Yesterday, Monday, June 15th, marked the close of entries for the 44th Copa del Rey Mapfre. Once again, the Mediterranean’s premier sailing regatta has met participation expectations, with six highly competitive classes and more than 100 registered teams representing nearly 20 countries.

From Tuesday, August 4th, to Saturday, August 8th, competitors will battle for every mile and every race in pursuit of the titles at the 44th Copa del Rey Mapfre.

Manu Fraga, General Manager of Real Club Náutico de Palma, commented: “Once again surpassing the 100-entry mark is a success that reflects the strength and prestige of the Copa del Rey Mapfre. Having six highly competitive classes, each with strong participation and broad international representation, is the result of the hard work carried out by the entire organising committee throughout the year, starting as soon as the previous edition concludes.”

“The fact that the ORC World Championship was held just a month ago in Italy is an added motivation for us to make the Copa del Rey Mapfre a true world championship rematch. Three of the four reigning world champions will be racing in the Bay of Palma, where they will face a strong Spanish fleet that did not compete in the Italian championship,” added Fraga.

Five Major Social Events in Eight Days

Alongside its intense sporting programme, the 44th Copa del Rey Mapfre will feature an extensive social agenda, beginning on Saturday, August 1st, with the Official Presentation and the traditional Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony in the Main Terrace of Real Club Náutico de Palma, symbolising the official start of the regatta.

On Sunday, August 2nd, one of the major novelties of this edition will take place with the premiere of Cáscara de Nuez, a documentary directed by Miguel Ángel Tobías. The film tells the story of thirteen people—eleven of whom had no previous sailing experience and did not even know each other before the project—who completed a 3,700-nautical-mile crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

The screening will take place at 20:30 on the club’s main terrace, using the event’s giant stage screen, measuring nine metres wide by three metres high and featuring 4K technology.

Monday, August 3rd, will see the traditional Welcome Cocktail for owners, sponsors, guests and media representatives, held in the unique setting of the gardens of the Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá, overlooking the Bay of Palma.

On Thursday, August 6th, the now traditional White Cocktail by Mapfre will be held on the terrace and pool area of Real Club Náutico de Palma. The evening will feature a live concert, maintaining the event’s tradition of revealing the identity of the guest artist or band at the last possible moment.

Finally, on Saturday, August 8th, the Prize-Giving Ceremony for the 44th Copa del Rey Mapfre will take place. Once again, the historic Almudaina Palace will host this prestigious event, which will be presided over by His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain.