King Felipe narrowly swerves terrifying sailing accident as onlookers gasp

The Spanish King and Queen visiting Guadalupe |

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Marcus Donaldson

By Marcus Donaldson


Published: 02/08/2025

- 16:23

The Spanish King was later joined by his daughter, Princess Leonor

King Felipe had a close call while sailing aboard a Spanish naval vessel when heavy sailing equipment plummeted towards him.

The 57-year-old Spanish monarch was preparing to take part in the Copa del Rey Mapfre sailing competition.


Felipe joined Admiral Jaime Rodríguez Toubes and his crew aboard the Aifos, where the incident occurred on Thursday at around 11:30am.

As the King sat examining items in his backpack, a sail and its accompanying boom crashed onto the deck mere inches from him.

King Felipe

King Felipe narrowly avoided a sailing accident while participating in the Copa del Rey Mapfre race

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The fall of the heavy piece of equipment and gasps of shock from those onboard were captured in a video showing the incident, shared by Spanish publication Vanitatis.

However, King Felipe appeared almost totally unfazed by the nearly fateful accident.

Rather than showing alarm, the monarch looked up and briefly surveyed his surroundings to assess what had occurred.

Dutifully and wordlessly, he then returned to his race preparation.

King Felipe

The Spanish King was left unfazed as a sail and boom crashed down just inches away from where he was sitting

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The monarch's participation in the race follows on from a lifelong dedication to sailing.

Felipe's maritime journey began at age 16 when he first competed aboard the Sirius IV alongside a Navy officer.

Having trained with the Spanish Navy during his time as Prince of Asturias, he assumed the role of Captain General when he ascended to the throne in 2014.

He maintains a particularly strong bond with Admiral Jaime Rodríguez Toubes, the Aifos’s commander.

King Felipe

The King was sailing on the Aifos naval vessel when the incident occured

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The vessel achieved second place in last year's competition, though bookies do not favour them for top honours in 2024.

Felipe has nonetheless expressed optimism about securing a respectable finish, Vanitatis reported.

Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, has followed her father’s example in naval service.

The 19-year-old is continuing her three-year military training programme and recently received a promotion to Midshipman of 2nd grade on July 16.

King Felipe, Princess Leonor

Princess Leonor later joined her father at the event

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Her father bestowed upon her the Grand Cross of Naval Merit during the ceremony.

Princess Leonor later joined Felipe at the sailing event, but her 18-year-old sister remained absent.

The royal siblings were previously spotted at the Uefa Women's Euros final earlier this week.

Leonor and Sofia spectated the game alongside Prince William and Princess Charlotte as England defeated Spain on penalties.