Real Club Náutico de Palma: The Sailing Heart of the City
Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP): Palma’s Historic Yacht Club
The Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) is more than just a marina — it’s Palma’s sailing heart. Founded in 1948, it has grown into one of Spain’s most prestigious yacht clubs, famous worldwide for hosting the annual Copa del Rey MAPFRE regatta. While the facilities are reserved for members, the atmosphere around the club and its surrounding quays forms a key part of Palma’s maritime identity.
⛵ What is RCNP?
RCNP is a private yacht club and marina at the edge of Palma’s Old Town, with over 1,000 moorings for yachts of all sizes. It combines sporting tradition with exclusivity and plays a central role in Mallorca’s sailing calendar.
- Founded: 1948
- Capacity: 1,000+ berths
- Defining feature: Host of the prestigious Copa del Rey MAPFRE regatta
🚶 Things to Do Around RCNP
Watch the Sailing Scene
Even without access to the club itself, you can admire the yachts along the promenade, especially during regatta season when Palma fills with international crews.
Experience the Regattas
The Copa del Rey MAPFRE in late July/early August transforms the RCNP area into a global sailing stage. Crowds gather along the Paseo Marítimo to watch.
Walk to the Old Town
From the club, it’s a 10-minute stroll into La Lonja and the historic streets of Palma.
Dining with a Marina View
The surrounding promenade has several seafood and tapas restaurants where you can enjoy the harbour atmosphere.
🔗 Official Website
For the latest regatta calendar, membership information, and marina services, visit the Real Club Náutico de Palma’s official website.
🍴 Where to Eat Near RCNP
| Restaurant | What to Expect | Best For |
| Restaurant Pesquero | Local seafood and tapas beside the fishing harbour | Sundown dinners after a marina stroll |
| The Boat House | Nautical-themed dining, Mediterranean menu, large terrace | Families and groups |
| Ca’n Eduardo | Classic Palma seafood restaurant overlooking the fishing boats | Paella with a harbour backdrop |
More dining nearby: Explore La Lonja for tapas and wine bars, or Santa Catalina for international dining and nightlife.
🏨 Where to Stay Near RCNP
| Hotel | What to Expect | Best For |
| Hotel Cappuccino (5★) | Boutique hotel in the Old Town, 10 minutes’ walk away | Luxury stays in historic Palma |
| Es Príncep Hotel (5★) | Overlooking Parc de la Mar with rooftop pool | Cathedral and sea views |
| Hotel Almudaina (4★) | Central Old Town location, walking distance to RCNP | Value with a city vibe |
🚴 Getting Around
- On foot: From the Cathedral, RCNP is ~10 minutes.
- By bike/scooter: The Paseo Marítimo runs along the harbour, linking RCNP with Moll Vell and Port de Mallorca.
- By taxi/bus: Quick rides connect RCNP with hotels on the seafront and the Old Town.
💡 Practical Tips
- Private access: Facilities are members-only, but the surrounding promenade is open to the public.
- Best time to visit: Regatta weeks (especially the Copa del Rey MAPFRE).
- Photography: RCNP is a prime spot for capturing Palma’s mix of yachts, cathedral, and waterfront.
📸 RCNP vs. Other Palma Marinas
| Category | Moll Vell | Marina Port de Mallorca | RCNP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Boutique, exclusive, historic setting by the Cathedral | Modern, hotel-lined, lively promenade | Prestigious, sporting, club atmosphere |
| Focus | Luxury leisure yachts and dining terraces | Full-service marina for superyachts | Private yacht club, regattas, sailing heritage |
| Access | Public promenade and terraces | Public promenade, limited pontoon access | Members-only facilities, public waterfront |
| Nearby Areas | Old Town & La Lonja | Santa Catalina & Paseo Marítimo | Palma Marina & Parc de la Mar |
| Best For | Scenic views, dining, photography | Strolling, hotel stays, nightlife | Watching regattas, classic sailing culture |
Can visitors enter RCNP?
The club facilities are private, but the promenade and harbour areas around it are open.
When is the Copa del Rey MAPFRE?
It takes place each summer in late July and early August, attracting world-class sailors.
What makes RCNP different from other Palma marinas?
Its history, scale, and role in international sailing events set it apart.
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