During the weekend of January 13th and 14th, 16 boats from 7 different clubs competed in the Catalonia Championship 2024 of the IOM Class, organized by the Club Nàutic Estartit,  Federació Catalana de Vela and the IOMCAT.

Wind speeds ranging from 4 to 7 knots characterized the first day of the regatta.

The day began with the registration and weighing of the boats. In this way, it was ensured that each participant sailed under the same conditions. After the measurements were completed, a skippers’ meeting was held in front of Espai Medes to review the rules and procedures of the competition, as well as the details of the course and the day’s schedule.

Later, when the wind conditions allowed, the first tests were conducted with a Gregal wind of 3-4 knots, which then shifted southeast reaching 6-7 knots. In total, eight tests were contested.

The initial races provided insights into the strategies to follow, with notable victories from Paul Le Duc, Eduard Bonifacio, and Ramon Soler. However, with the inclusion of discards and the weighting of averages, the rankings revealed intense competitiveness, with Manuel Palma, Oscar Marc, and Gabriel Le Duc standing out. In the last two races of the day, Ramon Soler secured both victories, leaving the fleet with 2nd and 6th positions hanging in the balance for the next day.

Last day of the competition and awards ceremony

On Sunday, similar to Saturday, another skippers’ meeting took place as a prelude to the day.

Subsequently, the fleet had to wait for the terral to settle in with around 3-4 knots from the southwest, allowing for three races. Ramon Soler emerged victorious twice, and Eduard Bonifacio won the other.

In the second part of the day, the last four races were contested. There were southeast winds ranging from 4 to 6 knots with slight shifts of 20 degrees and changes in pressure. Paul le Duc secured two victories, one went to Oscar Marc, and the last to Gabriel Le Duc, creating significant tension for the podium. Ultimately, Ramon Soler was crowned as the champion; Eduard Bonifacio claimed the silver, just two points behind the champion, and the bronze went to Paul Le Duc.

The awards ceremony took place at the Club’s restaurant with the presence of the Director of Club Náutico Estartit, Eugeni Figa. Medals were awarded to the top three along with a bottle of cava, and a public acknowledgment was made to the sailor Josep Massó for crafting a small handmade gift for all participants.