Track record
The Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) is one of Spain's most socially and sports wise entities. It has 2000 members and their families and has been chosen by the yachting edition Boot Magazine, as one the 10 best yacht clubs in the world.
Since its very first days (1940's of the 20th century) it has been recognized for its social and sports activities and has been a reference in Mallorca's yachting world, as well as the driving force of international sailing events such as the Copa del Rey, the Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofía, PalmaVela or the Trofeo Ciutat de Palma, (the oldest sports competition in the Balearic Islands.
S/Y Reyda took part in the regattas organised by the RCNP before it's foundation in 1948
S/Y Yago II (today named Rosendo), built by Pau Ferrer in 1949, moored at the RCNP.
A group of lady members on the club's inaugural day, 5th July, 1948
Snipe regatta organised by the RCNP in the 50's
Flags up during an international competition during the sixties
A little bit of history
The Real Club Náutico arises when two clubs in the port of Palma gather to form one. These are, el Club de Regatas (1891), the oldest yacht club in Mallorca and the Club España (1919). Both clubs were well known as they frequently organized regattas of lateen rigged boats (botes y llaüts), some of which have survived till our days, such is the vuelta a Mallorca
The RCNP is well known as the dean club of the Balearic Islands in consequence of the association with the Club de Regatas, although this one was only registered in the sports association and published their first statutes in 1948.
A view of the club house with the Castle of Bellver in the background
A view of the club house with Cathedral of Palma in the background
Errol Flynn, actor and owner of s/y Zaca, in the Sala Magna of the RCNP
Several sailing yachts being towed in the harbour of Palma after a day's race
Passion for sports
Sports is a must for the Real Club Náutico de Palma, with more than 30 regattas per year of which some of them are world widely known.
The Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofía is held since 1968, in the Bay of Palma at the beginning of spring. the event is organized by the RCNP and the other clubs in the Bay, Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa and the CN Arenal. The editions held in the same years as the Olympic games can gather up to 1000 sailors from 60 different countries.
PalmaVela is possibly the most open minded event in Spain. Born in 2005 it has always invited a large number of different classes to take part. The first intention was to invite the big boats back to the Bay of Palma and to organize events similar to the Cowes or Key West, PalmaVela soon became the super regatta in the Spanish yachting scenario and one of the best technical racing events for all kind of different boats, from Maxi of 40 meters long to a small lateen rigged boat. the dates chosen for this event have always been around the end of April or beginning of May.
The Copa del Rey is the most important and well known of those organized by the RCNP and the most popular in terms of media impact. This event gathers during the first week of August, more than one hundred competitive sailing cruising boats and is considered one of the top events in the Med. The last editions have opened the participating categories which has helped to develop its international recognition. The event founded in 1982 has counted since the beginning with the unconditional support of the Spanish Royal Family.
One of the firmest commitments the RCNP has is to form sailors for the future. This is why one of the most important international events organized by this club is the Trofeo Ciutat de Palma. It has been going on non-stop for the past 69 years. The first event held in 1950 brings it to be the oldest sports competition of the Balearic Islands. The Optimist international class has taken this regatta as a worldwide reference, therefore in some of the past editions, we have reached over 300 entries in this class
Opti sailors on the club's dinghy classes dry dock
Maxi participants during the 33rd edition of the Copa del Rey Mapfre
The TP52 fleet moored in front of the club house.
Owners' dinner at the 32 Copa del Rey
The RCNP with the Cathedral of Palma at the back
The Kings of Spain unveiling the commemorative plaque in recognition of their support to the RCNP
Passion is our baseline
The sailing clubs push hard to develop passion for recreational yachting and the practice of water sports. These entities build and forge the future sailors who will experience how the sea becomes their main passion.
The yacht club's international fame is possibly a result of the commitment it has with its sailing and canoeing schools where more than 500 pupils take part each year.
The hard work carried out by the club's sailing and canoeing teams since the very young age, provides the RCNP with a competitive team in both sports.
There is a clear promotion of healthy sport and activity and we try to accept any young sailor or canoeist who wants to practice the sport but also with expectations to compete in the future
Culture and social events
Under the statutes of the Real Club Náutico de Palma and in contrast with other marinas, a special attention is drawn to promote water sports, specially sailing and canoeing
By organizing international events, the club can also be considered to support socially the community as this contributes to the economical benefits for the city.
The RCNP also collaborates with social events, not only with sports events. These social events belong to the group of the social offer the city of Palma has for the visitors and its citizens.
The club regularly organizes a series of concerts, exhibitions, conferences, colloquial chats, gastronomic encounters, etc. It also counts on a chorus whose members and friends collaborate with the club in plenty of occasions, in and out of the club.
The RCNP is a social driver, in both, culture for the sea and cultural events.
