Maxis to One Designs PalmaVela 2023

May 3, 2023 was a beautiful day on the island of Mallorca. Of course, that’s to be expected. The largest of the four Balearic Islands, Mallorca has the benefit of 300 days of sun each year. Home to more than its share of beautiful, gothic-style buildings, orange and olive orchards, and charming hillside villages, this pleasant island also hosts one of the most important regattas of the season: the PalmaVela at Real Club Náutico de Palma.

Gathering 1500 crew and 120 Boats from 20 nations for the 19th edition of this iconic regatta, the competition was, as always, fierce but friendly in and around the harbor. Crews were busy on board the boats as they went about their tasks, aiming for perfection in preparation for the race. Scampering to the tops of the towering masts, cleaning, organizing, checking, and double-checking that everything was in its place, their tasks were to see their boats were shipshape to vie for the win. 

A four day, multi-class race, PalmaVela welcomes imposing 30-meter Maxi class yachts as well as eight-meter One Designs, with J80s and Dragons in between. This year, the Six Meter boats made their debut as part of the race. The One Design class, with 23 entries, was scheduled to compete in nine windward-leeward races over three days, competing for the coveted Baleares regatta title. If conditions allowed, the big boats would complete six races, two of them coastal. Here’s how it all unfolded in this year’s first big race of the 2023 regatta season, and the start of the IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge. 

The Club

Welcoming owners, crew, spectators, and press, the Real Club de Náutico de Palma has been safely tucked into its spacious harbor along the Paseo Marítimo since the 1940s. The club is the result of two clubs joining forces: the oldest yacht club in Mallorca, the Club de Regatas formed in 1891, and the Club España formed in 1919. Today the club has 2000 members and more than 1000 moorings, in addition to indoor and outdoor pools, a fascinating library, gym, members’ bar, and a highly rated restaurant, the Nautic. 

Nestled next to the best shops and restaurants on the island, the club is also close to stunning structures like the majestic 14th century Cathedral de Mallorca La Seu, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and the Castell de Bellver. It is hard not to be thoroughly enchanted by the rich cultural, historical, social, and geographic features of this wonderful island.

Hosting an owner’s cocktail party at the Pura Grand Hotel, The Real Club de Náutica set a high-spirited tone for the days of racing ahead. The club had a full schedule of parties and entertainment planned, aimed at keeping guests engaged and up to date on the events of the day. For its hearty hospitality, passion for sport and sea, excellent organization and management, the club received the Grand Prix award for 2022 from the Mediterranean Sailing Circuit as the best club in the Mediterranean.

While the club is exceptional, the city of Palma is well known for its nightlife. Those who didn’t have to get up early to race wandered off to explore Palma’s clubs, music, wine bars, and discos. Those who did not give this trip the extra day or so it deserved on each end to enjoy the richness of the island have undoubtedly found themselves considering a return to fully appreciate this popular destination. 

The Race

On April 29th, 2004, a new regatta for Maxis made its debut as Maxi Race Week. In its mission to show the wide range of possibilities offered by sailing, the competition directors were determined to welcome all types of sailors, and to embrace boats of all sizes. 

This emphasis on integrating diverse vessels and backgrounds has earned PalmaVela great status as a referential sailing event. It is a highly anticipated regatta for big boats and small boats alike, inviting participation in a sport that has a reputation for being rather exclusive. Whether IRC, ORC, TP 52, Monotypes of Swan, J80, FF, or Dragon, or a graceful Classic boat, or HANSA handicap accessible boat, participation at PalmaVela is welcomed, with a strong effort made to maintain an objective of inclusion and openness.

The high quality of big boat racing at PalmaVela makes it a favorite for the owners and crews of the maxi yachts. The facilities at Club Náutico de Palma ensure everything is well planned and well executed, just as expected with an international event combining a high level of sport with social and environmental pursuits.