Majorca and its winter regattas
Some of the world’s best racers will sail in the waters of Palma’s bay on the occasion of the nautical competitions organised by the Royal Sailing Club of Palma or Puerto Portals
Pure emotion and competition. A perfect definition for the winter races that will take place in Palma de Mallorca’s bay during the island’s autumn and winter. It seems that the arrival of the cold weather brings a stop and rest to the island, after the long summer season. Quite the contrary.
On the forthcoming months, Majorca will host big regattas to an international scale, where some of the best world racers will come face to face once again, only this time, in different climate conditions than the previous months.
Puerto Portals celebrates the Dragon Winter Racing, a circuit of winter regattas where more than 40 one-design Dragon Class ships compete. The Dragon is a sailing boat which was designed in 1929 and has practically remained unchanged since its creation. This type of boat became an Olympic Class between 1948 and 1972. The Majorcan marina has become the port with the biggest Dragon fleet in Spain, being also a landmark in the international circuit.
All along the season, a European Dragon Grand Prix is organised, taking place from November 11th to 16th; a Grade 1 regatta where 45 boats from thirteen different nationalities will contend, outstanding the Spanish, German, Russian or British ships. In December, the Dragon Winter Series will start, running throughout December, January and February. The IV Copa del Mediterráneo will be celebrated on March 20th, 21st and 22nd. The Dragon circuit will come to an end in April with the competition: Puerto Portals European Championship.
In its past edition, the Italian boat Bunker Prince claimed victory at the II Dragon Winter Series and the IV Mediterranean Cup. The German ships Rosie and MeerBlick rivalled with Bunker Prince to the very last second, a tense dance of Dragons.
On the other hand, the RC44 Class race will come to and end between November 13th to 17th in Real Club Náutico from Palma, this will be the season’s fifth and last event. The race gathers eight top-level teams with great racers on board, like the Olympic medallists Iain Percy, Tom Slingsby or Paul Cayard. The winners of the American Cup: Cameron Appleton, Ed Baird, Dean Barker and James Spithill, will also sail the waters of Palma’s bay during the competition.
