Copa del Rey MAPFRE Palma: Mallorca’s Premier Sailing Regatta
Copa del Rey MAPFRE: Palma’s Iconic Sailing Regatta
Every summer, the Copa del Rey MAPFRE transforms Palma Bay into one of the world’s most prestigious sailing stages. Hosted by the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) since 1982, the regatta brings together hundreds of boats and sailors from across the globe.
For Palma, it’s more than a competition — it’s a celebration of the city’s maritime identity, blending sport, society, and Mediterranean spectacle.
⚡ Quick Facts: Copa del Rey MAPFRE
| Detail | Info |
| When | Late July – early August 2026 (exact dates announced spring 2026) |
| Where | Palma Bay & Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) |
| Duration | 1 week of world-class races and social events |
| Best For | Sailing fans, photographers, and anyone looking to experience Palma’s biggest summer regatta |
| Cost | Free to watch from the promenade and marinas; boat excursions available at extra cost |
🌊 Palma Marina & Regatta Guides – for Copa del Rey MAPFRE
Palma’s waterfront is more than just a promenade — it’s a collection of distinct marinas, each with its own character, plus the annual Copa del Rey MAPFRE regatta that turns the bay into a global sailing stage.
Explore them all in our dedicated guides:
- Palma Marina Guide – the full overview of the city’s waterfront
- Moll Vell Palma – boutique marina beside the Cathedral
- Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) – historic yacht club & regatta hub
- Marina Port de Mallorca – Palma’s modern city marina
- Club de Mar Palma – the newly redeveloped western marina
⛵ What is Copa del Rey MAPFRE?
- Founded: 1982 by Real Club Náutico de Palma
- Status: Spain’s most important sailing regatta
- Boats: 100+ yachts across multiple categories (ORC, Swan, Maxi, etc.)
- Audience: Top professional teams, royal participants, and sailing enthusiasts
The regatta is named after the King’s Cup and sponsored by the Spanish insurance group MAPFRE. King Felipe VI of Spain often participates, adding to its prestige.
🔗 Official Website
For full race schedules, participant details, and live updates during the event, visit the official Copa del Rey MAPFRE website.
📅 Copa del Rey MAPFRE 2026 Dates
- When: Late July – early August 2026 (exact dates announced in spring 2026)
- Where: Palma Bay, with headquarters at Real Club Náutico de Palma
- Duration: One week of races, events, and prize-giving
👀 Where to Watch the Regatta
From the Paseo Marítimo
The waterfront promenade runs alongside the RCNP and offers free, public viewpoints for watching the boats leave and return to harbour.
From Moll Vell & Port de Mallorca
These marinas provide excellent angles of Palma Bay, especially at the start and finish of races.
From the Water
Several boat trips from Palma offer race-day excursions to see the regatta up close — one of the most exciting ways to experience it.
From Terraces & Rooftops
Hotels like Victoria Gran Meliá or restaurants like Pesquero combine marina views with good food and drink.
🍴 Dining & Nightlife During Regatta Week
The regatta week is as social as it is sporting:
- La Lonja fills with sailors and crews at tapas bars and wine spots.
- Santa Catalina becomes the nightlife hub after races, with buzzing terraces.
- Waterfront restaurants around RCNP and Port de Mallorca host sailors for long evenings by the bay.
🏨 Where to Stay for Copa del Rey MAPFRE
| Hotel | Why Choose It | Best For |
| Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá (5★) | Overlooking Port de Mallorca & RCNP | Luxury with direct marina views |
| Meliá Palma Marina (4★) | Central seafront hotel on the promenade | Mid-range convenience |
| Boutique Old Town Hotels | Short walk to RCNP & nightlife in La Lonja | Those who want history + sailing buzz |
💡 Practical Tips for Visitors
- Book early: Hotels and restaurants fill months in advance.
- Mornings & afternoons: Races take place at sea, so best on-shore views are when yachts leave in the morning and return mid-afternoon.
- Transport: Walking or cycling along the Paseo Marítimo is easiest — traffic is heavy during regatta week.
- Dress code: Sailing week is social; evening events often lean towards smart-casual.
✅ How to Experience Copa del Rey MAPFRE 2026
- Watch from the promenade → The Paseo Marítimo and RCNP area offer free, public viewpoints.
- Join a boat trip → Several boat trips from Palma bring you right alongside the racing action.
- Book a terrace table → Restaurants like Pesquero or hotel rooftops near the marina are perfect for race-day views.
- Stay near RCNP → Choose hotels like Victoria Gran Meliá or Meliá Palma Marina for front-row harbour access.
- Explore nearby nightlife → After races, head into La Lonja or Santa Catalina for tapas, bars, and lively evenings.
📌 FAQs
Can anyone attend Copa del Rey MAPFRE?
Yes — while the regatta itself is private, the public can watch from the Paseo Marítimo and marinas, or join boat excursions.
Is the King of Spain really competing?
King Felipe VI is a regular participant, sailing with his team each summer.
How much does it cost to watch?
It’s free to watch from the promenade or marinas. Boat trips have separate costs.
📚 Related Guides on Palma Weekly
