Optiorange Regatta 2026 at Real Club Náutico de Valencia - Day 1
by Pep Portas 27 Feb 07:47 AEDT
26 February - 1 March 2026
Turkey's Cengiz Eren Güvenç is setting the pace and has taken the lead
The opening day at the Real Club Náutico de Valencia was dominated by the Levante wind, which allowed two races to be completed, though they ran behind schedule.
The Levante wind, blowing at 8-9 knots in the Gulf of Valencia, allowed two races to be completed on the opening day of Optiorange 2026, organized by the Real Club Náutico de Valencia. Despite an initial delay onshore, the fleet set sail around 1:00 p.m. for the first of the four scheduled races.
More than 400 sailors from 30 countries took part in the opening day of the qualifying series. If four or more races are completed, the final series will take place on Saturday and Sunday. The start was affected by several general recalls, which forced the race committee to adjust the program; nevertheless, two of the three scheduled races were completed.
Cengiz Eren Güvenç of Turkey, racing in the red fleet, posted scores of 1-2, totaling 3 points, and leads the overall standings. Inés Méndez-Larminaux from Puerto Rico is second overall and the top female sailor, with scores of 2-2 in the green fleet. Jacobo Moreno of Spain, representing RC Candado in the red fleet, finished third overall and is the top Spanish competitor, with scores of 4-3. Among the local sailors, Pablo López of RCN Valencia, competing in the green fleet, finished sixth overall, with a ninth place in the first race and a win in the second, keeping him in contention for the podium on Sunday.
Tomorrow, Friday 27th February, the second day of racing will take place. The race committee has decided to slightly delay the start due to the wind forecast, expected to arrive around 12:00 p.m., with the fleet heading to the race area from 11:00 a.m. Optiorange 2026 continues to consolidate its position as one of the most important international events in the Optimist class, bringing together young sailors from around the world to compete for top positions and the final podium in Valencia.