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On February 2nd, the XVII edition of the Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja concluded after several days of intense competition in the waters of the Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja. With nearly 430 sailors from 29 countries, the regatta reaffirmed its status as one of the most prestigious Optimist-class events internationally.

The standout sailor of this edition was Turkish 🇹🇷 Mehmet Erkut Budak (Sopraventus Team – Istanbul SC), who claimed both the overall and U16 champion titles after a final day marked by unstable wind conditions. Joining him on the podium were Spanish 🇪🇸 Juan Lleonart (CN El Balís) as runner-up and Swedish 🇸🇪 Alexander Forssén (Team Happy) in third place.
A Challenging End to the XVII Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja
The final day was characterized by unstable wind conditions that put sailors to the test. The competition started with a 310° wind at 7-8 knots, but as the hours passed, the wind faded, forcing a pause. After the break, it returned at 6 knots from 170°, eventually shifting to 140° with the same strength. Despite these challenges, the race committee did an excellent job, managing to complete three races for the gold fleet and two for the other groups. Spanish sailor Juan Lleonart started the day as the leader with a slight advantage, but the conditions did not play in his favor. Although Budak finished 13th in the first race of the day compared to Lleonart’s 7th place, the final race was decisive. Lleonart finished 61st, opening the door for Budak, who secured victory with a 7th place finish. In the second race, Budak and Lleonart were closer, finishing 3rd and 2nd, respectively.


Final Standings XVII Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja
🏆 Overall and U16 Podium
🥇 Mehmet Erkut Budak 🇹🇷 (Sopraventus Team – Istanbul SC) – 70 points
🥈 Juan Lleonart 🇪🇸 (CN El Balís) – 77 points
🥉 Alexander Forssén 🇸🇪 (Team Happy) – 84 points
The women’s competition also had an exciting finish. French 🇫🇷 Lilou Backes (YCPR Sopraventus) won both the U16 and U13 categories, overtaking Spanish Marta Mansito-Valverde (RCN Gran Canaria), who dropped to fourth place in the final standings. Danish Freja Vintergaard secured second place, while local sailor Valentina Belso (RCN Torrevieja) took third.
🏆 U16 and U13 Female Podium
🥇 Lilou Backes 🇫🇷 (YCPR Sopraventus)
🥈 Freja Vintergaard 🇩🇰
🥉 Valentina Belso 🇪🇸 (RCN Torrevieja)
In the U13 Male category, the local crowd had reason to celebrate as Spanish 🇪🇸 Izan Rogel (RCN Torrevieja) claimed victory. He was joined on the podium by British 🇬🇧 Charlie Holland (Royal Lymington Yacht Club) and Greek 🇬🇷 Giorgos Papavasileiou (CN of Kalamaki).
🏆 U13 Male Podium
🥇 Izan Rogel 🇪🇸 (RCN Torrevieja)
🥈 Charlie Holland 🇬🇧 (Royal Lymington Yacht Club)
🥉 Giorgos Papavasileiou 🇬🇷 (CN of Kalamaki)
Official Visit at XVII Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja, of the Councillor for Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, Mª Ángela Cano

The Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja welcomed the visit of Mª Ángela Cano, Councillor for Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, accompanied by Agustina Esteve, Delegate of the Consell in Alicante; Eduardo Dolón, Mayor of Torrevieja, alongside Diana Box, Councillor for Sports; Carlos Torrado, President of the FVCV and board member of the RFEV; Antonio and Patricia Quesada, General Directors of Euromarina and event sponsors; and Carlos Carmona, President of the RCN Torrevieja. Former Spanish football player and coach Juande Ramos was also in attendance.
The Councillor experienced first-hand the spectacle of over 400 sailors from 29 countries competing in Torrevieja, heading out to sea and returning to shore after the day’s races.
Cano showed great interest in the competition’s dynamics, the participating countries, and the logistics of organizing an event of this magnitude. She also visited the docking area and the ‘paddocks’ assigned to different countries, autonomous communities, and clubs participating in the regatta.

From Euromarina, we extend our gratitude to the sponsors who make this XVII Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja possible.
Holabank: https://www.holabank.lacaixa.es/ Hormigones del Sol: https://www.hormigonesdelsol.com/ Pellicer & Heredia Abogados: https://www.pellicerheredia.com/ Vidal Golosinas: https://www.vidal.es/ Hotel La Laguna Spa & Golf: https://hotellalaguna.com/ Boga Deco: https://www.bogadeco.com/

Torrevieja: The Epicenter of International Sailing
With this edition, the XVII Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja has once again demonstrated why it is one of the most prestigious regattas in the Optimist class. Its ability to attract the world’s top youth sailors and its impeccable organization solidify its place as a premier event on the international sailing calendar.
Congratulations to all participants, and see you at the next edition!