The main terrace of the Real Club Náutico de Palma in Mallorca today hosted the presentation to the media of the 39th edition of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE. After a year with no event due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bay of Palma will once again welcome the racing fleets of the summer showcase Mediterranean event.
Palma (Spain), June 16, 2021
The countdown has begun. Today Wednesday, June 16, the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) officially presented the 39th edition of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE.
The president of the Real Club Náutico de Palma, Emerico Fuster; the territory general manager of MAPFRE in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, Ricardo Garzó; the Mayor of Palma, José Hila; the President of the Balearic Port Authority, Francesc Antich; the Regional Ministry for Social Affairs and Sports, Fina Santiago; the Government Delegate in the Balearic Islands, Aina Calvo; and the president of the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, Javier Sanz; were among the invited VIPs who hosted event.
It will undoubtedly be one of the most highly anticipated editions of the world renowned regatta after it was cancelled last summer due to the health crisis caused by Covid-19. Emerico Fuster, who is the president of the Real Club Náutico de Palma, says:
“The Copa del Rey MAPFRE is not only a regatta but also a benchmark for our sport and the social events in Palma, Mallorca and the Mediterranean, so today I am enormously proud to be present this 39th edition after the difficult year that we have all experienced. Being able to run the Copa del Rey MAPFRE is a sign that we are gradually returning to our way of life; and I can say that a good number of crews and boats will return to enjoy this great event since we already have more than 100 teams registered.”
“We had to postpone the regatta last year due to ‘our health and well being responsibility’, and today we have the responsibility to celebrate it, and so also be able to contribute to the economic recovery of our city. Over the years the Copa del Rey MAPFRE has had a direct impact of 18 million euros to the economy of Mallorca. Our yacht club cannot underestimate the importance of the social function that makes it essential to the city of Palma.”
Ricard Garzó, territorial general manager of MAPFRE in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands commented, “For MAPFRE it is a privilege and honour to be able to highlight once again our commitment to this sport and to all the participants in this event which so reflects our company’s values. After a very difficult year and recent months, the Bay of Palma will once again become the ideal scenario for this prestigious, cherished sporting event for sailing fans.”
And he adds: “The relationship between MAPFRE and the Real Club Náutico de Palma is already a very longstanding one, and I can reaffirm that all who are part of MAPFRE are very proud of being the sponsor of this competition and working side by side with the club once again. We are also convinced that this year the Copa del Rey MAPFRE will be even more exciting and successful thanks to the efforts of all the competitors, the organizers, teams and all the people related to this event.”
Francesc Antich Oliver, who is the President of the Balearic Port Authority, has pointed out that “It is a pride to participate in the presentation of this 39 Copa del Rey MAPFRE, an important event for our port of Palma, for all the Balearic Islands and for the Mediterranean Sea, especially after such a difficult year we have been through.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Real Club Náutico de Palma, extending it to all its club members and its president Mr. Emerico, for having known how to adapt to the circumstances and guarantee the organization of this regatta. It is a yacht club that brings prestige to the port of Palma and to all the Balearic Islands thanks to the excellent job they do.”
Finally, the Mayor of Palma, José Hila, has commented “the Copa del Rey MAPFRE places Palma on the international map, it is us our own window toward the world. We wish luck to both all the participants and that the competition.”
July 31, the official start
The 39 Copa del Rey MAPFRE will officially begin July 31. The first two days will be reserved for the confirmation of entries and registration, while racing will be held from August 2 to 7.
There will be a total of 11 fleets competing: IRC, BMW ORC 1, BMW ORC 2, BMW ORC 3, ClubSwan 50, Swan 45, ClubSwan 42, ClubSwan 36, Herbalife J70, the Mallorca Sotheby’s Women’s Cup class that will sail in J80 and the Maxis, which are returning to the bay of Palma as an invited division.
The social programme will focus this year on three main events: the official presentation to the media, the Owners Dinner by MAPFRE and the Prize-Giving Ceremony, each of which will strictly comply and be adapted to the safety measures established by the health authorities with respect to the COVID-19.
