Please select your home edition
Edition
Palm Beach Motor Yachts

43rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE surpasses 50 entries

by Copa del Rey MAPFRE 1 Apr 11:52 UTC 26 July - 2 August 2025
Balearia ORC 3 on day 5 of the 42nd Copa del Rey MAPFRE © Nico Martinez / 42 Copa del Rey MAPFRE

Four months ahead of its 43rd edition, which will also host the ORC European Championship, the Copa del Rey MAPFRE already boasts 55 boats from 14 nationalities on its entry list. With the early registration deadline extended until May 30th, teams are advancing in their logistical planning for one of the largest editions in history.

ORC 0: Teatro Soho-Altavista defends the title

Teatro Soho-Altavista, owned by Javier Banderas and Toni Guiu (Benalmádena), will once again compete for victory with the same determination that earned them their eighth trophy for Benalmádena in 2024.

Competition will be fierce in ORC 0, with a dozen TP52s racing almost in real time, although the classification will be decided by corrected time. The presence of Aifos stands out, with His Majesty King Felipe expected at the helm, alongside teams like Urbania, owned by Tomás Gasset (Marina Vela Barcelona), arriving with a new TP52 from Argentina. Their first event will be the Sandberg Palmavela 2025, where they aim at optimizing their performance in both La Larga and Multiclass.

Other high-level TP52 entries include Gladiator (Tommy Langley, GBR), Arobas2 (Gérard Logel, FRA), Musica (Ruedi Huber, SUI), Vudú (Mauro Gestri, ITA), and the Brazilian boats Crioula (Eduardo Plasencia) and Alizée (Mauro Dottori).

ORC A: Elena Nova aims for a third win

Eleven teams are already confirmed in ORC A, where the Swan 42 Elena Nova (RCNP), owned by Christian Plump, will defend its titles from 2024 and 2023 against a strong fleet of Swan 45s. Among their rivals will be From Now On (Fernando Chain, ARG), Thetis and Farewell Ange (YC Costa Smeralda and YC San Remo, ITA), and Aceites Abril (RCN Vigo) owned by the Pérez Canal brothers. Also competing is DK46 HM Hospitales-Hyatt (CN Balis) skippered by Óscar Chávez, with Olympic champion Fernando León.

ORC B: Argentina seeks to defend the title

The most international class to date, with 15 teams from 9 countries, is led by Katara (YC Argentino) owned by Julián Somodi, which dominated in 2024. Although no other podium teams from last year have yet entered, strong competition is expected in the coming weeks from Italian and Spanish fleets.

ORC C: A compact and competitive fleet

With 15 confirmed teams, the ORC C fleet is looking for new podium contenders. So far, Wanderlust (CN Ciudadela/RCNP) owned by Josep Pons is the only podium finisher from the previous edition to have registered in hopes of improving their third-place position.

ClubSwan: Earlybird and Pez de Abril aim to defend their titles The ClubSwan 50 and ClubSwan 42 fleets, regulars at the Copa del Rey MAPFRE, will feature around 15 entries each. Earlybird (Hendrik Brandis, GER) will strive to repeat their victory in ClubSwan 50, while in ClubSwan 42, Pez de Abril from Murcia (José María Meseguer) will compete against Nadir from Mallorca (CVP Andratx) owned by Pedro Vaquer, among others.

Women's Cup: A dozen teams for a highly competitive podium

The 2024 title is held by Citanias (Patricia Suárez, RCN Vigo), whose skipper is currently focused on her Olympic 49er campaign for Los Angeles 2028. This is raising doubts about her participation in this event. As of now, three teams (two Spanish and one Brazilian) have registered, with expectations to exceed a dozen participants.

July 29th: First day of racing

The 2025 Copa del Rey MAPFRE will kick off on July 26th with the opening of the race office for presenting all the compulsory documents and the completion of all registration requirements. On Sunday, July 27th, the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony by authorities and sponsors will take place, symbolizing the official start of the regatta. Monday, July 28th, will be the official practice race, and on Tuesday, July 29th, the starting signal will mark the beginning of the first races.

With a top-level fleet and growing interest across all classes, the 43rd edition of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive in its history, with the ORC European Championship at stake.

Related Articles

Texas State Record Tuna Caught 160 Miles Offshore
Crew on an Invincible 46 cat land 884 pound Atlantic bluefin tuna after five hour fight An 884-pound Atlantic bluefin tuna—the new Texas state record—was landed after a five-hour battle by a team aboard "Catillac," an Invincible 46' Catamaran, 160+ miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Posted on 25 Apr
Marine Auctions: April Online Auctions
Bidding to open on Wednesday 23 April Bidding to open on Wednesday 23 April and will close Tuesday 29th April at 2pm AEST Posted on 12 Apr
Staying in your lane – a Robertson and Caine story
Boat building is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks at will It's not an easy thing, this boat building caper. It is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks, at will, and frequently. Much like on-the-spot fines from an overzealous parking inspector. Posted on 10 Apr
Michael Rybovich & Sons construction updates
Progress on hulls from 82', 62' down to 42' New construction updates of 70' S/F Hull # 9, 42' S/F hull #10, 75' S/F hull #11, 82' S/F - Hull # 12. Posted on 3 Apr
Time to nerd out a bit
Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Anyway, historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Right oh. Unequivocally, the greater electrification space is not just THE hot topic presently, it also changes at a prodigious rate. Posted on 3 Apr
Top 10 baits from the Harris Chain
While many anglers didn't rely on whole tackle box, a lot of different baits worked for the field The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Southern Division event at the Harris Chain on March 27-29 was dominated by two things: Dylan Quilatan and Lake Apopka. Posted on 3 Apr
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
Big Deal is reaching significant milestones Big Deal is reaching significant milestones, starting with a major exterior update. Posted on 2 Apr
Nautically inspired jewellery from Angela Lago
Beautifully made nautical-inspired jewellery There's something we all seem to share as true lovers of the sea—especially those of us drawn to the nautical world. It's a deep connection with authenticity, nature, and the undeniable pull of freedom. Posted on 2 Apr
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht Reveal Trailer
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation Discover the allure of the Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Maritimo's flagship models, this yacht offers a unique blend of elegance and functionality. Posted on 1 Apr
Marine Auctions: April Online Auctions
Bavaria 32 sailing yacht, Williams 36 motor cruiser and much more Up for auction: Bavaria 32 sailing yacht, Williams 36 motor cruiser, Mustang 2800 powerboat, Cobalt 243 cuddy cabin, Monterey 270 cruiser, Arber 9 sailing catamaran, and much more. Posted on 1 Apr
Palm Beach Motor YachtsMaritimo 2023 S-Series FOOTER