We interview Javier Sanz, president of the Organizing Committee of the 28th Copa del Rey Audi Mapfre just a few weeks before its start.

Javier seems a bit overwhelmed by work, but, above all, happy and very confident about what he's got in his hands: again, a great organization and a great regatta.

One more year Javier Sanz will live the regatta from the inside, as a member of a X-35 class crew, and that's, without any doubt, one of the keys of his success as “captain” of the Copa del Rey: ”...I feel more of a sailor than an organizer, no doubt...”


Question: The first question is a must, how does one of the main responsibles of the 28th edition of the Copa del Rey Audi Mapfre feel just a few weeks before the start?

Answer: Well, I'll tell you two things, on the one hand it's a big responsibility to be president of the organizing committee of the most important Mediterranean regatta, and one of the most representatives of the world, with renowned prestige, and supported by almost 30 years of history. On the other hand I'd like to say that I feel deeply thankful to all those who have entrusted me with this responsibility. Being considered able to carry on this project year after year makes me feel proud.

Q: An obliged question now, given the circumstances, has it been specially difficult to face the organization of this 28th edition?

A: At the beginning I will not deny that we were kind of anxious. Of course we are aware of the current situation, and that's why we have acted carefully. But I can tell you that, now, we are very surprised, since the answer has been completely satisfactory, from collaborators as well as sponsors; actually we have been able to maintain the same level of regatta and the same objectives as we've had during the past years, being as I tell you very aware of the situation we now go through. So I can tell you the 28th Copa del Rey Audi Mapfre has not really suffered the consequences.

Q: What about the registration?

A: The same, this year we will have 112 boats on the water what means that we have broken the records of past years, and that, in spite of the situation. As everybody knows the highest registration has been 120 boats, and we haven't gone beyond that, but that's due to the reduction of the fleet worldwide rather than to boats not attending the Copa del Rey. Just to give you an example, the TP52 class fleet consisted of 20 boats just two years ago, and nowadays they are around fifteen. So, with regards to us, we can feel more than satisfied.

Q: Which do you think are the reasons for the success of the regatta?

A: Well, I think one of the clues is that we've adapted ourselves to the changes, we have kept the eyes opened. For some years already the sport of sailing has evolved a lot and the Copa del Rey has known to adapt itself to this evolution. We created three years ago a modern Copa, which would join professional and amateur sailing, and we remain faithful to this format without losing sight of the changes that keep happening.

Q: Any significant change with regards to former editions?

A: As I told you we remain faithful to our model, and within this model we keep on with our bet on real time, one design, and box rule. With regards to novelties, have invited the X-41 class, and will also have a big representation of the IRC Maxis. I would also emphasize the fact that, in order to support the national sailing, we well also apply the new RI system, and that way we will have the three ratings that coexist in this moment in our country.

Q: Who else is to thank for the celebration of the regatta, apart from the organizing club?

A: Our sponsors and collaborators, of course, specially Audi and Mapfre, which do not only support us economically, but also get more involved every time in the organization of the regatta. I don't want to forget the hundred people who work for the whole thing to work perfectly.

Q: Will you take part in the regatta, as usual?

A: Yes of course, I will be onboard the X-35 ‘Autoritas’. We maintain our bet on this class with a team whose hardcore is the crew of Platu 25, and I will be part of it. Definitely. It's a way to live the regatta from the inside, I do live it very intensively from the outside but I think that, by taking part in it, I have many more points of view which I believe are necessary when it comes to take decisions. It also helps me relax for some hours and enjoy the regatta in all its aspects. I feel more of a racer than an organizer.