The Catalonia Optimist Championship took place over two weekends, March 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th. It was marked by changing weather conditions that tested both the skill and adaptability of the sailors.
A championship where adaptability was rewarded
On the first Saturday, 3 races were completed for each group under conditions of swell, winds between Levante and Xaloc ranging from 6 to 8 knots, and a strong current from the Ter River. Each race became a mental challenge, forcing participants to work on their strategy depending on the position of the racecourse relative to the river mouth.
On Sunday, however, the racecourse presented a more stable situation, still with significant current but with less wave action and a southeast wind that reached 12 knots, allowing three races for the gold group and two for the silver group.
During the second weekend, the Tramuntana became the main protagonist. On Saturday, the gold group sailed two races in a day that began with rain and gradually cleared, giving way to the Tramuntana. It quickly increased in intensity, reaching gusts of up to 25 knots. The silver group, however, was unable to start any races due to the harsh weather conditions.
On Sunday, as forecast, the strong Tramuntana prevented any races from taking place, forcing the organizers to conclude the competition without further heats.
Finally, the championship closed with the awards ceremony, a moment of celebration and recognition. With the presence of Josep Maria Isern representing the Federació Catalana de Vela, as well as the club president, Jordi Ponjoan, and the director of the Centre d’Activitats, Carles Palomares, the awards were presented, celebrating the effort and achievements of the young sailors who had overcome a challenge worthy of champions.
In this championship, not only speed and skills were measured, but also adaptability and resilience.
Final standings – Gold Group
OVERALL
Men
1st Lucas Garrido – CN Arenys de Mar
2nd Manuel Alegret – RCNB
3rd Leo Alonso – CN El Balís
Women
1st Alexia Sotomayor – CN Vilassar de Mar
2nd Clara Camps – CN El Balís
3rd Mar García – CN Garraf
UNDER 11
Men
1st Damià Gaceras – RCNB
2nd Toni Rivas – CN Garraf
3rd Carlitos Fletes – RCNB
Women
1st Aina Álvarez – CN Vilassar de Mar
UNDER 13
Men
1st Damià Gaceras – RCNB
2nd Toni Rivas – CN Garraf
3rd Carlitos Fletes – RCNB
Women
1st Alexia Sotomayor – CN Vilassar de Mar
2nd Jana de Soria Santacruz – CN Garraf
3rd Carlota Puig – CN El Balís
Final standings – Silver Group
OVERALL
Men
1st Max Benito – CN El Masnou
2nd Alex Benito – CN El Masnou
3rd Alexander Fisher – RCNB
Women
1st Blanca Chavarría – CN El Masnou
2nd Valentina de Andrés – CN Vilanova
3rd Chloé Denia – CN El Masnou
UNDER 11
Men
1st Max Benito – CN El Masnou
2nd Oliver Sotomayor – CN Vilassar de Mar
3rd Gil Rebés – CN Vilassar de Mar
Women
1st Blanca Chavarría – CN El Masnou
2nd Chloé Denia – CN El Masnou
UNDER 13
Men
1st Max Benito – CN El Masnou
2nd Alex Benito – CN El Masnou
3rd Aleix Sebastián Andrade – CN El Masnou
Women
1st Blanca Chavarría – CN El Masnou
2nd Valentina de Andrés – CN Vilanova
3rd Chloé Denia – CN El Masnou
LOCAL WINNER
Martí Montanyà – Club Náutic Estartit
