Griff Rhys Jones brings his classic sailing yacht to Palma for big regatta

Welsh comedian and presenter, Griff Rhys Jones, will be skippering his classic sailing yacht, Argyll, in this week´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.

A total of 40 boats will take part in the competition, which will be held from 13 to 17 August 2025 at the Club de Mar-Mallorca. Organisers highlighted the fact that this edition will feature debuts such as the Cariad, a 36-metre sailboat built in 1896, and the participation of classics such as The Lady Anne, Tuiga and Manitou, true legends of sailing.

The fleet is basically divided into two categories: Vintage Boats, built before 1950, and Classic Boats, built before 1975, all of which are constructed using traditional materials, mainly wood. A third division is made up of what are commonly known as ‘Big Boats’. The measurement and classification system established is that of the International Mediterranean Committee (CIM), although established classes, such as the J Class or the 15M JI, follow their own class rules. Modern boats built in a classic style compete in the Spirit of Tradition class, and boats that want to participate in the event without competing can sign up for the Presence class.

Griffith Rhys Jones OBE has starred in a number of television series with his comedy partner, Mel Smith. He and Smith came to national attention in the 1980s for their work in the BBC television comedy sketch shows Not the Nine O'Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones.

From 2008 to 2018, Jones presented the television bloopers show It'll Be Alright on the Night for ITV, having replaced Denis Norden and being succeeded in 2018 by David Walliams.