Open Alicante Provincial Council Award Comprehensive Sailing Hansa 303 Long Anchorages in Torrevieja
Participation in sport, especially in sea and sailing, has always been about breaking barriers and building unity. The first edition of the International Inclusive Cup in Torrevieja Bay showcased this spirit in a powerful way. The event was supported by the Royal Yacht Club of Torrevieja with financial backing from the Alicante Provincial Council, and it affirmed that sailing can bring people together across abilities. The regatta proved successful and very likely to continue thriving in the years ahead.
The driving forces behind the competition were the desire to improve, to learn, to build camaraderie and to share enthusiasm. These core goals defined the Alicante Provincial Council International Inclusive Sailing Cup. The sea served as a therapeutic medium that welcomed sailors with diverse abilities, allowing every participant to demonstrate skill in steering, balance, and strategy against wind and wave conditions.
Fleet against wind and sea
PEP PORTAS/RCNT
Inside the Hansa 303 class, Balearic sailor Violeta del Reino from CV Port d’Andratx emerged as the favorite and topped the women’s division with consistent performances across all races, totaling 19 points.
The silver and bronze medals went to Mirry Ulas from Turkey with 25 points and Jana Mestre from the Balearic Islands with 30 points.
In the men’s division, Jordi Cargol from Catalonia, representing CNCB and CV Palamós, demonstrated dominant form. Although racing the Hansa 303 class for the second time, his experience shone through, following a recent appearance in the Spanish Cup. Cargol posted 13 points, with two seconds and three thirds across the five races.
Winner of the men’s category: Jordi Cargol
Second and third places in the men’s division went to Pau Toni with 26 points and Isaías Iglesias with 37 points. Both sailors sailed for CV Port d’Andratx from the Balearic Islands, adding depth to the competition.
Remarkably, Gerardo Cerezuela from Torrevieja achieved a noteworthy fourth place, finishing with 41 points and staying just four points away from the podium.
The winner in the inclusive category, representing sailors with and without mobility impairment, was Catalan competitor Aina Gelpí. Gelpí achieved three partial victories, two seconds and a third place, demonstrating clear superiority over rivals.
I Open Alicante Provincial Council Award Comprehensive Sailing Hansa 303 Long anchorages in Torrevieja
Carmen Lizán
After two days of intense competition, the moment of victory arrived with the presentation of cups to the winners. The ceremony featured Diana Box from the Torrevieja City Council Sports Council, Trudy Perez, councilor for NGOs and Functional Diversity, Carlo Torrado, president of the Valencian Community Sailing Federation, Sergio Ripoll, regatta coordinator, and Germán Soler along with the Torrevieja Royal Yacht Club president and vice president, as well as Conchita Esquiva. The atmosphere reflected a shared pride in the event’s success.
The overall sense was one of encouragement and optimism for the future of inclusive sailing in the region.
Both participants and organizers expressed satisfaction with how the inaugural edition unfolded. The Alicante Provincial Council Inclusive Sailing Award celebrated a strong start, and Real Club Náutico Torrevieja demonstrated its capacity to host regattas of this scale. The fleet received praise from national and international experts for the club’s dedication and commitment to the sport and to inclusive sailing.
The outlook is bright. There is a clear readiness among all parties to organize a second edition next year. The Alicante Provincial Council stands prepared to continue its support, Real Club Náutico Torrevieja will showcase its organizational strength and facilities, and the Valencian Community Sailing Federation will keep backing the town of Torrevieja as a premier hub for adapted sailing. There is also genuine interest in exploring the creation of a dedicated sailing school for this specialty, ensuring a legacy for the sport in the community.
The future appears promising. All involved parties are eager to gather again next year, reinforcing cooperation with the Alicante Provincial Council and celebrating the progress of Torrevieja’s sailing institutions. Real Club Náutico Torrevieja is set to showcase enhanced facilities and organizational excellence, while the Valencian Community Sailing Federation will continue its commitment to fostering inclusive sailing across the region. A future school in this specialty could become a cornerstone for capable and inclusive sailors.