The countdown is over as the 26th Trofeo S.M. La Reina – 37th Copa Almirante Marcial Sánchez-Barcaíztegui, one of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious regattas, is ready to host its Inshore racing series from July 4 to 6 in the waters off Valencia.
Organized by the Real Club Náutico de Valencia (RCNV) in tribute to the Spanish Navy, this landmark event has drawn over 110 boats representing 11 countries, cementing its status as a major international regatta.
⛵ Offshore Warm-Up Sets the Pace
The regatta’s opening act took place the previous weekend with the Offshore ORC A2 race, which saw Pampero of Down, a Nicholson 35 skippered by Rodrigo Quesada (Marina Valencia), take a hard-fought victory over a challenging 161-nautical mile course between Valencia and Ibiza.
Now, all eyes turn to the Inshore program, where eight racing divisions will battle it out over three days on three distinct racecourses designed by the race committee.
🗺️ Three Courses, 110 Yachts, 11 Nations
The competition features a mix of windward-leeward and coastal courses, tailored for the unique characteristics of each class:
- ORC 0 & ORC 1 – Mercedes Valdisa / Varadero Valencia: 19 yachts (Swan 45s, Swan 42s, DK46s dominate)
- ORC 2 – MSC: 19 yachts (largest fleet)
- ORC 3 – Energy Nautic Services: 15 yachts
- ORC 4 – Occident: 6 yachts
- ORC Open – Sportnautic: 19 yachts (coastal + windward-leeward)
- Promotion Class: 12 yachts (coastal courses)
- J80 One-Design – Royal Blis: 9 yachts
The three racing zones have been structured for optimal performance:
- Race Area 1: ORC 0 and ORC 1
- Race Area 2: ORC 2 and ORC 3
- Race Area 3: ORC 4, J80, Promotion, and Open classes
The fleet includes the 11 boats from the Offshore ORC A2, with teams hailing from Spain, Italy, Germany, the UK, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Montenegro, Turkey, the UAE, and Argentina.
👥 A Growing International Community
The event is expected to bring together over 1,000 sailors, solidifying its role in the Spanish Royal Sailing Federation’s (RFEV) Official Calendar and contributing points to both the Mediterranean Circuit and Comunitat Valenciana Cruising League.
RCNV President Marisa Arlandis noted the sustained growth of the regatta:
“We are thrilled to welcome over 100 boats this year. This reflects years of effort to engage both returning competitors and newcomers. When we began, the event had 70 entries—now we’ve built something truly international.”
🏁 Precision and Performance
Race Director Rafel Chirivella emphasized the variety and planning behind the Inshore phase:
“Each class will have a course style that suits its fleet. The ORC and J80 classes will race windward-leeward circuits, while Promotion and Open classes will tackle coastal and mixed formats. We want every team to feel the level of organization and excitement the Trofeo de la Reina is known for.”
🏆 An Emblem of Spanish Sailing
The Trofeo S.M. La Reina is organized under the authority of the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, in collaboration with the Valencian Sailing Federation, and receives institutional support from the Higher Sports Council, Generalitat Valenciana, Valencia City Council, Turisme València, Diputación de Valencia, World Sailing, and others.
Key sponsors include Mercedes Valdisa, Varadero Valencia, MSC, Energy Nautic Services, Occident, Royal Blis, and Murviedro, among others.
⛵ Looking Ahead
With an elite international fleet, flawless planning, and three action-packed days of racing ahead, the 2025 Trofeo SM La Reina promises to deliver top-tier competition and unforgettable memories—both on and off the water.
