Sa Ràpita Prepares for the Inauguration of the Youth iQFOiL World Championship

The Club Nàutic Sa Ràpita (CNR) faces one of the most significant challenges in its history this October, as it hosts the Youth iQFOiL World Championship from October 26 to November 2, an event that will attract 380 young athletes from 36 different countries, consolidating the club's position in the international sailing scene.

Pau Lladó, president of the club, does not hide his pride in the magnitude of the event: “Organizing this world championship is a source of pride for the club and for the entire municipality. Additionally, it is an opportunity to increase our visibility nationally and internationally and put Campos and Sa Ràpita on the map,” explains Lladó, emphasizing the impact that the arrival of sailors from around the world will have.

The journey to this championship has involved months of planning and organization for the Club Nàutic Sa Ràpita, which has worked intensively to coordinate all the logistical aspects of such a large-scale event. Lladó details that meticulous attention has been given to the installation and equipment, the preparation of the opening ceremony and the reception of authorities (Sunday, October 27 at 6 p.m.), as well as the organization of transportation and accommodation for both committee members and athletes.

“This championship requires a huge effort in terms of logistics, from the loading and unloading zones for the athletes to the launch and retrieval of inflatables and the parking of boats. We are prepared, as this year we have organized both the Balearic Championship and the Spanish iQFOiL Youth Championship,” adds the club president, referring to the major previous events of this class held at the CNR, which have served to test the club's logistics for the World Championship. “The Spanish IQfoil Cup last March served as training for the World Championship in October, as the same format will be repeated, albeit on a larger scale,” adds Nuri Bover, CNR Sailing Member.

“For the club, it is a very important challenge because we are facing the first international championship of such magnitude ever held in Sa Ràpita,” insists Bover. “We have to accommodate 380 participants from 36 different countries, with their materials, boards and equipment, their coaches, and about 80 inflatables. We have had to adapt the parking with a shelving structure to organize all the boards, and the inflatables will be placed on the waiting dock. For this, more than 25 people dedicated to the event will be needed, and extra material has been required for the organization,” explains “From the club, we want to thank the member for their patience during the Championship days, because we will have to close common spaces for the proper organization,” emphasizes Nuri Bover.

The success of Sa Ràpita as a venue for major competitions is no accident. The club has been investing in the training of young sailors for years, with a program that currently has 87 students and has become one of the keys to its success. “We have worked hard to develop a good youth program. We have different groups, from Optimist and Windsurfing to IQFoil, Techno 293, and Ilca. In addition, our coaches have experience in national and international competitions, which has allowed us to raise the level of our athletes,” comments Lladó.

Financial support from the club has also been essential for the sailors to participate in international competitions, a fact that has boosted their development and success in the competitive arena.

The CNR's light sailing project not only focuses on sports training but also on instilling fundamental values in young people. “We are not only looking to train athletes but also to promote values such as teamwork, discipline, personal improvement, and respect for the marine environment,” explains Lladó, highlighting the importance of combining technical preparation with values education.

One of the classes that has gained more strength in recent years within the club is the iQFOiL, a windsurfing mode that has revolutionized the world of sailing thanks to its technological innovation. Lladó notes that this discipline is one of the most exciting and advanced in modern sailing. “The IQFoil is spectacular. The hydrodynamics of the foil allows the board to rise above the water at high speed, which is very attractive to young people,” highlights.

“One year before celebrating the 70th anniversary of the club, really, 2024 is being a spectacular year,” assures Bover. “We have achieved historical milestones, such as having an Olympic representative in Paris and a helmswoman of the AC 40 in the oldest and most prestigious competition in the world of sailing, the America’s Cup. “Both Nacho Baltasar and Neus Ballester are sailors from the club since they were little, they were trained here, they grew up in the club, in our school. It has been a while since both have flown to dedicate themselves to their international projects but let's not forget that their foundations are the result of the work they did in the club with their monitors,” defends.

Lladó concludes with special thanks to the club team. “I want to thank all the employees, monitors, and volunteers for the effort they are making to ensure that this championship is a success,” he declares.