World’s Sailors set a course to Mallorca’s Royal Regatta

Mallorca’s thriving sailing scene becomes the focus of the maritime sporting world this week as the record-breaking 36^th Copa Del Rey MAPFRE (the King’s Cup) tacks into the Bay of Palma for an exciting week of international racing from Saturday, July 29^th.

Already, the number of entrants is the largest in the events history. There should be 140 racing teams from 24 countries ready to take to the waves at the weekend. One former competitor who won’t be racing is former King of Spain Juan Carlos. He is the regal yachtsman who gave his name to the event, founded in 1982, and he sailed his own boat, Bribon, to victories in 1984 and 1985. Royalty spotters should be on the lookout for the Spanish ruling family though. Juan Carlos’ successor, Felipe VI, brought his beautiful wife, Letizia, and their two daughters to the royal family’s summer residence, the Marivent Palace, close to Cala Major for last year’s event. And it’s hard to imagine a yachting fan of Juan Carlos’ standing missing the event.

This royal cache no doubt helps bring the world’s biggest sailing teams to Mallorca each year. The wonderful Mediterranean conditions are another attraction. And Mallorca itself, and the Real Club Nautic de Palma (Royal Palma Nautical Club), also help to bring these pampered sports stars and high-cost, high-tech craft to the island. From Argentina to the UK, the teams

The Regata Copa Del Rey is established now as the biggest Mediterranean summer sailing event. The craft involved in its 10 classes are spectacular, especially the flying catamarans of GC32 class.

The setting for spectators is wonderful, too. Palma is one of Spain’s most exciting and beautiful cities, and the sea-front Catedral de Mallorca one of its glories. The city’s whole waterfront is a place to explore and enjoy, with some fine dining and socialising opportunities as well as a host of other yachting clubs and marinas.

Among the best restaurants and beach clubs are Nassau Beach at Passeig Portitxol or Anima Beach Palma. Restaurante Il Paradiso out at Cala Major has an excellent reputation. The Regatta has linked up with Puro Beach as its social partner, but there’s sure to be a lively crowd and plenty to enjoy at the world-famous Nikki Beach too.

The regatta’s social side certainly matches its sporting excellence. Alongside around 1,500 crew eager to enjoy themselves after hard days out on the surf, a glittering parade of celebrities will also be in town. Last year, alongside Spanish royalty were Renaissance woman Beatrice Borromeo and Pierre Casiraghi, Monegasque royalty, international tennis players, superstar chefs, and Spanish TV stars. The Fiesta del Regatista at the Discoteca Club de Mar, Picco Palma, the Owners’ Dinner, and the grand finale and Prize Giving on Saturday 5th August are the social highlights of this sparkling week.

Mallorca is a fine sailing destination, both for experienced yachtsmen and –women, and those who are happy to sit back and let a crew take the strain for them. Finest Holidays has a stunning portfolio of Mallorca luxury villas, most of them in stunning coastal settings that make days on the waves an easy part of your holiday.

Finest Holidays has over 100 luxury yachts for charter worldwide. Day trips or longer turns, whatever you require. We don´t have published them all, just get in touch with us to find the perfect one for you. Tel: +34661718 Email: relax@finest-holidays.com