Summary
- The 29th TabarcaVela Diputación de Alicante sailing regatta concluded with thrilling competition and crowned champions across all ORC categories.
- “Pez de Abril” (ORC 1), “Ebury” (ORC 2), “Inmobiliaria Leo Playa” (ORC 3), “Enewtec” (ORC 4), “North Face” (ORC 5/E), and “Dorsia Sailing Team” (Go out Consulting) clinched their class victories.
- The event was marked by tight races, including intense battles in ORC 3 and a coastal race around Tabarca Island.
- Wind conditions varied from light 6 knots to stronger 12 knots, challenging the teams during the last day.
- The prize ceremony was attended by key regional sports and maritime figures, highlighting the event’s prestige.
- Organizers are already preparing for the milestone 30th anniversary of the TabarcaVela in 2025.
A Spectacular Finish to the 29th TabarcaVela Diputación de Alicante
The 29th edition of the TabarcaVela Diputación de Alicante, one of Spain’s premier sailing regattas, concluded with an impressive final day of competition, crowning deserving champions in each category and showcasing thrilling nautical skills under changing wind conditions. This event, renowned in the Mediterranean sailing calendar, attracts top-class sailors and boats each year to the coastal waters off Alicante.
Champions of the 29th TabarcaVela by Category
| ORC Class | Winning team / Boat | Yacht club | Skipper | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ORC 1 | Pez de Abril | CN villa de San Pedro | José Meseguer | World ClubSwan 42 Champion; defended 2024 title |
| ORC 2 | Ebury Sailing Team | Marina Salinas de San Pedro | Javier Sabiote / Julio Bernardeau (helmsman) | won 4 races; defended title confidently |
| ORC 3 | Inmobiliaria Leo Playa | RCN Torrevieja | Andrés Manresa | won previous Trofeo de La Reina; close finish |
| ORC 4 | Enewtec | CN La Isleta | – | dominated largest fleet; repeated victory |
| ORC 5/E | North Face | RCR Alicante | Miguel Vinches | Won during one racing day with light winds |
| Go out Consulting (Female Class) | Dorsia sailing Team | RCR Alicante | Núria Sánchez Nomdedeu / Olympic skipper Sara Carmo | Won by 1 point over runner-up |
Event Highlights: Intense Battles and Coastal Race Around Tabarca Island
The regatta’s coastal race around the iconic Tabarca Island was one of the standout moments, with Francisco Martínez Torregrosa’s “Trabuco” (RCN Torrevieja) winning this particular leg in ORC 1, despite finishing second overall. Across various classes, the competition was fierce, particularly in ORC 3 where “Inmobiliaria Leo Playa” and “TeamTac” (RCN Dénia) ended up tied after the final race, with the victory decided by prior race wins.
Wind Conditions and Racing Strategy
The last day started with mild winds around 6 knots, progressively building to 12 knots, creating a challenging yet exciting atmosphere for the competitors. These varying wind speeds tested both the tactical acumen and boat handling skills of the sailors, contributing to the nail-biting finishes across all categories.
Official Ceremony and Looking Ahead to the 30th Anniversary
The prize-giving ceremony featured prominent figures from the sailing and maritime sectors, including Miguel López Barbero (President of the Real Club de Regatas de Alicante), josé Miguel Sánchez (Subdirector General de Deportes de la Generalitat Valenciana), and military and maritime officials.Núria Sánchez Nomdedeu,who also directs the event,emphasized the success of this edition and expressed excitement for the upcoming 30th anniversary scheduled for 2025-a milestone that promises to elevate the regatta to new heights.
About the TabarcaVela Regatta
Held annually off the coast of Alicante, the TabarcaVela Diputación de Alicante is a prestigious regatta attracting a diversity of yacht classes, from world-class professionals to dedicated local teams. The event is celebrated not only for its competitive spirit but also for promoting sailing culture in the Valencian community and beyond.
Key Takeaways for Sailing Enthusiasts
- Dominance of Reigning Champions: Multiple teams defended their titles, proving consistent high performance.
- Close Finishes: Particularly in mid-level classes like ORC 3, race strategies and past wins influenced final standings.
- Variety of Weather Conditions: The range of wind conditions offered a complete test of sailing skill.
- Growing Prestige: With the 30th anniversary on the horizon, expectation for the future editions is high.
whether you are a seasoned sailor or a fan of competitive sailing events, the TabarcaVela Diputación de Alicante continues to be a highlight in the Mediterranean sailing calendar, blending sport, tradition, and community spirit.
Source: Alicante Plaza – Brillante final del 29º TabarcaVela Diputación de Alicante