Evasion of collision during sports gathering by King
King Felipe VI Experiences Close Call During Copa del Rey Mapfre Sailing Competition
In a heart-stopping moment during the 2025 Copa del Rey Mapfre sailing competition, King Felipe VI of Spain narrowly escaped injury when a heavy piece of sailing equipment fell just inches from him aboard the Spanish Navy's official sailboat, the Aifos.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on July 31, 2025, during preparations for the race. King Felipe VI, a lifelong sailing enthusiast and former Spanish Navy serviceman, was examining his backpack on deck when the sail and its boom came crashing down near him.
The crew members on board audibly gasped during the incident, but King Felipe VI remained composed throughout. He briefly looked up to assess the situation before resuming his preparations, demonstrating his unwavering resolve.
Despite the close call, King Felipe VI continued his involvement in the competition, presiding over the awards ceremony that evening with no reported injuries. His daughter, Princess Leonor, was present at the event, having recently been promoted to Midshipman of 2nd grade.
Leonor had offered her father a kiss of good luck before the final leg of the race, underscoring the personal and public significance of the moment. The incident was captured on video and shared by Spanish outlet Vanitatis, providing a stark reminder of the risks involved in competitive sailing.
King Felipe VI remains optimistic about the Aifos' performance in the 2024 competition, according to Vanitatis. Despite not expecting to top the leaderboard in 2024, the King's dedication to the sport and the regatta is evident in his continued involvement.
In a twist of fate, Princess Leonor and Princess Charlotte, along with their respective fathers (King Felipe VI and Prince William), were seen at the UEFA Women's Euros final earlier this week, showcasing their shared passion for sports and their ongoing commitment to public engagements.
During the sailing competition, King Felipe VI, despite being a lifelong sports enthusiast specialized in hockey and sailing, had a close call when a piece of sailing equipment fell near him. After the incident, King Felipe VI and Princess Leonor were seen supporting each other's respective sports, with King Felipe VI attending the UEFA Women's Euros final, showcasing their shared passion for sports.
