Nacho Baltasar and Bernat Tomas Compete for the Spanish IQFoil Championship

Over 170 athletes from 18 countries and 6 autonomous communities are competing in the waters of Cadiz Bay for the titles of the Andalusian Olympic Week, Carnival Trophy, in the IQFoil, ILCA, and 420 classes.

In addition to the absolute titles open to all nations, the Andalusian regatta features the Spanish championships for the Olympic class iQFOil Absolute and Sub 23, both male and female.

The iQFOil classes will see participation from the last national Olympic representatives, the sailor from Club Nàutic Sa Ràpita, Nacho Baltasar, and from Andalusia, Pilar Lamadrid. Among the men, eight countries are represented (Spain, Austria, Brazil, Finland, India, Portugal, Turkey, and Ukraine) with 19 Spaniards across the senior and Sub 23 categories. Nacho is aiming for the Sub 23 title against his Mallorcan teammate from Club Nàutic S’Arenal, Bernat Tomas, and Matteo Fozzi (CS Formentera). In the senior category, the sailor from the Real Club Náutico de Palma, Biel Llado, competes.

Among the women, the windsurfer from CN Puerto Sherry, Pilar Lamadrid, is a strong contender to renew her national title, but will have to vie for the absolute title against representatives from four other countries (India, Czech Republic, Sweden, and the United States).

In the Sub 23 category, the "iqfoilers" from Club Nàutic S’Arenal, Barbara Winau and Andrea Torres, will give their all to be the best in Spain.

After several days of training, the first qualifying trials will start this Friday, February 28. The competition in Cadiz Bay will unfold over four days until Sunday, March 2, which will also feature the trophy award ceremony at the end of the regatta.

To accommodate the large fleet, the organization has set up two racing areas; one for the iQFOil boards and another for the ILCA and 420 classes. Onshore and at sea, the Andalusian Sailing Federation mobilizes over fifty people to facilitate one of their major regattas. It seems that the conditions will be favorable for the fleet with four windy days from all directions, which will distribute opportunities among the contenders.