36th Palamós International Optimist Trophy - Day 2
by Jaume Soler 14 Feb 06:19 AEDT
12-15 February 2026
Weather conditions continue to take center stage at the 36th Palamós International Optimist Trophy.
For the second consecutive day, no races were held in Palamós Bay, and for the second day running, despite several attempts, it was not possible to complete a single race.
On Thursday, racing was suspended due to a red wind alert which, in reality, should not have applied to the Costa Brava but was nevertheless declared by authorities for the entire region. On Friday, although forecasts were optimistic, the arrival of a weather front by mid-morning meant that the light southerly breeze was not strong or stable enough and eventually died out shortly after midday.
Even so, both the Organizing Authority and the Race Committee tried every possible option. The start of racing was brought forward by one hour, from 11:00 to 10:00, in an attempt to make the most of the expected breeze. Two starts were given before the rain front arrived, but both had to be abandoned with a general recall: first because a large part of the fleet was over the line early, and later due to the drop in wind.
The Race Committee made one final attempt later in the day when a brief puff of up to five knots filled in, but the wind once again faded. At 16:00, the AP flags were hoisted, officially ending the day and sending the fleet of 360 boats back to the harbor.
Looking ahead to Saturday, the third day of the 36th Palamós International Optimist Trophy, the start of racing has been brought forward by two hours, with the first warning signal scheduled for 09:00.