The Real Club Náutico de La Línea and the Alcaidesa Marina boat were highlighted at the Annual Gala of the Andalusian Sailing Federation. The gala, which took place in El Puerto Santa María, showcased the achievements of Andalusian sailors and paid tribute to those who promote sailing in the region. Dignitaries such as the Secretary General for Sports of the Junta de Andalucía, the Vice President of the Andalusian Parliament, and representatives from the Maritime Civil Guard and the University of Cádiz attended the event.

The ceremony was held in the courtyard of the Bahía de Cádiz Sailing Sports Specialization Center (CETDV), the headquarters of the Andalusian Sailing Federation (FAV) in El Puerto de Santa María. President Paco Coro presided over the event for the seventh consecutive year and welcomed everyone with an emotional speech.

“From the Andalusian Sailing University, where it is born, managed, and fostered, the sport of the sea in our autonomous community, once again we will proudly champion Sailing made in Andalusia and its athletes, coaches, and club executives. It is also a moment to express gratitude for the support of the organizations and individuals who help us propel our sport forward.” – Paco Coro

During his speech, Coro expressed gratitude to all attendees and briefly mentioned the recipients of the special mentions. Without revealing the final surprise, the Insignia de Oro of the FAV was awarded to the technical director, Nicolás Mariño, who had conducted the Gala without knowing the surprise that awaited him at the end of the event.

Throughout the night, over seventy awards were presented, starting with the top twenty clubs in the 2022 Club Rankings. The CN Sevilla, the ranking champion, received the accolade, presented by the president of the FAV, to Nacho Sahuquillo, a club executive. The athletes were then honored, recognizing the champions of the Dinghy and Cruiser Rankings, as well as those distinguished in the Hall of Fame for their successes in national and international competitions.

Awarded at the Annual Gala of the Andalusian Sailing Federation

Among the awardees, Nía Suardiaz and Xavi Corr stood out with an impressive record of national and international titles in the Wingfoil class. Felipe Pachón and Mar Infante, champions of Spain in Optimist, as well as Carmen Llorca, European champion in the Europa class, were also recognized. The Flethes brothers, world champions in the 420 class, received the award on behalf of their parents. Other awardees included Arturo Arauz, Spanish champion and world runner-up in Techno; Antonio Medina, champion of the iQFOil World Cup; Roberto Ortiz and Rafael Ruiz, Spanish champions in Formula Windsurf and Laser class, respectively; Alvaro Ballesteros, absolute and master champion of Finn in Spain; the crew of Juanjo Fernández and Daniel Espejo, youth Snipe world runners-up; and the boats Alcaidesa Marina, winner of the 40 Copa del Rey Mapfre, and GP Bullhound, J780 world champion. The champions of the Andalusian Cruising, Circuit, and A Dos categories were also recognized, including the boats Tareis T by Joaquín Angolotti, Ya Andara by Samuel Domenech, and Mauli by Ignacio and Jesús Carbonell, among many others.

In the special mentions category, the Andalusian Sailing Federation expressed gratitude this year to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports of the Andalusian Government, represented by the Secretary General for Sports, José María Arrabal Sedano. During his speech, Arrabal Sedano emotionally recalled Minister Javier Imbroda, which was shared by all present. The good health of sailing, teamwork, and the individuals who make it possible were also recognized.

In this category, acknowledgments were given to the coach of the CN Puerto Sherry Windsurf team, Camilo Moreno Carrero, as “Best Coach of the Year.” Sailor Rafael Ruiz was recognized for his long career in cruising. Clínicas Beiman received gratitude for their support to the FAV and their high-level athletes. In the field of communication, the newspaper Huelva Información of the Joly Group was recognized, and journalist Javier Fontenla received the award from the president.

A remarkable gala closing

The distinguished closure of the Andalusian sailing gala was the presentation of the FAV’s Gold Insignia to the Real Club Mediterráneo de Málaga in honor of its 150th anniversary. Rafael Díaz, the club’s commodore, received this recognition and expressed gratitude to those present while briefly describing the club’s history and dedication to the sport of sailing over the years. In a surprising moment for most attendees, Paco Coro took the microphone again to announce the second Gold Insignia of the evening, which was awarded to the FAV’s Technical Director, Nicolás Mariño Pérez. Coro emphasized the importance of recognizing achievements in life and preferably in the present to inspire greater commitment to future work. Mariño received the insignia in the presence of Ángel Ruiz García, the first president of the FAV and the person who appointed him as the Technical Director.

Following the event, which featured the audiovisual production by Ojeda and the staging by Optimist coach Javier García, all attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception provided by Pablo Grosso’s catering service.