Ubico ORC B, the largest fleet at the Copa del Rey MAPFRE
by Copa del Rey MAPFRE 9 Jul 15:12 BST
26 July - 2 August 2025
Ubico ORC B at the Copa del Rey MAPFRE © María Muiña/ Copa del Rey MAPFRE
A total of 35 boats representing 12 nationalities, all closely matched in length and performance, will line up in Ubico ORC B, the largest and one of the most competitive classes at the 43 Copa del Rey MAPFRE.
The 2025 Mediterranean season has been fiercely contested in this division. The team to beat is undoubtedly Argentinean Katara, skippered by Julián Soldini. A 39-foot yacht designed by Patricio Gutiérrez, Katara returns to Palma to defend her 2024 title, having also claimed victories earlier this season at the Sandberg PalmaVela and the Trofeo SM La Reina in Valencia — both major milestones confirming their dominance in the Bay of Palma.
Among the top challengers are L'Immens, skippered by Nicolás Pesich and racing under the burgee of Club Náutico de Ibiza aboard a Sinergia 40. The team arrives to Palma after finishing second at the Trofeo SM La Reina and scoring additional podium finishes at both the Trofeo Conde de Godó and Sandberg PalmaVela.
Another favourite is Italian Guardamaro, skippered by Massimo Romero, one of five boats in the fleet built by Italia Yachts. Guardamaro was runner-up in last year's edition and is expected to be a serious contender again in 2025.
Short offshore races
As always, the Bay of Palma and the Balearic coastline promise to deliver both excitement and surprises, particularly with such a strong and balanced fleet featuring five X-41s, five Italia Yachts, four Sinergia 40s, and First 40.7s.
This year, the regatta takes on European Championship status, bringing additional prestige and introducing offshore and coastal courses that will take the fleet beyond the Bay — with the islands of Dragonera and Cabrera expected to play a key role in the race strategy.
From the opening ceremony on July 26th, to the official prize-giving ceremony on August 2nd, presided over by King Felipe VI, anything can happen among the 35 entries in what promises to be the most exciting and closely fought class of the 2025 edition.