The Balearic crew, ready to face the 49th Palamós Christmas Race

More than 350 sailors from 15 countries will compete in the international regatta from December 19 to 22. Of those, 21 are from the Balearic Islands.

The 49th edition of the Christmas Race, an international sailing regatta to be held from December 19 to 22 in the waters of Palamós Bay, was presented at midday today at the Es Nàutic restaurant of the Club Nàutic Costa Brava–Vela Palamós. 

More than 350 sailors from 15 countries will compete in the international regatta from December 19 to 22

The event was attended by Miquel Aviñó, the club’s Vice President for Sports; Yolanda Aguilar, Councillor for Sports; Toni Bachiller, Councillor for Economic Promotion; Narcís Casassa, Sports Delegate of the Catalan Government; and Josep Medinyà, Girona Delegate of the Catalan Sailing Federation.

Miguel Aviñó welcomed the attendees and reviewed the participation figures regarding sailors, countries and classes: “More than 200 crews and 350 sailors from 15 countries will take part this year, competing in the 420, 29er, ILCA 4, ILCA 6 and Europe classes.”

Speaking on behalf of the Palamós City Council, Yolanda Aguilar emphasized that “the Christmas Race has established itself as one of the most important regattas in the sailing world. This is not by chance, but the result of the constant work of organizers and institutions that have been actively involved over the years.” She added that “the Christmas Race has become a benchmark event that projects Palamós internationally and reinforces its strong connection to the sea and nautical activity.” Aguilar also highlighted the year-round work of the Club Nàutic Costa Brava–Vela Palamós within the municipality: “We will continue working together with the club to further improve the regatta. This collaboration has enabled pioneering initiatives such as school sailing, which allows local students to practice this sport.”

Narcís Casassa stressed that “the department’s commitment is for Catalonia to be an international reference in the world of sport, and this means that flagship competitions like the Christmas Race must serve as clear examples.” The Catalan Government’s sports representative also reinforced the idea that “these competitions are essential for grassroots sport, which is why we want to strengthen the Esport Blau programme in coastal municipalities.” He added that the Christmas Race is “an example of a sustainable regatta, using this kind of sporting event to raise environmental awareness among athletes.”

This year’s event features 350 sailors in five categories: ILCA 6 men’s and women’s fleets (35 crews); ILCA 4 men’s and women’s (15); 420 men’s (107); 29er men’s and women’s (27); and the Europe class, which returns as an invited fleet (32). The 15 participating countries are: Germany (13), Belgium (7), Canada (2), Denmark (5), Spain (96), the United States (1), France (11), Great Britain (24), Italy (22), Greece (5), Hong Kong (1), Poland (21), Portugal (4), Turkey (5) and Ukraine (1).  It is important to point out the participation of a team of the FBV, formed by six sailors, in addition to 15 sailors that come from the Club de Vela Puerto de Andratx, Club Nàutic s’Arenal, Reial Club Nàutic del Port de Pollença and the Real Club Náutico de Palma.

The Palamós Christmas Race has been recognised for the past three editions as a Clean Regatta by the international organisation Sailors for the Sea.

Committed to the environment and the preservation of seas and oceans, the regatta implements several sustainability measures, such as digital management and the elimination of single-use plastics. In recent editions, plastic has been completely removed, with reusable bottles encouraged and water refill stations made available to sailors.

The Palamós Christmas Race is organised by the Club Nàutic Costa Brava–Vela Palamós, under the recognition of the Spanish and Catalan Sailing Federations, and with the institutional support of the Palamós City Council, the Government of Catalonia, the Girona Provincial Council and Ports de la Generalitat.