King Felipe turns sailor during Mallorca holiday but Queen Letizia is absent

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King Felipe of Spain took part in a race associated with the Copa del Rey
Prestigious yacht race takes place each year in the Bay of Palma
Spanish royals are holidaying in Mallorca and will stay for a month
Letizia's appearance on Monday was first since the death of her grandpa

Published: 09:59 EST, 5 August 2015 | Updated: 10:45 EST, 5 August 2015

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are famous for their mutual love of sailing but they aren't the only royals with a penchant for yachts.

Spain's King Felipe was among the sailors who took to the waves for the 34th Copa del Rey Mapre race in Palma today.

Like William and Kate Felipe, 47, was no slouch when it came to taking the help and was seen doing the honours out in the Bay of Palma.

King Felipe waves to spectators from his berth aboard the Alfos in the Bay of Palma

Sailing fan Felipe was without wife Letizia but looked completely at home onboard the yacht

The race, which was won by the Italian yacht Azzurra with British boat Allegre in second, was the first engagement scheduled for the Spanish Royal Family's annual trip to Mallorca.

Felipe, who was without his wife Letizia and daughters Leonor and Sofia, was onboard the Aifos, which competed in a the BMW ORC 1 class contest.

The royals have been on the Balearic Island since the weekend and are staying at their holiday home, Son Vent, which sits in the grounds of the Marivent Palace in Palma.

In keeping with Spanish royal tradition, the family, including the two girls, appeared on the steps of the palace for a brief photocall on Monday.

The appearance was the first time that Letizia, 42, has been seen since the death of her grandfather, Francisco Rocasolano Camacho, on the 25th July.

Felipe took the helm as the small yacht travelled out into the Bay of Palma

The yacht was taking part in a sub-race during the 34th Copa del Rey Mapfre Sailing Cup

The 47-year-old royal appeared well versed in the art of sailing as he steered the yacht through the waves

The yacht race was Felipe's first official engagement of the summer - he will remain in Mallorca throughout

Despite the heartbreak, the mother-of-two put on a brave face for the photos and smiled wanly as the cameras went off around her.

She will now have at least a month to recuperate, with the royals due to remain in Mallorca until the end of August.

Although visits usually include a number of official engagements, most of the time spent on the island is private.

Last year's visit, which came shortly after Felipe was crowned, was unusually busy with the royals taking part in a string of engagements, among them a trip to a new visitor centre in the Tramuntana Mountains.

This year's trip is expected to be quieter, with no visitors expected.

In previous years, the Spanish royals have entertained blue-blooded guests from around the world on the island, including the Prince of Wales and Princess Diana.

Felipe clasps hands with the skipper of the Aifos as he boards the yacht ahead of the race

The crew stopped to pose for a group photo before setting sail

King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Leonor, Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofia pose outside the Marivent Palace. Monday's appearance was the first time Letizia has been seen since the death of her grandfather