Jan Palou crowned Balearic Optimist champion at the 12th Fundación Julián Vilás Regatta

Ibiza hosted this weekend the final day of the Balearic Optimist Championship – 12th Fundación Julián Vilás Regatta, held at the facilities of Marina Ibiza and organized by Club Náutico Ibiza together with the Balearic Sailing Federation.

The third and final day was marked by excellent weather conditions, with a northeast wind averaging around 13 knots, allowing the full schedule of nine races to be completed without incident and with a high competitive level among participants.

Sailor Jan Palou, from Real Club Náutico de Palma, who had already been leading the provisional standings from the previous day, confirmed his dominance by securing overall victory with 35 points after winning three of the nine races.

Second place went to Bruno Nueschen, from Club Nàutic s’Arenal, with 42 points, while third place overall and first female sailor was María Lluc Bestard, from Real Club Náutico de Palma, finishing with 51 points.

In the category standings, Miquel Llull (Real Club Náutico de Palma) was the top Under-13 sailor, while Marc Caldentey (Club Nàutic s’Arenal) took victory in the Under-11 category.

Regarding local representation, Club Náutico Ibiza sailor Ian Maurovich was the best-performing Ibiza competitor, climbing from 30th position to finish in a creditable 21st place. Meanwhile, Candela Martín from Es Nàutic finished 45th and Paula Pina, also from the same club, placed 46th.

The prize-giving ceremony took place at around 05:00 p.m. and was attended by Ibiza Deputy Mayor Catiana Fuster; the president of the Balearic Sailing Federation, Caty Darder; José Mª Prats representing the Fundación Julián Vilás; Marina Ibiza representatives Marcos Mari and Sara Mari; the port captain Javier Cid; and representatives of Club Náutico Ibiza led by its president, Damián Verdera.

The Optimist class represents the entry-level category in competitive sailing and serves as the first formative step for young sailors beginning their racing careers. In its centenary year, Club Náutico Ibiza continues to reinforce its commitment to youth sailing through events such as this championship.