Classic fleet sets sail

The sixteenth Trofeo Almirante Conde de Barcelona classic yacht regatta got under way yesterday with the first day's racing on the Bay of Palma and the appearance of the new royal yacht Fortuna serving as a timely backdrop to the beauty and importance of all of the classic yachts competing this week in Palma. But on dry land a host of activities and events will be going on this week in the regatta village, but the most exciting novelty this year is that every evening at 9pm highlights of the day's racing will be shown on a giant screen. The screenings in the village will also be accompanied by highlights of the America' Cup filmed by Spanish state television TVE. There will also be live bands playing for young and old throughout the week. The organisers have confirmed that over 80 classic yachts are competing in the four-day regatta and that some of the most famous classics in the world Thopacio, Ivanhoe, el Bella Lola and Veronique are competing again this year. However there was disappointment that Rosalind, the owner of Conde de Gado, a regular feature in the regatta, has been unable to come to Palma this year. The village, which is open to the general public, and all of the yachts are this year moored in the Old Port of Palma, where the annual Balearic Boat Show is held, opposite the Cathedral.