Fourteen ClubSwan 42 and ClubSwan 50 Teams Confirm Participation in the Copa del Rey

Since their inclusion in the Copa del Rey MAPFRE in 2017, the ClubSwan one-designs have reaffirmed their close relationship with the regatta in Palma each year. The racing division of the Nautor Swan shipyard will contribute two of its classes to this edition’s fleet: ClubSwan 42 and ClubSwan 50. The Real Club Náutico de Palma will host the Swan One Design Worlds in October.

ClubSwan Racing is one of the most active racing divisions globally, with a well-established international one-design circuit involving a dedicated group of owners fully committed to the values of the prestigious Nautor Swan shipyard. Each season, they turn to the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) as a reference venue for ClubSwan calendar events, and since 2017, they have been a fixed part of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE fleet.

Federico Michetti, Head of Sporting Activities at Nautor Swan, explains why ClubSwan returns to RCNP year after year: “The appeal of this venue lies not only in its impeccable racecourse but also in its flawless event management and the club’s unmatched hospitality. These elements combine to create an unforgettable racing experience, setting the stage for an extraordinary celebration of sailing.”

In this 42nd edition, seven ClubSwan 42 and seven ClubSwan 50 teams will compete. Nautor Swan will also be present with a large representation of boats in the Watches of Switzerland ORC 0 and Odilo ORC 1 classes.

“ClubSwan one-designs are regular participants in the Copa and guarantee a great show. We are delighted to have them with us,” says Manu Fraga, director of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE. “The ClubSwan 50 teams are highly professional and arrive well-prepared from their European circuit, and the equality among the ClubSwan 42s guarantees a very intense fight for the title until the last race of the week.”

The ClubSwan 50 was introduced during the 2016 Copa del Rey MAPFRE and has been a regular participant in the Mallorcan event since 2017. Designed by Argentine Juan Kouyoumdjian, it features a distinctive reverse bow topped with a bowsprit and intense competition among its well-established international fleet. Each boat typically competes with 12 sailors on board.

In its seventh participation, the ClubSwan 50 class will feature seven teams from four nationalities, sailed by primarily professional crews, including world champions, Olympic medalists, and America’s Cup winners. The class’s two most decorated teams in Palma will be present: Marcus Brennecke’s Hatari (winner of the last two editions) and Hendrik Brandis’s Earlybird (winner in 2017, 2018, and 2021).

The ClubSwan 42 is a 13-meter yacht introduced in 2006 designed for predominantly amateur crews. Although it is a popular model for ORC-format racing, it has been a one-design class at the Copa del Rey MAPFRE since 2017. This year, it will gather seven teams from five nationalities, including the winner of the last two editions and the 2023 class circuit champion, Pedro Vaquer’s Nadir.

The Mallorcan team describes itself as “a big family” that has been sailing together for seven years. “For us, it’s the main regatta of the year,” says crew member José Ramón Picó. “The Copa del Rey is one of the most prestigious events on the national and international racing calendar, and it’s held in our city. For many crew members, just participating in such a prestigious event is a significant achievement. We compete at the highest level, representing a club, a city, and a country, which brings great pride and satisfaction. This year, “Nadir” will defend the podium for the third consecutive time, which is a great challenge for us.”

The 42nd Copa del Rey MAPFRE is a scoring event for the ClubSwan 42 class’s The Nations League circuit.

The competition program for both ClubSwan classes will consist of up to ten scoring races between Tuesday, July 30, and Saturday, August 3, divided into a Preliminary Series of up to six races and a Final Series of up to four races. On Monday, July 29, they are scheduled to participate in a training race.

The ClubSwan teams will return to the RCNP at the end of October for the Swan One Design Worlds, with classes ClubSwan 42, ClubSwan 50, and ClubSwan 36. According to Michetti, the Worlds will be held in a perfect venue: “As ClubSwan Racing, our bond with the Real Club Náutico de Palma is truly special, making it the perfect venue for this year’s Swan One Design Worlds (from October 23 to 27), the crown jewel of our One Design season.”

The 42nd Copa del Rey MAPFRE is organized by the RCNP by delegation of the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation (RFEV), sponsored by MAPFRE, with institutional sponsorship from the Government of the Balearic Islands and the Palma City Council, in collaboration with the Balearic Port Authority and the Balearic Sailing Federation.