The Balearic fleet leaves its mark at the National Optimist Cup

This weekend, a team from the Balearic Sailing Federation, made up of twenty sailors from Club Nàutic Sa Ràpita, Club de Vela Port d’Andratx, Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa, Club Nàutic s’Estanyol, Club Nàutic s’Arenal, Real Club Náutico de Palma, and Reial Club Nàutic del Port de Pollença, competed in the Spanish Optimist Cup, organized by Club Náutico Mar Menor.

The Spanish Cup for the Optimist Class has come to an end after three intense days of competition at Club Náutico Mar Menor, crowning Mar Infante and Alexandra Wang as Under16 and Under13 female champions, respectively, and Pablo López as the male champion.

Wind conditions played a central role throughout the event, allowing all nine scheduled races to be completed. On May 18th, sailors faced a steady easterly wind ranging from 10 to 12 knots.

A total of 155 sailors from 10 autonomous communities and Melilla participated, showing an extremely high level of competition, with tightly contested races. Among them were twenty sailors from the Balearic Sailing Federation team. On land, the atmosphere was excellent, characterized by strong camaraderie throughout each day.

Notable results for the Balearic team included: Mary-Anne Osha Pérez, from Real Club Náutico de Palma, who finished in second place and Andrea Menarguez Lotero, from Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa, who finished fourth in Under13 Female, Jan Palou Espinar, form Real Club Náutico de Palma, who finished third in Under13 Male, and fifth in Under16 Male, Bartomeu Jaume Paniza, from Club Nàutic s’Arenal, who finished fifth in Under13, and Male, María de Lluc Bestard Más, from Real Club Náutico de Palma, who finished 5th in U16 Female.

In addition, the Spanish Association of the International Optimist Class (AECIO) presented awards to the top four sailors of the season nationwide. Jan Palou Espinar, from Real Club Náutico de Palma, was honored in the Under13 Male category.

With this event concluding the national calendar, the selections for the Spanish national teams that will represent the country in upcoming international championships have been finalized.

For the European Championship team, formed by seven sailors, three are from the Balearic Islands:Daniel Capa González Vallarino, from Club Nàutic s'Estanyol, Stijn Oosterhaven, from Club Nàutic s'Arenal, and María de Lluc Bestard Más, from Real Club Náutico de Palma.

For the World Championship team, formed by five sailors, one Balearic sailor was selected: Jan Palou Espinar, from Real Club Náutico de Palma.