XXI Copa del Rey of Vintage Yachts at Club Maritimo de Mahon - Day 2
by Vela Clásica de Menorca / Jose Luís Miró 28 Aug 22:10 BST
26-30 August 2025
XXI Copa del Rey of Vintage Yachts of Vintage Yachts Day 2 - Tuiga dismasts after the intense storm that hit Menorca © SailingShots by María Muiña
After the suspension of the previous day, the fleet of 49 classic and vintage yachts was finally able to set sail on a short but intense course, starting and finishing in the natural harbor of the Menorcan capital. The sight of sails unfurled at the entrance of the bay will remain as one of the most memorable images in the regatta's two decades of history.
The day, however, took a dramatic turn when a squall with gusts of up to 53 knots struck the Big Boats off the Isla del Aire. The Tuiga (1909), flagship of the Yacht Club de Monaco, lost her mast, while the Lady Anne (1912) suffered damage to her bowsprit and starboard spreader. Both are now out of the competition, although the good news is that no injuries were reported. The Mariska (1908) and the Cariad (1896) managed to withstand the storm, albeit with difficulties. Given the circumstances, the Race Committee decided to suspend the Big Boat race and award redress to the classes that had not yet finished.
On the sports side, the day crowned new winners:
- Gaff Rig Class: victory for Spartan (1913), ahead of Rowdy (1916) and Chinook (1916).
- Bermudan Rig Class: triumph for Amorita (1937), followed by the legendary Santana (1936) and Baruna (1938).
- Classics: Argos (1964) reinforced her legacy by defeating Mowgly (1965) and Clarionet (1966).
- Spirit of Tradition: Barlovento (1975), helmed by Pachi Rivero, dominated ahead of Celeste di Mare (1971) and Happy Forever (2008).
"We knew the forecast was tricky, but the wind strength turned out to be higher than expected," admitted Jean-Michel Rouve, crew chief of the Cariad. Sailor Pachi Rivero, meanwhile, was grateful to have crossed the finish line just before the storm broke: "We were lucky to drop the mainsail right after finishing."
With excitement, tension, and evenly shared results, the Copa del Rey Repsol de Barcos de Época reaches its halfway point with the fleet determined to continue writing history in Menorcan waters.
SailingShots by María Muiña will be capturing every day of the Classic Sailing in Menorca, and here we share some of the best images from her gallery.