(Palma Mallorca, Spain)- The penultimate event on the busy summer
calendar in Palma Mallorca is the famous Copa del Rey MAPFRE, hosted by
the Real Club Náutico de Palma, an event geared towards a combination of
popular one-design and level rating offshore classes in the
Mediterranean. As has been the case since they were first invited, the
J/80s are by far the largest one-design class and other popular level
classes include the Mini-Maxi 72 footers, the TP52s and the Soto 40s.
In addition, the event attracts a cross-section of ORC offshore handicap
racers.The racing takes place from August 4th to 9th on the spectacular bay in front of the city’s waterfront, the famous cathedral providing a spectacular backdrop for the sailors during the weekend.
For
the fourth consecutive year, the J/80 class will have their own
division in the Copa del Rey MAPFRE: the Herbalife J/80 class. Sixteen
teams are registered, including the last three winners in the Bay of
Palma: Hugo Rocha’s New Territories (current J/80 World Champion and
winner of the 32 Copa del Rey MAPFRE as Turismo do Algarve), Martínez,
Barrionuevo, Pedreño and Fructuoso’s Deltastone (winner in 2012 as
MAPFRE, second in 2013 and current leader of the Spanish National
rankings) and José María Van der Ploeg’s Factor Energía (Copa del Rey
winner in 2011, second in 2012, third in 2013 and J/80 World Champion in
2012 as Nilfisk).The J/80 class is in excellent shape at the moment and has a superb level of competition in Spain. Therefore, it is no wonder that several world champions in the class have carried the Spanish flag. "The Spanish J/80 fleet is experiencing a golden age with great results, and we are a reference within the international fleet," says Alex Díaz, President of the J/80 class in Spain. "The number of boats in Spain keeps increasing, and we have managed to organize regattas geographically diversified which allows both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean fleets to take part in several races that belong to the national circuit."
“The J/80 is a very fast boat, easy to maneuver, it doesn’t require many crew members and the cost is not high," says the Spanish Class President. "That’s why this one-design is still a strong boat and highly accepted. The fact that the fleets are strongly established along the Spanish coast is another one of its advantages. Although the J/80s are spread throughout the Spanish coast, the largest number of boats is concentrated in Cantabria, Catalonia and Andalusia.”
"It
is a great satisfaction for the J/80 owners to compete as a class in
this regatta,” continues Alex Díaz. "The Copa del Rey MAPFRE is defined
by bringing together several categories and boats, professional or
amateur projects but always highly regarded. This year we have again the
pleasure of competing with other one-design fleets like the Swan 60s or
X-35. Without a doubt, it is a great recognition for this class, which
has brought so many victories to Spanish sailing in the last five years.
We're flattered and we will not disappoint. Thanks to the Copa del Rey
MAPFRE for renewing its support in the J/80 class."In addition to the top Spanish teams, a trio of J/80 teams from Italy are participating, including Giacomo Loro Piana sailing with his CN Porto Cervo team on MAKE A WISH (from the renowned sportswear/ lifestyle fashion house- Loro Piana); long-time Italian class stalwart Massimo Rama skippering his well-traveled JENIALE from YC Chiavari; and Massimo Borghi’s team on PIUMA from YC Chiavari. For the first time, a French team is sailing for Le Havre, Team PH Finance- Petithuguenin sailing SPIRIT OF MAOUEN 3 from Société des Régates du Havre.
While the J/80s will be sailing a course right up against the shore and the “church”, the ORC teams will be starting further offshore. In ORC 1, the J/122 NOISY OYSTER will be skippered by Igor Raspopov from the M.A.R.C. sailing club on the Med! Hopefully, the weather will provide fun & games for all on one of the world’s most spectacular playgrounds for sailing! Sailing photo credits- Jesus Renedo/ Sailingstock.com For more MAPFRE Copa del Rey sailing information
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