Jan Palou is crowned overall winner of the 61st Gran Día de la Vela – Bufete Frau

A splendid and sunny day put the finishing touch on the 61st edition of the Gran Día de la Vela – Bufete Frau. From 12:00 noon, the two racecourses set up in Palma Bay hosted the races of the Optimist, ILCA 4, and 420 classes, under almost ideal conditions, with steady winds between 8 and 13 knots.

The race committees made the most of the day, managing to complete a demanding program with 11 races in the 420 and ILCA 4 classes and a total of 9 races in Optimist.

In the sporting section, Jan Palou (RCNP) was crowned champion in Optimist; brothers Lucas and Nicolás Montoya (CNA) shone in 420 with four partial victories that secured them the overall win; while in ILCA 4 the overall victory went to Toni Truyols (CN Sa Ràpita).

After seven intense days of competition and parallel activities onshore, the CNA bid farewell to summer with the traditional awards ceremony, held against the backdrop of a stunning sunset on the club’s crowded terrace and pool. The event had a festive and family atmosphere, marked by competition, camaraderie among the young sailors, and the support of the whole club community.

Representing the Ajuntament de Llucmajor, mayor Xisca Lascolas and tourism councillor Katina Rayó attended and were welcomed by the club’s board of directors, led by president José Ramón Picó, vice president María Garau, and CNA manager Ferran Muniesa, who acted as master of ceremonies. Also present was Jordi Castro, sports director of the Federación Balear de Vela (FBV).

After congratulating and thanking the sailors, their families, the club staff, and the sponsors, CNA president José Ramón Picó highlighted that “the Gran Día de la Vela is much more than a regatta: it is identity, tradition, and family. We say goodbye now, already looking ahead to the 62nd anniversary, with the excitement of meeting again next year with even greater strength.”

On behalf of the sponsor, Toni Frau stated that “it is an honor for Bufete Frau to sponsor this regatta, which this year has been spectacular. That is why we are already presenting our candidacy to sponsor the next edition.”

For her part, Lascolas emphasized that “the Gran Día de la Vela is the most important grassroots sailing sporting event in the Balearic Islands, and it upholds fundamental values such as the environment and family.”

As a special initiative this year, the CNA used the event to express its support for the board of Club Náutico de Ibiza, in line with other Balearic clubs, following the recent loss of its concession after a century devoted to sailing, watersports, and grassroots sports. In return, Sebastián Vidal, sports director and representative of CN Ibiza, presented CNA with a commemorative plaque of gratitude for its support over the years, especially in these difficult times.

After the ceremony, the club treated participants to hot dogs and hamburgers, which were enjoyed with great enthusiasm, marking the close of two intense weeks of sailing, competition, camaraderie, and passion for the sea.

The great protagonist of the day was Jan Palou Espinar, who not only triumphed in Optimist but also claimed the Overall Gran Día de la Vela Trophy thanks to his three race wins and for competing in the class with the highest number of entrants.

The honors also included a very special award for the CNA sailing family: the Memorial Ricardo Arnau Trophy, created to keep alive the memory of a member and sailor who sadly passed away. This trophy is awarded to the best rookie 420 crew, which this year went to Elena López and Giulia Sandri from Club Náutico El Balis.

Beyond the sporting aspect, the Gran Día de la Vela – Bufete Frau has remained true to its mission of bringing sailing closer to society. This year, sponsor Sa Calma Boats offered families of the sailors the chance to board the Super Delfín Verde by Sa Calma Boats, which during these days became a true luxury grandstand for following the competition.

To make this extensive program possible, the Club Nàutic S’Arenal set up three racecourses and mobilized over 70 people between organization and technical staff, ensuring sporting excellence at sea and the best care on land for participants and companions alike.

Full Results: https://www.grandiadelavela.com/es/default/races/race-resultsall