L’Escala has celebrated the centenary of the sardinal “Sa Rata”
Club Nàutic L’Escala organized on Saturday, 2 May 2026 the Lateen Sail Gathering – 100th anniversary of “Sa Rata”, a very special event dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Mediterranean maritime heritage.
The gathering brought together 19 lateen sail boats from Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Northern Catalonia, with the participation of around 150 people, including sailors, crews, families and sea enthusiasts, who filled the coastline of L’Escala throughout the entire morning.
The event was held on the occasion of the centenary of the sardinal “Sa Rata”, a wooden vessel built in 1926 in Banyuls de la Marenda (Northern Catalonia) by master shipwright Colomina, and restored in 1989 at the Sala Shipyards in L’Escala by master shipwright Salvador Feliu.
Throughout the day, the legacy of this centenary vessel was highlighted. As recalled by her owner, Emili Armengol, she has been “sailing for 100 years, and always sailing”.
During the gathering, the lateen sails created an evocative and highly symbolic image along the coast of L’Escala, offering a unique opportunity to connect with maritime history, share knowledge across generations and enjoy traditional sailing as a community.
Lateen sailing, beyond being a sailing technique, is a living expression of Mediterranean culture and a testimony to the historic relationship between coastal communities and the sea.
Through this initiative, Club Nàutic L’Escala has reaffirmed its commitment to the preservation, promotion and transmission of this maritime heritage, considered a cultural asset of the highest value.
Collaborating institutions and organisations
The Lateen Sail Gathering was made possible thanks to the collaboration and support of several institutions and organisations committed to maritime and cultural heritage:
- L’Escala Town Council
- Friends of Lateen Sailing Association of L’Escala
- Ports de la Generalitat
- Anchovy and Salt Museum
- Catalan Federation for Maritime and Fluvial Culture and Heritage
The support of these institutions has strengthened the shared commitment to give visibility to lateen sailing, encourage its practice and ensure the continuity of this legacy for future generations.
With this commemorative gathering, Club Nàutic L’Escala has consolidated L’Escala as a reference space for traditional maritime culture, and invites the public to experience an authentic event, full of tradition, emotion and respect for our maritime heritage.
Organització:
Advertising:
