The 43rd edition of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE, taking place from July 26th to August 2nd at the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP), will mark a historic milestone for the event with an unprecedented level of female participation. Over 200 women sailors from 29 countries will take part in the international crews competing across the five racing classes.
This year, the Copa del Rey MAPFRE reaffirms its commitment to gender equality in competitive sailing. All-female teams, as well as numerous women integrated into mixed crews, will compete in the waters of the Bay of Palma in various divisions. From the Balearia Women’s Cup to the four classes of the ORC European Championship.
From 7 years old, the youngest, to 68 years old, the most veteran
The youngest female sailor is Julie-Jet De Ridder, born on October 16th, 2017, from the Netherlands, who will compete onboard Checkmate in the Ubico ORC B class. The most veteran, is Petra Sieber, born on December 25, 1956, from Switzerland, crew member of Musica in the ABANCA ORC 0 class.
The event also highlights the presence of young female talents from across Spain, many of whom are the result of training and development programs promoted by sailing federations, yacht clubs, and the Spanish Navy. This year, the Navy has entered a boat supported by the High Military Sports Council, with Esther Gómez Díaz de la Cortina as skipper of the team competing in the Balearia Women’s Cup.
“It’s exciting to see the continued growth of female participation in the Copa del Rey MAPFRE each year. This regatta represents sporting excellence, and it’s essential that all voices and talents are equally represented,” said Manuel Fraga, director of the RCNP.
Together with MAPFRE and the RCNP, the organization continues to actively promote diversity through initiatives such as gender parity criteria in certain classes, the visibility of female role models in sport, and parallel events focused on equality.
With more than 130 teams registered from 24 countries, the 43rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE will not only be a world-class sporting event but also a clear example of how sailing is moving toward a more inclusive future.
