More than 40 boats take part in the 30th Diada de Vela Llatina

More than 40 boats took part in the 30th anniversary of the Balearic Islands’ largest traditional sailing gathering, with Pantaleu, Savanna, Brandó, Asam, Ventolina and Alconassar emerging as winners in the various classes.

The trophy presentation on Sunday, September 13th, brought the 30th edition of the Diada de Vela Llatina de Mallorca to a close. Organised by Club Nàutic Cala Gamba, the event attracted more than 40 boats and once again confirmed the strong health of traditional Balearic sailing, thanks to the efforts of private boat owners and the commitment of an organisation that houses the only Spanish ecomuseum dedicated to traditional lateen-rigged boats and llaüts.

As is customary, the second and final day began with a joint start for all the boats, although the course varied depending on the option chosen by each participant: either competing or simply enjoying the sailing without taking the classification into account. The typical Embat wind of Palma Bay blew generously, steadily and right on schedule, allowing a race to be completed for all classes.

The winners in this edition were Pantaleu, owned by Isabel Estades, in the Dragonera class; Savanna, owned by Toni Jover, in Llaüts Clàssics; Brandó, owned by César Cabrera, in Llaüts Clàssics Oberta; Ventolina, owned by Jaume Duran; and Alconassar, owned by Juanjo Font and Pep Riera, which overturned the result of the first day to finish top of the Llaüts Clàssics Oberta classification.

Maritime heritage expert Vicente García-Delgado, author of Nuestra vela latina, considered by many to be the “bible” of traditional sailing enthusiasts, took part aboard Alzina. Before setting sail, seated at the helm of this 1945 llaüt, he explained that maritime heritage has two dimensions: “There is a tangible part of heritage, which would be the llaüts, boats or gusis… And then there is intangible heritage, which is knowledge.” In this regard, he highlighted the role of regattas: “What regattas do very well is preserve intangible heritage, because competition makes you think about how to get the maximum performance.”

García-Delgado therefore acknowledged the merit both of owners who are committed to keeping their boats faithful to their original design and take part outside the competition, and of those who race and, through modern adjustments aimed at improving competitiveness and performance, also help keep the boats alive, along with the knowledge associated with the evolution of lateen sailing.

Among the boats that have modified their rigging to make manoeuvring easier while retaining the appearance of a traditional vessel is Cala Gentil (1967), which travelled from Portocolom. Its owner and skipper, Andreu Mayol, explained that during the restoration and fine-tuning process he had tried to remain faithful to tradition without giving up the performance and conveniences required for cruising. The llaüt features a folding bowsprit “which makes mooring easier” and a gaff-rigged mizzen sail “which is very easy to hoist when I sail alone.”

Another distinctive vessel is Alconassar (1964), owned by Juanjo Font and Pep Riera, one of the few surviving round-stern llaüts. The boat has been restored with great respect for its original characteristics and competed in the open classics category, where it ultimately emerged victorious.

This year’s Mestre d’Aixa Miquel Llompart Award, reserved for individuals and organisations that have contributed to the development of lateen sailing, went to Bartomeu Calafell, one of the driving forces behind the Diada and a figure who has spent decades defending maritime heritage. Calafell pursued much of his career in politics, eventually serving as Director General of the Sea at the Regional Ministry for the Environment. The winner’s name was kept secret until he was called up during the awards ceremony, in one of the day’s most emotional moments.

Among those attending the closing ceremony were Susana Zanoguera, president of Club Nàutic Cala Gamba; Antoni Estades, vice-president of the organisation and a participant in the regatta aboard the boat Tinita; and board members Pere Reus, Bertnat Oliver and Núria Seguí.

The 30th Diada de Vela Llatina de Mallorca was sponsored by Toyota Medimotors Mallorca and Fan Mallorca Shopping, with support from the Palma Fishermen’s Guild, Carrefour, the Pla de Mallorca Designation of Origin, Sa Calma Boats, Quely and the Consell de Mallorca.