The Copa del Rey regatta is perhaps one of the most important yachting competitions in Spain. Taking place in Palma de Mallorca's bay, it brings together some of the world most important yachtsmen, including members of Spain and Monaco's Royal families.
The regatta started in 1905 with the support of King Alfonso XIII, but it was abandoned during Franco's rule over Spain until the arrival of the democracy, when it was reinstated in 1982. Traditionally, the king of Spain has taken part in the race; in the past, it was Juan Carlos I who participated aboard of his famous yacht, 'Fortuna'. It is now his son and current monarch, Felipe VI, who will join the competition as skipper of the 'Aifos', which belongs to the Spanish navy. He is expected to board the yacht on Thursday, if the current political turmoil in Spain does not prevent it.
Spain's Royal family usually spend their holidays in Mallorca, and the king has already been seen on the island with his wife and daughters. Together with Sofía and Juan Carlos, the emeritus king, as well as infanta Elena and her children, they had dinner at Flanigan Restaurant, in the exclusive marina of Puerto Portals.
But he is not the only royal commanding a yacht in this 2016 edition of the Copa del Rey. It has been announced that Monaco's youngest prince, Piere Casiraghi, will embark as skipper of the 'Malizia'. Even if the recent death of his wife's grandmother prompted him to urgently return to Milan just hours after setting foot on Palma, he has returned to the island and has been seen sampling the marina's sunny terraces. We wish them the best of luck!
