NEWS

"The Copa del Rey Repsol is our flagship"

  • INTERVIEWS
  • 11 July, 2018

Sea Fever Magazine interview with Antonio Hernandez,president of the Club Maritimo de Mahon

Do you think that Vela Clásica Me-norca/Copa del Rey Repsol is the most important regatta among those orga-nised by Club Marítimo de Mahón, of which you are the president?

Actually, we do consider it our flagship, the most important for our club and, I would add, the most important for Menorca, as it puts it in a preferential position in the international sailing panorama. It was hard work to continue organising the event once we lost the concession, which left us without berths, but we knew we had to fight to keep it and improve and progress, as we did.

In your opinion, what makes this re-gatta stand out?
Our marina, no doubt about it. What surprises and impresses those who participate for the first time, and what still attracts the veterans, is the incredible feeling you get when you enter the port at full speed. One must not forget that, if the weather conditions allow it, we place the finishing line inside the port, opposite Club Marítimo de Mahón, which is yet another incentive for participants and offers a unique spectacle to the many visitors and locals who gather on the piers to watch. It's a beautiful way go build a closer relationship between the marina and the town. Additionally, the fact that yachts are moored along the marina promenade, with no barriers preventing visitors to get close and admire them, is another positive factor. Owners like to see people admiring their boats.

And once they are out at sea?
Once again, nature is on our side, as our clear waters and beautiful coastline contributes to making su-re that owners and crews hugely enjoy the coastal regattas that take place in these amazing surroundings. At the same time, anyone on the beaches or along the coast can admire a unique sporting event.

How long has this regatta been held at your club?
Since 2003, when it was chosen by the Real Federación Española de Vela (Royal Spanish Sailing Federation) and Real Asociación Nacional de Crucero (Royal National Cruising Association) to organise the recently instituted Copa del Rey de Barcos de Época. It started as Vela Clásica Menorca and since the beginning has collaborated with Real Club Náutico de Barcelona and has had the support of the City of Mahón and Menorca's Island Committee. In 2004, it became part of the Mare Nostrum Circuit and every two years it is part of the Panerai Yacht Challenge. Unfortunately, in 2009 we were not able to host it, as we lost the concession, but we immediately found the solution to meet the requests of all those owners who wanted to come back to Mahón. This year, we can count on Repsol priceless collaboration, a company that continues to support sailing under all aspects and is committed to the Copa del Rey Repsol to make sure it is a success in terms of number of participants, promoting the sport and, especially, preserving maritime heritage.

Last Minute News
In addition to the categories that we normally see in the Copa del Rey – Vintage, Classic, Spirit of Tradition and Big Boats this year we have a new category dedicated exclusively to schooners that comply with the requirements set by the International Mediterranean Committee (CIM). Another important novelty is the sponsorship from a prestigious company, Repsol, whose support to recreational sailing, in all its various manifestations, is constant and significant. Copa del Rey Repsol will be the icing on the cake for the 2018 Classics Yachts Mare Nostrum Trophy, the Mediterranean circuit which last year saw Moonbeam IV, Corsaro II, Gipsy, Cippino and Tichi Don win respectively in the Big Boats, Classics, Vintage Gaff, Marconi and Spirit of Tradition categories.    

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Institutional
Club Marítimo de Mahón
Menorca
Consell Insular Menorca
Ajuntament de Mahón
APB Mahón
Real Federación Española de Vela
CIM
RANC
Federación Balear de Vela
Asociación Española de Barcos de Época y Clásicos (AEBEC)
Trofeo Mare Nostrum
The Mediterranean Champions Cup
Collaborating companies
Repsol
La Menorquina
Artiem
Aqua Group
Coca Cola
Pedros Boat
Ansa per Ansa
Gipsy Gin
Gin Xoriguer
Queso Mahón
Menorca on Wheels
Torralbenc
Menorca Mar & Charter