23/08/2001 00:00
TW
0

A total of 61 boats have signed up to take part in the XVII edition of the Trofeo Almirante Conde de Barcelona which began yesterday in the bay of Palma. The entrant list boasts less boats than in previous years, more than ninety yachts are usually expected for the event. The decrease is attributed to the 150th anniversary of the America´s Cup yacht race. The Jubilee regatta is currently being held in Cowes and has gathered together some of the greatest classic yachts of the last two centuries including J Class legends Shamrock V, Velsheda and Endeavour. King Juan Carlos of Spain has also made his way to Cowes to take part in the racing in his yacht Bribon, which he campaigned on throughout Majorca's other recent sailing festivals, the Breitling and the King's Cup. The Conde de Barcelona is made up of four days racing, leaving this Sunday free for the grand parade and prize-giving ceremony. On Tuesday night the Council of Palma gave a traditional welcome reception for the boat owners and their crews at Belver Castle, a meeting which was presided over by Mayor Joan Fageda. Boats from fourteen different countries are taking part in the regatta, including veteran winners from previous years. Last year's winner Rosendo is taking part again. A Majorcan yacht owned by Eduardo Jardon, she was designed by Pau Ferrer. Some traditional ancient Balearic yachts are partaking, like Isla Ebusitana, built in 1856 and the oldest functioning yacht in the Med. She used to be a salt trader for the Balearics from the mainland in her prime and is now privately owned. Another beautiful yacht which usually takes part in the racing is Creole, which has spent the last winter in Palma being refitted. The authentic and classic yachts owned and built by pioneering yachts people will be moored up along the Paseo Maritimo for all to see, opposite the auditorium. The regatta is only open to classic yachts but rebuilt yachts are allowed to compete if they were built using traditional techniques and materials.