The women's fleet will set sail at the 43rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE
by Copa del Rey MAPFRE 5 Jul 02:13 NZST
26 July - 2 August 2025
Copa del Rey MAPFRE © María Muiña / Copa del Rey MAPFRE
The Women's Cup Class in the 43rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE will hoist sails with an impressive fleet of 14 female crews, consolidating its position as a benchmark in the regatta calendar.
From Galicia to the Canary Islands, via Valencia, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands, the national representation is strong, and this year, the competition takes on an international flavor with a team directly from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Women's Cup racecourse, the closest to land with Palma Cathedral in the background, promises a battleground of tacks and gybes. Among the top contenders to take home the championship trophy is Balearía, skippered by María Bover, who has already experienced what it means to receive the award from King Felipe twice.
But a third Copa del Rey MAPFRE title won't come easy. She'll be up against Dorsia, the ever-consistent Alicante-based team led by Nuria Sánchez, a regular on the national racing circuit and always a crew to watch.
From Pollença come two heavy hitters: Pilar Casares' Galician squad and Tantive IV, skippered by local sailor Helena Alegre, winner of the inaugural Women's Cup edition. Another strong contender is Campastilla, led by Blanca Cabot, who showcased her skill with a bronze medal at the 2018 420 European Championship.
A special mention goes to the Spanish Armed Forces Sports Council team, representing the Ministry of Defence. Skippered by military doctor Esther Gómez Díez de la Cortina from Melilla, and crewed by fellow officers, they're aiming to fight their way onto the Copa del Rey MAPFRE podium.
Galicia will be well represented by seasoned sailor Elena Raga, a former Ladies Cup champion at the Prince of Asturias Trophy in Baiona. Her presence in Palma sets up a thrilling showdown with a strong Mediterranean lineup, including the Valencian Solgreen crew, who recently qualified for the Women's SLC European League which will be held in Germany at the end of August.
Catalonia brings two standout talents to the fleet: Olimpias from Vilanova, helmed by Carla Munet—Youth European Champion in 49er FX—and Barbara Cornulleda, a 2016 Rio Olympian in the 470 class, now racing under the banner of CN El Balís.
The Balearic Sailing Federation joins the competition with two teams led by rising island stars: Gabriela Morell, with a strong track record in ILCA, and Neus Fernández, making waves in the 420 class.
From the Canary Islands comes Isabel Fernández Peña of Gran Canaria, a familiar name on the Iberdrola Women's Sailing League circuit.
Bringing the international edge is Brazilian sailor Christina Frediani Barbosa, trained in the Snipe class and back for her second appearance in Palma, aiming to improve on her ninth-place finish from 2024.
The first warning signal for the Women's Cup fleet is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30th, one day after the ORC European Championship kicks off with nearly 120 boats also on the starting grid of the 43rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE.