Almudaina Palace and presided over by King Felipe VI.
The 44th edition also arrives with the long-term backing of its title sponsor secured. Real Club Náutico de Palma and MAPFRE have renewed their partnership until 2028, an agreement that will continue to strengthen one of the Mediterranean’s leading offshore sailing regattas while reinforcing Palma’s profile on the international sailing stage.
Leave A Comment