Alicante will celebrate Maritime Week from 8 to 10 December
The 57th Alicante Maritime Week concluded after a dramatic final day that pushed the schedule to the edge. The crowd watched as a race went to the buzzer, with a last minute decision influenced by weather and time constraints. Leaders in every class confirmed their places with decisive wins: Adolfo Virgili defeated rivals in ILCA 7 for RCR Alicante, Magdalena Villalonga triumphed in ILCA 4 sailing for CN Port de Pollença, Francisco Mora dominated ILCA 6 for CN Dehesa Campoamor, and Fernando Puig with Kevin Lenis triumphed in 420 racing for CN Jávea. These results sealed a week of intense competition across a fleet that faced a challenging wind pattern.
The Race Committee faced a difficult final day, marked by a light southerly breeze that struggled to reach 12 knots. With such a narrow margin separating classes, there was little room for error. The team acted swiftly, sending the fleet out to sea to begin and complete the fifth race as conditions allowed, ensuring the schedule was kept and the competition remained tight until the very end. This combination of careful planning and rapid decision making kept the event on track and delivered a memorable regatta for sailors and spectators alike.
Inside ILCA class 7, Adolfo Virgili led in the early stages with Gonzalo Suárez close behind from CN Altea. The race unfolded with precision as Virgili pressed for a strong result on the final day. Suárez, who had led the qualification rounds, could not quite convert the momentum into overall victory, finishing second in the general standings. Jorge Gonzálvez from RCR Alicante secured third place overall and earned the under-21 crown, signaling a bright future for Spanish ILCA 7 competition. The ILCA 7 Spanish Championships opened in these waters and set the stage for the Comunitat Valenciana Olympic Week in February, hinting at a strong season ahead.
In ILCA class 4, the largest fleet of the week, Villalonga from the Balearic Islands stood out with a commanding performance. The field of 72 sailors saw Villalonga maintain a comfortable lead on the final day, clinching the title with a clear margin. Víctor Selles and Pedro Adán, both sailing for CN Santa Pola, finished in second and third respectively, reflecting a competitive finish across the top places in this division.
In ILCA class 6, Francisco Mora held the lead from start to finish and claimed victory in the final round. His compatriot Domingo Díaz, also from RCR Alicante, secured a strong second place, underscoring the depth of talent within the local sailing scene and the strength of the Alicante teams on display this week.
The 420 class returned to Tiro de Pichón, the venue that hosted the World Cup in this division just six months earlier. In a tense finish, Fernando Puig and Kevin Lenis edged out Joaquín Valero and Guillermo Rodríguez from RCR Alicante, establishing a dramatic conclusion to the event. Valero and Rodríguez took second, while Miguel Campos and Pablo Moreno from RCR Alicante and RCN Valencia earned the third step on the podium after a sharp qualifier victory. The female crew prize went to Carlota Gómez and Noor Said Karolewicz, who placed fourth overall, marking a special recognition for their effort and teamwork.
Overall, the regatta showcased a week of weather that swung from windy conditions on Friday to milder temperatures on Sunday. The Regatta Committee, led by Manel Lligé and Carlos Sardiña, managed to salvage time and complete four tests on Saturday and one on Sunday, keeping the schedule intact and delivering a memorable sailing week for competitors and fans alike. Looking ahead, the next edition will continue the tradition with a coastal race planned for Saturday, December 16, featuring classes ORC Cruise and Promotion off the Alicante coast, promising more sailing excitement for the region.