by Félix García

Juan Carlos I, the King of Spain, will have a new yacht next July, sponsored by Telefónica and designed by one of the sports highest profile designers Rolf Vrolik, principal designer for America’s Cup Defender Alinghi.  Vrolik has previously created boats for Spanish competitors like America’s Cup challenger Bravo Espana in 2000.

Bribón XII, the boat that the King first used last year has passed into history.  Disappointing results last year in the Spanish IMS 500 championship, along with the arrival of new challengers, has changed the sporting program of Bribon for 2004.

King Juan Carlos commissioned a new Vrolik 46 design, scheduled to participate in the Trofeo de Su Majestad Copa de la Reina in July at the Real Club Naútico de Valencia.  Additional regattas could include other European events like the World Championships in Capri, the European Championships in Punta Ala, and the Sardinia Cup.  All that racing would mean that the 17,000 hours spent designing and building the new Bribón, not to mention the one million Euro budget, are being put to good use.

Félix García is a journalist living in Valencia, Spain.