Departures of note

Josep Cusí Ferret was a Catalan businessman and shipowner, widely recognized in Spain as the closest and most loyal friend of King Juan Carlos I. Born in Barcelona, he built a career as a shipping entrepreneur while also distinguishing himself in sport.

An accomplished marksman, Cusí earned an Olympic diploma in shooting at the 1968 Mexico City Games and also served as a shooting instructor to Francisco Franco. He later became a passionate sailor, serving as the owner of the Bribón, the yacht on which he raced alongside King Juan Carlos for nearly forty years.

Cusí's friendship with the king, which began in 1972 at a hunt organized by Franco, lasted almost sixty years and was marked by absolute loyalty and discretion. He was a familiar figure in Spanish royal and sporting circles, known for his elegance, affability, and his devotion to his wife Inés Muiños and his family.

He died in Barcelona in August 2026 at the age of 92, surrounded by his family.