The first day of the Lliga Blava Girona at Club Nàutic Estartit was set to kick off a new season full of excitement and learning. However, the strong tramuntana, with gusts of up to 30 knots, prevented the planned sailing races from taking place. Despite the adverse weather, the activities did not stop: the young participants in the Esport Blau Escolar, Viu la Vela, and Aventura Blava programs experienced an intense, fun, and fully educational day.

Nautical gymkhana: learning and competing despite the wind

The Club’s technical team transformed the initial program into a gymkhana full of challenges to test the theoretical and practical knowledge of the young sailors. Among the featured activities were:

• Thematic Kahoots on basic rules, safety, and navigation concepts.
• Catching sails and recognizing maneuvers according to wind conditions.
• Climbing Espí, a classic challenge to work on agility and coordination.

The teams from Blanes, Palamós, l’Escala, and Estartit competed in a completely friendly atmosphere, demonstrating motivation, energy, and camaraderie. Altogether, it was an experience that reinforces the values of sailing even without going out on the water.

The day concluded with the medal ceremony, recognizing the effort, participation, and good attitude of the young participants. This final celebration highlights the true objective of the Lliga Blava: learning, growing, and enjoying the sport, beyond the results.

Lliga Blava Escolar: a project that connects sport, education, and the sea

The day is part of the Lliga Blava Escolar, an initiative promoted by the Catalan Sailing Federation and the Barcelona Capital Nàutica Foundation, with the support of nautical clubs and educational centers along the Catalan coast. This project aims to encourage the continuity of sailing practice among students, strengthening their connection with the marine environment and consolidating the knowledge acquired in introductory programs. Objectives of the Lliga Blava Escolar:

• Making sailing accessible in the educational field: Lliga Blava aims to ensure that students can continue their nautical training after the initial programs.

• Promoting an inclusive and equal practice: the project advocates for equal opportunities, facilitating access for all interested students, regardless of their level.

• Strengthening the link between schools and nautical clubs: this collaboration helps create community, local identity, and a sense of belonging to the territory.

• Fostering respect for the environment: sailing is a privileged tool for educating about sustainability and raising awareness of the importance of caring for the sea.

Although the wind did not allow sailing, the Lliga Blava Girona day at Club Nàutic Estartit showed that learning, teamwork, and the values of sailing can shine even on land. Initiatives like this allow Lliga Blava Escolar to continue fostering a generation of young people more connected to sport, the sea, and sustainability.