Spain wins the Nations Cup at the 36th Palamós International Optimist Trophy

The national team claimed victory in the 20th Nations Cup in a regatta marked by high demands and strong international competition.

Spain has been crowned champion of the 20th Nations Cup as part of the 36th Palamós International Optimist Trophy, one of the major international events in the Optimist class, which brought together 360 sailors from 23 countries.

The Spanish team, made up of Nicolás Bastard (RCM Abra-RS Club), Luca Nueschen and Stijn Oosterhaven, both from Club Nàutic s’Arenal, and Lucas Garrido (CN Arenys de Mar), topped the nations ranking after four intense days of racing on the Costa Brava, confirming the strength and depth of the Spanish Optimist squad.

Among the standout results for Balearic sailing was Club de Vela Puerto de Andratx sailor Oliver Iglesias, who competed with Kike Román’s 541 Top Team. Oliver delivered an outstanding performance, even winning two of the six races sailed and finishing an excellent 21st overall in the general standings.

This year, the regatta adopted a more selective format, prioritising competitive quality. A total of six races were completed across the final two days after weather conditions prevented racing at the start of the event. This structure enabled technical and demanding races in which consistency proved decisive.

In the overall individual standings, Britain’s Jonny Rogers claimed victory, while the top Spanish finisher was Nicolás Bastard, who secured a commendable fifth place, narrowly missing the podium after a strong comeback on the final day.

In the girls’ category, Ukraine’s Anhieshka Madonich took the win, with Spain also making the podium thanks to Aitana Noguera (CN El Masnou), who finished third female. In the under-12 category, Italy’s Andrea Bonvicini claimed victory.

The Martinet Trophy was also awarded to Tomàs Ballester (CN Costa Brava–Vela Palamós) as the youngest sailor in the championship at just seven years old, while the Xavier Ribera Award for the top local sailor went to Gabriella Lugo.

The Nations Cup victory reinforces the excellent moment currently enjoyed by Spanish youth sailing and highlights the coordinated work between clubs, regional federations and the national technical structure in a class that forms the foundation of young talent development within the federation’s sporting programme.

The Palamós International Optimist Trophy once again consolidates its status as one of the leading international regattas on the calendar.