Welsh comedian and presenter, Griff Rhys Jones, will be skippering his classic sailing yacht, Argyll, in this summer’s Balearic classic sailing regatta which takes place in the Bay of Palma. He is a regular competitor in the event which brings together some of the finest classic sailing vessels afloat.
Jones is a regular competitor in the classic yacht regatta in Palma. Argyll is said to be based on an Olin Stephens design (No. 381) Gesture from 1947 which had won the Newport – Bermuda race. Commissioned by William T Moore who sailed and raced her for 25 years until his death.
“Since I bought the yacht, I’ve discovered that I’m quite competitive. I never used to be. At first it was all about old men and boats, but now it’s like owning a Ferrari and you want to win. It’s great fun to be honest and while I’m not always racing, she’s on the circuit and I join her and the crew whenever I can find the time,” he told the Bulletin during his last visit to the island to compete in the regatta.
The Club de Mar-Mallorca has unveiled the 31st edition of the Illes Balears Clàssics Regatta, which will take place from 11 to 15 August 2026 at the club’s new facilities. With less than four months to go, the regatta already has around twenty boats registered, including true gems of the sea such as the Cariad (1896), Argyll (1948), Clarionet (1966) and the imposing Recluta, built in 2021 to plans dating from 1942.
Last year’s edition, coinciding with the regatta’s 30th anniversary, brought together 40 boats and recorded the highest turnout in its history. The organisers expect to match or exceed these figures in a very special edition to be held for the first time at the refurbished Club de Mar-Mallorca facilities.
Shipowners, crews and visitors will be able to enjoy a new complex comprising four spacious, interconnected buildings, where they will find a carefully curated selection of shops and services. This offering is complemented by four restaurants of different styles, including a new gastronomic leisure space that combines dining and nightlife in a fully glazed setting.
The 31st edition will once again feature a full social and cultural programme, with activities promoting maritime heritage. Among the cultural events planned for the regatta days, highlights include an underwater photography exhibition by Beatriz García Infante, a talk by Bubi Sansó, a travelling lecture by Leonardo Vicentis, and the presentation of the book “The Ships of Don Juan de Borbón. A singular sailor” by Luis Tourón Figueroa.
On the sporting front, the regatta retains its international character and its commitment to bringing together iconic vessels. The competition is open to Vintage, Classic and Spirit of Tradition boats, RI Classics, Big Boats, IOR Classics and the Presencia class. The first race, the “Marine Pool Regatta”, will take place on Wednesday 12 August with a separate scoring system from the rest of the competition days.
The Illes Balears Clàssics counts towards the 16th Mare Nostrum Classics Trophy – Spanish Classic Sailing Cup and the 2026 CIM Circuit (International Mediterranean Championship). The regatta is organised by Club de Mar-Mallorca on behalf of the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, in collaboration with the Balearic Sailing Federation, the Royal National Cruising Association and the Spanish Association of Vintage and Classic Boats.