Mallorcan sailor Lluc Bestard conquers Optimist European Championship

Lluc Bestard, a sailor from the Real Club Náutico de Palma, was crowned female European champion in the Optimist class yesterday, June 3rd, after triumphing in a highly competitive continental regatta. The event, held in Çeme, Turkey, brought together nearly 250 young sailors (115 in the female category) from 43 countries and is the third continental title claimed by the club so far this year.

Over five days of racing, ten races were completed under challenging wind conditions, putting all participants to the test. Bestard demonstrated remarkable consistency from the qualification phase, which she finished in the lead. It was during the final stage, held yesterday and today, that the Mallorcan sailor delivered her strongest performance, even winning the final race of the championship.

Bestard finished the race with 40 points, 14 fewer than Greece’s Eleni Triantou, who placed second in the female standings, and 17 fewer than Turkish sailor Ada Vera Tüfekçiler, who completed the podium. Her main rival throughout the regatta was Uma Creixell from Brazil, with whom she traded places at the top of the leaderboard. However, as Brazil is not a European country, Creixell's result did not count toward the continental title.

"Lluc is full of surprises, a sailor capable of anything, and this time she truly gave her best," said her coach Jaume Genovard after the victory was confirmed.

Mallorca’s performance was also notable in the male category. Daniel Capa, from Club Nàutic S’Estanyol, secured a commendable sixth place, while Stijn Oosterhaven, of Club Nàutic s’Arenal, finished eleventh.

Bestard’s victory follows the recent success of her club teammate Jan Palou, current Optimist Spanish champion, who at just 12 years old has qualified to compete in the Optimist World Championship, to be held in Slovenia from June 26th to July 6th.

Both sailors had already proven their talent last December, winning the Trofeo Ciutat de Palma, one of the most prestigious international events in the Optimist class.

2025 is turning out to be an exceptional year for the RCNP’s youth sailing program. In addition to Bestard’s European title, the club has achieved several other national and international successes. Tim Lubat was crowned ILCA 6 overall European champion, Gabriela Morell won the U17 European title in the same class, and Marc O'Connor claimed the Spanish national ILCA 7 title.

“These results are the fruit of years of work promoting grassroots sailing and the excellent technical training carried out by our coaches,” emphasized Manu Fraga, Director of the Real Club Náutico de Palma.