The much-anticipated opening day of the XXI Copa del Rey Repsol of Vintage Yachts was unable to take place, as adverse weather conditions left the fleet stranded. With almost no wind, rough seas, and a lingering haze, the Race Committee was forced to cancel the 22-mile coastal race scheduled for Wednesday in the waters of Mahón.
Although the Epoca Gaff Rig class managed to start, the lack of breeze combined with confused seas quickly made progress impossible. “After just fifteen minutes we saw that the boats could not advance and, with the same conditions across the racecourse, we decided to suspend the race and send the fleet back to port,” explained Principal Race Officer Ariane Mainemare.
The sailors echoed the decision. Gabriel Catalá, crew member aboard Celeste di Mare (Spirit of Tradition class), described the attempt as “very uncomfortable” due to the cross seas and flat calm. From Spartan, one of the four Big Boats competing, Paul Hartek admitted the situation was “very difficult for everyone” with the “fatal mix of too many waves and too little wind.”
The cancellation leaves the regatta’s first of four racing days without results. This year’s edition gathers 49 yachts from 11 countries, divided into five categories: Big Boats, Epoca Gaff Rig, Epoca Bermudian, Classics, and Spirit of Tradition. Recognised as a benchmark event for classic sailing in the Mediterranean, the Copa del Rey Repsol is part of the Trofeo Clásicos Mare Nostrum – Spanish Cup of Classic Sailing (RFEV) as well as the Mediterranean Champions Cup of the Vintage & Classic Yacht Club.
While waiting for more favourable conditions, the fleet remains moored at the Muelle de Levante in Maó, offering spectators a unique chance to admire these floating masterpieces up close – a living museum of maritime heritage. If the wind improves, racing is set to resume on Thursday at 12:30 p.m., with a coastal course adapted to the day’s forecast.
