Alicante Royal Regatta Club delivered a memorable showing as the Copa del Rey MAPFRE unfolded in Palma de Mallorca. Three teams from the Tanit IV Medilevel, Spaniard, and Dorsia Covirán Alicante City and Beach crews competed along the picturesque bay, turning the Palma waters into a stage for high-level sailing. The competition saw Dorsia Covirán Alicante City and Beach clinch a silver medal in the women’s division, while Tanit Medilevel secured bronze in the ORC 3 class, underscoring the depth and skill of the Alicante contingent on this prestigious regatta weekend.
Palma offered steady racing conditions across the event, allowing crews to execute precise maneuvers and strategic plays on a course that rewarded teamwork and flawless seamanship. As the final day approached the finish line, the Alicante delegation stood out for its concentrated performances and dependable execution. In ORC 1, the Spanish boat helmed by Fidel Garcia and skippered by Juan Rodríguez demonstrated the fleet’s competitive spirit, while ORC 3 showcased Tanit IV Medilevel with Maria Jose Villalba at the helm and Ignacio Campos steering the boat to noteworthy results. The women’s division highlighted Dorsia Coviran – Alicante City and Beach, skippered by Nuria Sánchez, who steered a determined campaign through the regatta’s demanding courses.
Throughout the regatta, Dorsia Coviran fought for victory, rising at times to lead the standings before ultimately earning a highly respectable second place. Sponsored by Alicante City and Beach, the vessel sits among a distinctive group of teams that have claimed podium positions since Real Club Náutico de Palma introduced the women’s class to the Copa del Rey MAPFRE in 2019. Sánchez keeps a close eye on the grand finale, and the team’s performance has reinforced the ongoing appeal of women’s sailing in major regattas. The broader Spanish crew, including notable figures from the local circuit, continues to influence national standings as attention shifts toward upcoming international events, such as the Iberdrola Women’s League, planned to be hosted in Alicante next October. The presence of prominent sailors like Natalia Via Dufresne, a double Olympic medalist, and Alicante’s own Marta Penarrubia adds momentum and opportunity for the region’s sailing program in North American and global markets alike.
On another note, Tanit IV Medilevel, guided by María José Vila, again demonstrated the class’s resilience by holding its own among the elite. The crew earned bronze in ORC 3, a commendable achievement given the level of competition. Ignacio Campos’s leadership helped the team capture the Corinthian class trophy, a landmark achievement for a non-professional vessel. The Alicante boat also delivered a notable tenth-place finish in the ORC category, a result that drew praise for its consistency across multiple race days and its ability to perform under varied conditions. The regatta echoed the city’s growing reputation as a hub for competitive sailing, with local clubs and sailors continuing to showcase talent and perseverance on a crowded international calendar, attracting interest from North American audiences and sailing enthusiasts worldwide.