The 49th Palamós Christmas Race came to an epic conclusion on a final day marked by demanding conditions of wind, rain and cold, closing an edition that will long be remembered. After two opening days dominated by calm conditions, the final two days delivered strong and spectacular racing with the arrival of the tramuntana (north wind). All classes completed three races on the final day, finishing the regatta with a total of seven races sailed in each class.
Spain claimed three overall victories, with the Catalans Ramon Figueras (CN Costa Brava–Vela Palamós) in Europe, Marc Abara (CN Arenys de Mar) in ILCA 4, and the Balearic duo Asier Jáudenes and Diego Coronado (CN S’Arenal–CM San Antonio de la Playa) in 420. In the 29er class, victory went to the Dutch brothers Jeroen and Rik Dieperink (WS Braassemermeer), while in ILCA 6 the title was secured by Britain’s Toby Wagget (Derwent Reservoir SC).
The 29er class opened the EuroCup 2026 circuit in Palamós with an extremely tight battle among the top three crews. Ultimately, the Dieperink brothers took the overall win, finishing one point ahead of the French pair Ouentin Bourrust and Gautier Neau, with the Americans Braden Ozarski and Bennet Simpson two points behind in third. The best Spanish crew in the class was Francisco Truyols and Pablo Romero (RCN Palma).
In the 420 class, the Balearic team of Jáudenes and Coronado claimed victory after a fierce duel with the Greeks Iason Panagopoulos and Fevronia Bouzana (NC Kalamaki), who were disqualified with a black-flag start, handing the title to the Spanish crew. Third place went to the Greek team Maria Christina Melaniti and Nefeli Podiadi (Paros NC–Kalamaki NC).
In the Europe class, local sailor Ramon Figueras, European bronze medallist and four-time Spanish champion, lived up to expectations and secured his first Christmas Race victory on home waters. Leader from the start, he sealed the title by winning the final two races. The podium was completed by fellow Catalans Pere Rentería (second) and Roc Pérez, both from CN Masnou.
In ILCA 6, Britain’s Toby Wagget snatched victory in the final race from Catalan Ricard Garriga (CN Sant Feliu de Guíxols) after a thrilling duel. Wagget finished second in the last race while Garriga placed 21st, deciding the title. Third overall was Britain’s Tom Hakes (Parkstone YC). In the women’s category—the only Olympic class at the Christmas Race—the top sailor was Denmark’s Annelie Friis Jensen (Fredericia Sejlklub), who finished ninth overall.
In ILCA 4, Marc Abara, who arrived at the final day with a perfect score, added a third and a fourth place and was able to discard the final race, securing the title early. Second place went to his clubmate Vladik López, while Nerea Obeso (CN L’Escala) finished third and was the top female sailor, tied on points with López.
The prize-giving ceremony brought the 49th Palamós Christmas Race to a close and also marked the official launch of the 50th anniversary edition, which will be commemorative and feature a full calendar of events throughout 2026.
29er (29 boats)
1.Jeroen/Rik Dieperink (HOL), 14 p.
2.Ouentin Bourrust/Gautier Neau (FRA), 15 p.
3.Braden Ozarski/Bennet Simpson (USA), 16 p.
420 (107 boats)
1.Asier Jáudenes/Diego Coronado (ESP), 27 p.
2.Iason Panagopoulos/Fevronia Bouzana (GRE), 31 p.
3.Maria Christina Melaniti y Nefeli Podiadi (GRE), 31 p.
ILCA 6 (35 boats)
1.Toby Wagget (GBR), 10 p.
2.Ricard Garriga (ESP), 11 p.
3.Tom Hakes (GBR), 16 p.
ILCA 4 (14 boats)
1.Marc Abara (ESP), 11 p.
2.Vladik López (ESP), 14 p.
3.Nerea Obeso (ESP), 14 p.
Europe (30 boats)
1.Ramon Figueras (ESP), 9 p.
2.Pere Rentería (ESP), 25 p.
3.Roc Pérez (ESP), 35 p.
