25 Years of Regata Atena Filling the Waters of Empúries with Sails
The XXV Regata Atena celebrated a very special edition this weekend, marking its 25th anniversary. The dinghy sailing competition, organised by Club Nàutic l’Escala on behalf of the Catalan Sailing Federation and with the support of the Town Council of l’Escala, brought together 80 participants in the waters of Empúries, confirming its status as one of the most emblematic sporting events of the town’s annual summer festival.
For a quarter of a century, Regata Atena has transformed the sea into an extension of the Festa Major celebrations, bringing together generations of sailors and helping to promote sailing along the Costa Brava. This commemorative edition once again demonstrated the event’s vitality and appeal among competitors from across the region.
The sailing conditions put competitors to the test throughout the weekend, with shifting winds and sea conditions that gradually increased in intensity as the competition progressed. Despite these demanding circumstances, the sailors demonstrated remarkable adaptability and perseverance, allowing the full sporting programme of the XXV Regata Atena to be completed successfully.
Sporting Results
In the Optimist class, overall victory went to Mia Mateu of Club Nàutic l’Escala, following a highly competitive weekend. Dani López of Club Nàutic Arenys de Mar finished second, while Loris Mateu, also representing Club Nàutic l’Escala, secured third place.
In the ILCA 6 class, victory went to José María Van der Ploeg of Club Nàutic El Balís, followed by José Maria Van der Ploeg, also of Club Nàutic El Balís, in second place. Miguel Noguer of Club Nàutic El Masnou completed the podium.
In the Open category, Jordi Camós of CNCB Vela Palamós claimed victory after the races contested throughout the weekend. Second place went to Marc Abanara of Club Nàutic Arenys de Mar, while Laura Molina, also from Club Nàutic Arenys de Mar, finished third.
In the Hansa class, victory went to Pep Campi Valls, followed by Anna Nadal in second place. Club Nàutic l’Escala particularly values the participation of this class, which helps make Regata Atena an open and inclusive competition where sailors with diverse backgrounds and experiences can share the waters of Empúries.
The prize-giving ceremony took place on Sunday at the Club Nàutic l’Escala Sailing School and was attended by the Mayor of l’Escala, Josep Bofill, as part of this commemorative XXV edition of Regata Atena.
With this anniversary edition, Regata Atena reaches twenty-five years of history, consolidating its place as one of the most traditional dinghy sailing competitions on the Costa Brava calendar. Created with the aim of bringing l’Escala’s Festa Major celebrations onto the water, the regatta continues to bring together sport, territory and sea in an event that has become part of the identity of Club Nàutic l’Escala and of summer in l’Escala itself.
The competition was also organised within the framework of the Club’s Responsible Port programme, which promotes more sustainable and environmentally responsible sporting events. Among this year’s initiatives was the “Porta’m de cantimplora” campaign, promoted by Ports de la Generalitat, encouraging participants and accompanying visitors to reduce the use of single-use plastics and adopt more sustainable habits.
The XXV Regata Atena was organised by Club Nàutic l’Escala on behalf of the Catalan Sailing Federation and with the collaboration of the Town Council of l’Escala. The Club would also like to thank all the organisations and companies that contributed to making this special anniversary edition possible, including the Tourist Office of l’Escala, Costa Brava Girona Tourism Board, Catalan Sailing Federation, La Ballena Alegre Costa Brava, Vacances Costa Brava, l’Escala Resort and Aparthotel El Cargol, as well as all volunteers, technical staff and professionals involved in the organisation of the event.
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