The 2024 European Cup, held for the first time at Club Nàutic El Masnou, has been an important event in the history of sailing in Europe. With an outstanding participation of 110 sailors in the senior and junior categories, this competition represents an achievement for the club, which this year celebrates 57 years since its foundation. The event was celebrated from November 1st to 3rd and broughtsome of the best athletes in this modality.
The 2024 European Cup held in El Club Nàutic El Masnou
Club Nàutic El Masnou, well established in the sailing world, has hosted five Spanish Sailing Skate Championships. The first was in 1971, and the most recent in 2011. However, hosting a European Cup represents a new milestone for the club, highlighting its commitment to sailing and its growth as an international venue. The selection of Club Nàutic El Masnou was intentional, given its experience, facilities, and ideal location for such a major event.
The sailing skate, a small boat native to Catalonia, took center stage, atracting athletes from Spain, Belgium, and France. The setup allowed senior and junior categories to share the same course, fostering a unique connection among competitors and enabling both experienced sailors and young talents to excel without interference.
Record attendance at The 2024 European Cup
With 110 entries, The 2024 European Cup achieved a record level of participation in sailing skate, surpassing previous editions. In the senior category, 91 sailors were registered, with 45 in the first category and 46 in the second. In the junior category, 19 younG competitors joined the event, representing the future of this discipline.
The race course was organized into two separate triangles, one for each category. They were distinguished by colored buoys and specific routes to avoid conflicts on the water. The seniors sailed in a triangle marked by yellow buoys, which they had to navigate counterclockwise. Meanwhile, the juniors competed in an area defined by orange buoys, turning clockwise. This careful organization showcased the experience and dedication of Club Nàutic El Masnou, resulting in an incident-free event with impeccable order.
A high-level competition in challenging conditions
The final day of the competition was especially intense. In the senior category, Peco Mulet from Club Patí Vela Barcelona led the event, even though an incident in the second race forced him to step out briefly. However, his skill and experience helped him secure two first-place finishes and a second place in the other races, winning him the overall title. Veteran Andalusian sailor Ramón Calero also stood out, leading one of the races and finishing second overall.
In addittion, the junior category was equally exciting, with Mateu Mulet, Peco Mulet’s son, taking first place. His performance was impressive, battling closely with Tom Rondeau, the runner-up in Spain 2024, who finished second. This historic victory by father and son in their respective categories added an emotional touch to the event, marking the first time a family duo achieved this feat in the European Cup.
Diversity and international representation
The 2024 edition was also a platform for diversity. 12 women participated and represented approximately 11% of the total number of competitors. In addition, in the senior category, Anna Pujol led the women’s podium, followed by Nina Esteba and Anna Bordas, both from Club Patí Vela Barcelona. In the junior category, the young women demonstrated their potential, standing out as future promises of sailing at the European level.
A success that promises future editions
The organizational and sporting success of the 2024 European Cup at Club Nàutic El Masnou sets a precedent for future editions. The dedication of the organizing team, the quality of the competitors and the infrastructure of the club were key to the success of the event. As a result, spectators and participants witnessed one of the most memorable editions of the European Sailing Skate Cup. Successfully organizing a high-level competition, Club Nàutic El Masnou has also established itself as a leading reference in European sail skating, paving the way for future international events.