Canary Islands secured a bronze medal at the Spanish Championship for the Cruising Class – Loterías con el Deporte, featuring the youngest crew in the regatta.
The Antigua Craiova team from the RCNA topping their group in the initial round and maintained a top two finish in the semi-finals, ultimately clinching third place, according to the Royal Canary Sailing Federation. The event, held by the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation and the RCN of Calpe in Alicante, had to cancel the final day due to severe weather.
This youthful team, with ages ranging from 19 to 23, boasts impressive sporting accomplishments. Team member Alberto Morales mentioned they were aware of the high calibre of competitors prior to arriving in Calpe. “We didn’t come with high expectations, given the level of crews from other regions,” he said.
Surprisingly, they dominated their group and realised that this new generation is “coming on strong with options for everything.” Despite being pleased with their bronze, Morales admitted to a bittersweet feeling, noting they were capable of winning.
Alongside 23-year-old Alberto are his brother Miguel Ángel (20), Alejandro Martín Corujo (19), Alonso Pérez Fernandez (19), and Gabriel Gallego Rodríguez (22), all seasoned competitors in their own right.
In 2025, Alberto, Miguel, and Gabriel were crowned Match Race champions of Spain, also winning a junior title in 2024 as part of a crew that included the Morales brothers and Martín Corujo. The Morales brothers have national and international titles in Wazsp, while Alonso recently completed a solo 2,600-mile race at just 19 years old. Alejandro and Miguel Ángel also have European and world medals in the 420 class.
The overall championship winner was Asturian team Taxus Medio Ambiente, while Murcian entry Saleroso 2.0, skippered by Luis Carlos Muñoz, took silver. This year’s event featured 18 teams from 13 regional federations and was decided over 21 races across two days. Teams earned their places in the championship through regional qualifying rounds.
