Ozu Dos from R.C.N. Torrevieja sails home in Jornadas Náuticas Pitiusas regatta, despite inclemency

Jornadas Náuticas Pitiusas Regatta © Marina Ibiza

The 36th edition of the Jornadas Náuticas Pitiusas, held on 10, 11 and 12 October off the coast of Ibiza and Formentera, drew in more than thirty ORC Cruiser Class yachts for one of the most iconic regattas in the Balearics. Despite the challenging weather conditions caused by Storm Alice, the competition was a success thanks to the impeccable organisation skills of Club Náutico Ibiza. Marina Ibiza was the hub for the competing yachts, with the terrace of Sa Calma restaurant acting as the stage for the prize-giving ceremony in an atmosphere combining sportsmanship, yachting and good vibes.

The event was sponsored by Marina Ibiza, Trasmapi and Insotel, with institutional partners including the Ibiza Island Council, the Municipal Committee of Sports belonging to Ibiza Town Hall, the Ibiza and Formentera Port Authority, the Balearic Port Association, the Balearic Sailing Federation, the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, Club Nàutic Sant Antoni and Marina de la Savina. What's more, an array of private companies provided their support to the event, such as One Ibiza Suites, Banc Sabadell, Estrella de Levante, Neo Rotul, La Sirena Centres Comercials, Náutica Ereso, Sirenis Hoteles, Verser Hoteles, Toni Prats Ingenieros, Pastoret, Familia Marí Mayans, Herbusa, Fita Ibicentro, Buscastell Vins, Jet Service, Promociones Comerciales Ibiza, Boating Group, Calma Restaurante, Varadero Ibiza, Náutica Varadero, Nautical Gear, Can Rich, Calima and Ladrilleras Ibicencas.

Day one

With thirty-four boats on the starting line, the first qualifying day of Ibiza's oldest regatta kicked off at 10.00 am on the Friday. With a steady wind of between 18 and 20 knots, the participants set off on a starboard circumnavigation of the island of Formentera, arriving at Punta Gavina (Punta Pedrera) after 26 nautical miles that put the crews' skills to the test.

The first boat to cross the finish line in real time was Spaniard, at 2.43 pm. After time correction, Ozu Dos from R.C.N. Torrevieja led the overall classification with 1.5 points, followed by Spaniard from R.C. Regatas de Alicante and Setebello from Club de Vela Puerto de Andratx in third.

Day two

On Saturday, the start of day two was delayed due to an orange alert for adverse weather conditions. Finally, at 3.00 pm, the 29 boats still in the competition set sail to cover the 21 miles between Formentera and Sant Antoni, a shorter route than planned.

Atmospheric instability marked the day, and a heavy shower took the fleet by surprise during the crossing. Despite the difficulties, the boats managed to reach Sant Antoni in the evening.

Enrique Mena's Ozu Dos won again in corrected time, consolidating her leadership and paving the way to the final victory. Second place went to the Alba Alba from C.N. Ibiza, skippered by Luis Mata, who rose to second place in the provisional overall classification, followed by Jeffertje 3 from R.C.N. Calpe, captained by Carl Bal.

Day three

The final day, Sunday, also started out late due to the weather conditions. Departure was finally at 12.40 pm, once the weather warning had been deactivated. The boats set out from Sant Antoni towards the Port of Ibiza, completing a 19-nautical-mile route without complications and at a good pace.

In this last race, the winner was Improbable, skippered by Sergey Moskovskikh, followed by Javier Marí's Blue Brothers and Nicolás Pesich's L'Immens.

Overall ranking and prize-giving

After the final count, Ozu Dos from R.C.N. Torrevieja was proclaimed the absolute winner of the 36th Jornadas Náuticas Pitiusas, with 11.5 points, dominating from start to finish the competition, which this year coincided with the centenary celebrations of Club Náutico Ibiza.

Second place went to the veteran Kim from Marina El Portet de Dénia, skippered by Yann Lythgoe, with 13.5 points. In third place was Alba Alba from C.N. Ibiza, captained by Luis Mata, with 15 points.

The prize-giving ceremony took place at 7.00 pm at the Sa Calma Restaurant in Marina Ibiza, attended by Pedro Vidal, Secretary of Culture and Sports of the Balearic Government; Javier Bonet, Director of Sports of the Ibiza Island Council; representatives of Marina Ibiza, Insotel and Trasmapi; and directors of Club Náutico Ibiza, headed by its chairman Damián Verdera.

The authorities congratulated the organisers for the excellent management of the event, highlighting the engagement and the sportsmanship of the crews, who enjoyed sailing in Ibiza and Formentera despite the complicated weather conditions.

Overall Results:

1st Ozu Dos - Enrique Mena - R.C.N. Torrevieja
2nd Kim - Yann Lythgoe - Marina El Portet de Dénia
3rd Alba Alba - Luis Mata - C.N. Ibiza
ORC A Class: Setebello - Luca Monzani - Club de Vela Puerto de Andratx
ORC B Class: Kim - Yann Lythgoe - Marina El Portet de Dénia
ORC C Class: Ozu Dos - Enrique Mena - R.C.N. Torrevieja
ORC D Class: Blue Brothers - Javier Marí - C.N. Ibiza
First place in real time: Jeffertje 3 - Carl Bal - R.C.N. Calpe