King Felipe VI led the closing celebration of the 40th Copa del Rey-Mapfre, overseeing a regal finale that crowned a week of high-speed sailing on Palma Bay. He captained the Aifos 500, securing fifth place in a fleet battle that tested skill, strategy, and teamwork in choppy conditions and bright Caribbean-blue seas characteristic of the Balearic waters this time of year.
Set against the historic backdrop of Palma Cathedral and the fortified walls of Ses Voltes, the ceremony brought the racing week to a close. The venue was chosen for its cultural resonance and its proximity to the waterfront, where spectators could reflect on the week of close finishes and bold maneuvers that defined the regattas held in Palma Bay.
The royal guest arrived at the cultural center around 9 p.m., stepping into a scene of formal welcome by local officials and race organizers. Sailors from every participating yacht gathered in anticipation, as the event offered a final moment to acknowledge teamwork, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence that marked the edition.
Representing the regional leadership, Aina Calvo, the government delegate, stood in for the absent Francina Armengol, while José Hila, the mayor of Palma, and Fernando Luis García Herréiz, Commander-in-Chief of the Balearic Islands, attended the proceedings. The organization also welcomed José Javier Sanz, the president of the Spanish Royal Sailing Federation, Emerico Fuster, president of Real Club Náutico de Palma, and executives from Mapfre and BMW, the event’s main sponsors, who were on hand to present trophies and celebrate the sport itself. The gathering reflected a strong collaboration between sporting bodies, local government, and corporate partners in promoting sailing as a sustainable, high-profile sport in the region. [Source: Copa del Rey-Mapfre organizers]
After pandemic-related disruptions in 2020 and 2021, this year’s edition attracted nearly 200 guests who stood and applauded as competitors walked to the podium to claim their awards. The moment underscored the resilience of the sailing community and its ability to come together to celebrate achievement after two difficult seasons. The sense of occasion was heightened by the rhythm of cheers and the bright lights that framed the closing ceremony, creating a memorable capstone to six days of racing and competition along the gulf waters. [Source: Event summary and organizers]
The Copa del Rey-Mapfre drew more than a thousand sailors in 111 teams, with participants hailing from eleven nations and bringing a broad spectrum of sailing styles to the water. The diverse fleet tested crews in multiple boat classes and formats, producing a week of intense racing across various courses that highlighted the tactical depth and physical demands of offshore sailing. [Source: Organizing committee]
Determination defined the winners on the final day, as several classes saw leadership change during Friday’s regatta. The phrase maximum emotion in the battle for the title captured the mood as rivals traded positions in a high-stakes race to the finish. The competition culminated in dramatic moments as crews navigated changing winds and shifting seas, unafraid to push the limits in pursuit of glory. [Source: Official statement]
One notable outcome came in the ORC 1 class, where victory went to Red Bandit, a Forstar Offshore RF entry steered by British entrepreneur Carl-Peter Forster. In this class, Aifos 500, a vessel with a storied history and strong nautical pedigree, found its footing with a display of steady navigation and strategic patience. The crowning of a winner in ORC 1 illustrated the depth of regional and international competition that characterized the Copa del Rey-Mapfre edition. [Source: Class results]
In the same category, the Spanish Navy ship Aifos 500, skippered on this occasion by King Felipe VI for the fifth day, finished fifth in its class after delivering a bold final race that underscored the boat’s enduring competitiveness. The narrative of the event noted that the king, having started sailing at a young age, had previously achieved top honors on several occasions, reflecting a family history deeply rooted in competitive yachting. Though the crown remains elusive for the king in this particular trophy, the performance reinforced a long-standing tradition of royal participation and dedication to the sport. [Source: Race results]
The podium in ORC 1 also featured From Now On, led by Fernando Chain from Argentina, and Estrella Damm, helmed by Luis Martínez Doreste, both delivering standout performances that contributed to an exciting final day. In ORC 2, Teatro Soho CaixaBank emerged as the class champion, captained by Javier Banderas, who shares a surname with the famous actor Antonio Banderas, underscoring the crossovers between cultural figures and the sailing world. Mallorca Sotheby’s Women’s Cup also highlighted strong showings in the Balearic circuits, affirming the region’s growing prominence in international yachting. [Source: Class results and event notes]