Jan Palou crowned Spanish U13 champion and overall bronze medalist in Optimist sailing class

The sailor from the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP), Jan Palou, has been crowned Spanish Champion in the Optimist class in the Under 13 category, in addition to achieving third place in the overall general classification.

The competition was held in the waters of Santander from April 17 to 20, organized by the Real Club Marítimo de Santander, and brought together 155 young athletes from across the country.

Palou was one of the standout performers of the championship, during which eight races were completed over three days of competition. The fourth day, scheduled on the calendar, was canceled due to strong winds. Weather conditions were varied: two days with light wind and one day with strong wind, with courses both inside and outside the Bay of Santander.

“The conditions were good for me overall, though varied. It was hard to stay on the podium because the fleet is very competitive, and there were days with currents—something I’m not used to in Palma,” explained the Balearic sailor upon returning to shore after the final race.

Jan Palou, who made headlines in December by becoming the youngest winner of the Trofeo Ciutat de Palma—winning as a Sub 11 against a fleet of 350 sailors from 12 countries—reaffirms his position with this result as one of the top emerging talents in Balearic and Spanish sailing.

Among the most notable results from Balearic sailors is also that of Club Nàutic S’Arenal’s Stijn Oostheraven, who finished fourth overall, and Real Club Náutico de Palma’s Mary-Anne Osha, who secured third place in the Under 13 female category.

The Spanish Optimist Championship featured the participation of 93 male sailors and 62 female sailors.