High-level finale of the Moth European Championship in L’Escala
The 2026 International Moth European Championship reached its final day today at Club Nàutic L’Escala, bringing to a close a week of top-level sailing in the Mar d’Empúries. On this final day of competition, sailors and organisers approached the day with the aim of making the most of every opportunity to sail and to conclude the championship with a strong sporting performance.
After the start of the week marked by highly variable conditions, today also began with meteorological uncertainty. Early in the morning, wind at the race area ranged between 1 and 2 knots, with a variable direction between 20º and 50º, forcing the Race Committee to keep AP displayed while monitoring the evolution of conditions.
As the hours passed, however, the situation gradually improved. Around midday, the wind increased to 5 knots from 100º, and shortly afterwards it stabilised between 7 and 8 knots, also easterly, opening a favourable window for racing. In response to this positive development, the Race Committee activated the starting procedure with Delta hoisted at 12:45 pm, allowing the racing day to begin.
Three races to decide the championship
With stable conditions, the fleet was able to complete three races on this decisive final day, in which sailors gave everything they had after several days of high physical and technical demand. The session was marked by a high competitive level and the tension typical of a final day, with standings still open in different parts of the ranking. The wind ultimately allowed for a complete and competitive outcome, in line with the level maintained throughout the week.
Enzo Balanger, European Champion
After all races were completed, the final overall standings were led by Enzo Balanger (Club La Pelle – Marseille), who was crowned European Champion after a solid and consistent performance throughout the week. Ryan Littlechild (Australia) finished second, while John Harris (Woollahra Sailing Club) completed the podium. Léo Maurin (4th) and Charles Cullen (5th) also stood out.
From a local perspective, Gerard Marín finished in 13th position and Marc Verdaguer (Club Nàutic L’Escala) in 18th, within a fleet of high international level.
A regatta open to the public
Alongside the competition, Club Nàutic L’Escala promoted an initiative to bring the regatta closer to the public. Between 13:00 and 15:00, a Mare Nostrum boat allowed fans, families and local visitors to follow the races from the sea. During the outing, attendees received explanations about the development of the regatta, the race area and its main protagonists, turning the experience into a unique opportunity.
Closing of the championship
At 18:00, the Village at Club Nàutic L’Escala hosted the championship’s closing ceremony, attended by institutional and sporting representatives. The event began with the presentation of authorities on stage, with the participation of Narcís Carreras, president of Club Nàutic L’Escala; Franco Greggi, representing the Moth class; Eduard Sallés, on behalf of the Catalan Sailing Federation; Narcís Casassa, territorial representative for Sport in Girona of the Generalitat de Catalunya; and Josep Bofill, mayor of L’Escala.
Following the speeches, the prize-giving ceremony took place. In addition to the overall podium and the top 10, awards were presented to the top sailors in each category, as well as special recognitions linked to boat characteristics.
In this regard, category winners were Ryan Littlechild as best youth, John Harris as best master, Kai Adolph as best grand master and Victoria Schultheis as best female sailor. Regarding special boat awards, the recognition for boats built between 2020 and 2021 went to Marc Verdaguer (Club Nàutic L’Escala); the award for boats built between 2018 and 2019 went to Callum Wyper; and the award for boats built before 2018 went to Sergi Pérez (Club Nàutic Costa Brava Vela Palamós).
The event concluded with a local gastronomic tasting and a sailors’ dinner in a relaxed atmosphere, where participants and teams shared their final impressions, combining sport, gastronomy and local identity.
Organisation and international projection
With this event, Club Nàutic L’Escala reaffirms its organisational capacity and commitment to international events, positioning itself as a modern, sporting club rooted in its territory, with the aim of showcasing the Mar d’Empúries to sailors and visitors.
IMEC 2026 in L’Escala
The championship is organised by Club Nàutic L’Escala, together with the International Moth Class Association, under delegation of the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation and the Spanish Sports Council. The event is supported by L’Escala Town Council, Girona Provincial Council, Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board, Catalan Sailing Federation, Ports de la Generalitat and the Department of Sport of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
It also has the collaboration of Hyundai Fornells Motor, Camping La Ballena Alegre, San Miguel, Nautivela, Helly Hansen and San Miguel.
All information about the regatta is available on the official website.
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