Sandberg PalmaVela reaches 150 entries and turns the spotlight on "La Larga"
by Sandberg PalmaVela 2026 17 Apr 01:11 NZST
23-27 April & 29 April - 3 May 2026
Sandberg PalmaVela © María Muiña
The 22nd edition of Sandberg PalmaVela continues to grow, now reaching 150 registered boats and consolidating its role as the first major event of the Mediterranean sailing calendar. With the start just around the corner, all eyes are now on "La Larga", the offshore race set to begin next Saturday, April 25.
Organised by the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP), the regatta will bring together more than 1,400 sailors, filling its pontoons with activity from April 23 to May 3, with nine days of racing on the water.
"Reaching 150 entries confirms that Sandberg PalmaVela continues to grow and strengthen its position as one of the major events in the Mediterranean. For the RCNP, it is a great satisfaction to see Palma once again placed at the centre of international sailing," said Manu Fraga, Director of the RCNP.
"La Larga" will once again serve as the regatta's grand opener, featuring a fleet of 50 teams that will sail across the Balearic archipelago in a demanding offshore challenge combining strategy, endurance and offshore navigation.
"'La Larga' perfectly reflects the spirit of Sandberg PalmaVela: a demanding, diverse race with strong sporting appeal. Having 50 teams in this opening event highlights the strength of the offshore format and the appeal of racing in the Balearic waters," added Fraga.
One of the highlights of this edition will be the inclusion of the Mini 6.50 class, competing solo with eight entries and adding an interesting contrast within the fleet. At the other end of the spectrum, the IRC class will feature two impressive Maxi yachts, large boats with crews of over 25 sailors, representing the highest level of fully crewed racing.
Completing this diverse lineup, the ORC class will compete both in A2 (double-handed) format and with full crews, forming a balanced and highly competitive fleet that reaches around 50 entries in this opening race.
Following "La Larga", Sandberg PalmaVela will continue with the traditional multi-class regatta in the Bay of Palma. With around 100 teams taking part, the level of competition will rise even further thanks to the presence of up to 13 TP52 yachts, which will contest their first regatta of the season in Palma before the start of the international 52 Super Series circuit.
With steadily growing numbers, a high-level fleet and a combination of offshore and inshore racing, Sandberg PalmaVela once again places Palma at the centre of world sailing, marking the start of the Mediterranean season.
Find out more at www.palmavela.com