Palma is gearing up to welcome the biggest fleet of ClubSwan yachts seen in the Mediterranean so far this year. The 39th Copa del Rey will see three ClubSwan one design classes take to the water from 2 to 7 August, alongside several other classes that join this high-end regatta.
By entry numbers alone, not to mention sporty elegance, ClubSwan is the headline act of the regatta. No fewer than 38 ClubSwan yachts have registered to race. Among them, 16 ClubSwan 50s, 11 ClubSwan 42s and 11 of ClubSwan 36s, including the racing debut of the Guernsey registered Black Seal and Mini Ravenger of Sweden. There are also five Swan 45s and two more ClubSwan 42s registered in the ORC classes, racing alongside a big fleet of competitors. Together, Swan’s boats account for some 40 per cent of the regatta.
“We are delighted once again to attend this important and iconic event, Copa del Rey here in Palma, with three ClubSwan classes,” said Nautor Group Vice-President Enrico Chieffi. “It is a wonderful backdrop and a very fitting venue for our boats with their exquisite lines and impressive performance. It is also the third regatta of four in The Nations League, so we are expecting blistering competition for podium places.”
The Mallorcan capital is a favourite pit stop for Swan owners. Besides the beauty of the old town, with the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana rising in the background, it offers some of the best light wind sailing in the Med. Competitors typically face calm waters in the Bay of Palma and a steady sea breeze of up to 12 knots that builds in from the southwest.
As well as being an outstanding event in its own right, the Copa del Rey is one of the four regattas that will determine the winner of The Nations League. After two events to date, Marcus Brennecke’s Hatari leads the ClubSwan 50 rankings by one point over Cuordileone, with Onegroup close behind. All three boats will fancy their chances in Palma.
In the ClubSwan 42 class, Pedro Vaquer Comas is looking to build on his success in Nadir inthe Sardinia Challenge, chased by Luca Formentini in Koyré – Spirit of Nerina. But the fleet is bigger in Palma, raising the competitive stakes.
It is even closer still in the striking ClubSwan 36 division. Andrea Lacorte’s Vitamina and Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio’s G-Spot have constantly swapped the lead this season, and both are now tied on points. Far Star, Fra Martina and Sixth Sense are all snapping at their heels, however, with all the boats capable of a win.
The Swan 45s are racing in the ORC classes, where they enjoyed success in previous Copa del Rey in 2019. Rats on Fire scored a podium second in the ORC2 class, with From Now On close behind in third place. Expect to see these fast, expertly handled boats pushing hard for victory this year as well.
The Nations League has an extra twist to it, as boats score points for their national flag. After the two regattas of the ClubSwan season to date, Italy leads but Germany and Russia are steaming up behind. There is everything to play for ahead of the League’s closing event, The Nations Trophy in Palma from 14-18 September.
“Our owners love the Copa del Rey because it offers amazing sheltered conditions and really champagne sailing,” says Federico Michetti, head of Swan sports activities at ClubSwan Racing. “This is going to be all about the tacking battles, speed of the hoist and decisions about which side of the course to sail. The whole ClubSwan Racing team will be there to provide support throughout the event.”