The 43rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE, after a week of strong participation and excellent weather that made for ideal sailing, has come to an end. The ORC A title went to Estrella Damm, a DK 46 helmed by Spaniard Luis Martínez Doreste, with a total of 25.50 points. The gap to second place was only one point. Second place went to Elena Nova, under the Spanish flag, with 31 points, and third place to Hydra-HM Hospitales, skippered by Fernando León, with 32 points.
Luis Martínez Doreste said they started well with a fourth place and good speed. In the long race the ClubSwan 42s had an advantage with more spinnaker area, but in the windward-leewards and stronger breeze they gained an edge. He highlighted good starts, precise manoeuvres, and expressed great satisfaction at winning both the Copa del Rey and the European title.
In ORC 0, victory went to the American yacht Vesper, owned and skippered by David Team, who showed strong performance and consistency. Despite it being only their second time in the Mediterranean, they displayed their usual podium-level quality. Second place went to the Italians Blue and third to the French Paprec, skippered by Stéphane Neve, who are still seeking their first win. In June they took second place at the Rolex 52 Super Series World Championship.
David Team said it was fabulous to win such a prestigious regatta, with more boats than in the US. He praised the organisation and atmosphere, and confirmed they will return in the future.
Aifos, the Spanish Navy yacht with King Felipe on board, finished sixth. The day saw a surprise visit from Princess Leonor, who wished her father luck in the final race, posed with the crews, and greeted the Spanish Sports Council.
In ORC B, the Estonian yacht Technonicol, skippered by Mati Sepp, claimed victory. The podium was completed by the Italians Sideracordis and Guardamago. Sepp said winning in the Mediterranean’s most important regatta was a dream, that they sail as a group of friends for fun, and that the wind may have helped them. He was proud that two Estonian boats were in the top four.
In ORC C, Spanish yacht Nunoto Cafiver secured victory in the last race against Early Bird, owned by German Hendrik Brandis. Third place went to the Italian Sarchiapone Fuoriserie, skippered by Piero Biasi.
In the women’s division, Balearia Team RCNP, skippered by María Bover, won ahead of CN El Balís, skippered by Bárbara Cornudella, and CN Arenal, skippered by Aina Garau. This is the third title for the host club team, who also won in 2022 and 2023.
As every year, the Copa del Rey MAPFRE awarded the special prize to the overall champion with the best combined results. This edition went to Nunoto Cafiver, skippered by Antonio Porres.
The Palacio de la Almudaina will host the prize-giving ceremony at 21:00. The 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE will take place from 1 to 8 August 2026.
