CLASSES

The very first edition of PalmaVela was held on 29th April 2004. Originally created as a regatta for Maxis, and formerly known as the Maxi Race Week, its debut was eagerly awaited, particularly since it also marked the return of the Maxis to the Bay of Palma after a seven-year absence.

That first edition established the foundations of a regatta, which is characterised by the desire to open, grow and demonstrate the wide range of possibilities that sailing has to offer, and within the same competition includes different ways to feel and experience the sport. This same objective is still the driving force behind PalmaVela 12 years later.

Today PalmaVela is a referential sailing event, not only in Spain, but also throughout the Mediterranean. Its vocation for integration has made its mark in the different sailing sectors. Likewise the event is of great interest to the different monotype fleets, and quite possibly the most eagerly anticipated regatta for many ORC certified boat owners, not to mention the big boat fleets.

WALLY and MAXI

Maxis

The big boats are divided up into two classes at the PalmaVela: Wally and Maxi. Present in the regatta since the very first edition in 2004, these impressive boats have never missed an event, well-loved by owners and crews alike, both the technical quality of the racing, and the facilities at the Real Club Náutico de Palma make it an essential regatta on the racing calendar.

The organisation has managed to conserve a high level of satisfaction and loyalty from participants in both classes, as has been expressed by competitors throughout the years.

TP52

Box Rule

The TP52 class is one of the most important classes in the world of monotypes. These carbon fibre boats with a huge sail area, make up one of the most attractive classes in the regatta. The TP52s are fast and light and compete in real time.

IRC

IRC

The IRC class competes under its namesake rating system, which is mostly composed of foreign fleets. However, the integrative and international character of the PalmaVela regatta makes it open to the class; enabling any owner, with any kind of certificate, and independent of their sailing philosophy, to participate in this regatta.

In 2012 there were almost 7,000 boats in over 30 countries and six continents with IRC certification.

ORC

ORC International

It is the most numerous division of the PalmaVela. This class is made up by different sized boats which compete together under the same ORC rating, which was created by the Real Asociación Nacional de Cruceros (RANC), and rules the majority of the Spanish sailing fleet competition.

The large number of boats registered in this class has led the PalmaVela Organising Committee to divide the class into the following divisions: ORC 0, ORC 1, ORC 2, ORC 3 and ORC 4.

SWAN 45

One Design

The Swan 45 was designed by German Frers, built by Nautor's Swan and first launched in 2001. The Class was recognised by the International Sailing Federation in November 2005.

Over the years, the Swan 45 Class has gone from strength to strength on the international racing circuit through the engagement of an extensive, owner network of passionate sailors and has become one of the most competitive and socially active classes in the world of sailing.

J80

j80

The J80 class was created in the United States in 1993 by the J Boats boatyard, under the One Design concept. It soon spread to other countries, as proven by the 1,500 boats currently present worldwide. It is usually crewed by a team of four or five people.

FLYING FIFTEEN

Flying Fifteen

In spite of its long tradition, the class has known how to renovate and control the use of modern materials in construction, allowing the Flying Fifteen class to adapt to modern times without losing the philosophy of its designer. It has managed to maintain its competitiveness without becoming too expensive to maintain or build. It is crewed by two people.

DRAGÓN

Dragón

A boat designed in 1929 by Norwegian Johan Anker, between 1948 and 1972 it was an Olympic sailing class. Its elegant design and large keel are the characteristic features of the Dragon. It is crewed by three people.

According to information from the International Dragon Association, in 2014 there were over 1,400 Dragons registered in 29 countries.

CLASSIC and TRADITIONAL YACHTS

Traditional and Classic Yachts

Anyone, even those foreign to the world of sailing, can recognise a classic boat when they see one. The great survivors of the golden age, where beauty was prevalent in the elegant lines and shape of the hull, and metre upon metre of sail area, are unquestionably classics.

However, we can also see fine examples of the craftsmanship and dexterity of bygone eras in modern boats. As example, the boats that have copied the shape of the classics but using modern techniques and materials for construction.

To compete within these categories in the PalmaVela they must comply with the CIM Rating and Competition regulations for Classic and Traditional Boats.

DISABLED SAILING

Disabled Sailing

The class debut at the PalmaVela was in 2006 and has been present ever since. Aimed at sailors with disabilities, adapted sailing is a must within a regatta that is open to every expression and understanding of sailing and the sea.

THE EVENT

PREVIOUS EDITIONS