The 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE passed its midpoint at Real Club Náutico de Palma after two races completed the preliminary series on day three.
Favorites showed their full potential as discard rules entered force in the ORC classes, altering rankings after the ClubSwan 42 fleet reached four races the previous day.
Italian yacht Vudu, skippered by Mauro Gestri, took advantage of the third day of racing in Abanca ORC 0 by securing a double victory to open a margin over its pursuers. Kilara II, skippered by Jaime Scott-Hopkins, and Caballo Loco, skippered by Mauro Dottori, follow in second and third place. Hispania, skippered by King Felipe VI, sits in fourth place after discarding a fifth and an eighth position, leaving the team with no further margin for error.
Sail Racing ORC A and Uber ORC B
Sail Racing ORC A experienced the fewest changes at the top of the standings, with Estonian entry Nola holding the provisional lead after taking a win and a second place finish. Swedish yacht Ran, skippered by Niklas Zennstrom, won the other race of the day to remain second, while Nacho Montes and Rolf Maur's Estrella Damm Sailing Team lost its chance to defend the title.
In Uber ORC B, Javier Banderas's Teatro Soho San Miguel extended its lead by winning both races of the day. The team built clear distance over Uruguayan boat L'Immens, skippered by Nicolás González, and Spanish boat Máximo, skippered by Maribel Cadenas, who are tied for second place.
Arturo Montes skippers JP Financial, which competes at the event as Spain's only inclusive sailing team.
Azulmarino ORC C and ClubSwan 42
Azulmarino ORC C remains the tightest class in the regatta, with Spanish boat Project Work, skippered by Antonio Porres, sharing first place with German entry Niramo, skippered by Sönke Meier, who won the opening race of the day. German yacht Early Bird won the second race to close out the provisional podium just one point behind the co-leaders.
In the ClubSwan 42 class, world champion Pez de Abril leads the battle while Nadir has displayed near overwhelming dominance, yielding only the first race of the day to second place Italian boat Selene Afilex.
In the Balearia Women's Cup, Balearia Team RCN Palma extended its lead at the top. Solgreen-Les Roches from RCNV-CNA trails by 13 points in second place, while Pulperas Team from RCN Calpe is locked in a battle for third place with Italia Team.
Final Series Rules and Format
The Final Series for the ORC and ClubSwan 42 classes begins on Friday at the 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE. All race results will carry a 1.5 multiplier, and teams will no longer be permitted to discard any negative scores during the final stage of the competition.
