The Bay of Cadiz served as the stage where the Balearic fleet reclaimed its national crown in the Optimist by Teams of Autonomous Communities category. The championship, organized by the Andalusian Sailing Federation, concluded with Balearics' victory, repeating the success achieved last year in Melilla.
The final day was marked by a westerly wind of approximately 10 knots, which allowed for the completion of the decisive races in the area set between the breakwater of the Andalusian Sailing Federation and the Guadalete River. After two qualifying rounds, the two teams from Balearics and the two from the Valencian Community advanced to the final phase.
Interestingly, the Valencian Community had won in this same venue in 2022, defeating the Balearics then. This time, Balearics took revenge, securing the national title by having both their teams reach the final. Balearics' second team ultimately claimed the overall victory by defeating their fellow community team.
The competition has once again highlighted grassroots sailing, with a particularly technical format where young sailors must combine speed, strategy, communication, and teamwork.
The winning teams included sailors such as Daniela Trapero, Jorge Benítez, Pedro Burgués, Mary-Anne Osha, Jan Palou, Luca Nueschen, Emma Frau, and María de Lluc Bestard, under the guidance of coach Juan Manresa. The event brought together 60 sailors from eight autonomous communities at the Specialized Center for Sports Sailing Technology of the Bay of Cadiz, the headquarters of the FAV in El Puerto de Santa María.
Andalusia, as the host, had a notable performance in the qualifying rounds, with one of its teams narrowly missing the final phase. The awards ceremony took place in the center's ceremony courtyard, attended by Paco Coro, president of the FAV and vice-president of the RFEV. The championship was supported by the City Council of El Puerto de Santa María, the Provincial Council of Cadiz, Puerto Sherry, and the Regional Government of Andalusia.
