Sitges Vela Clásica 2026 Unveiled at Barcelona Boat Show with Renewed International Momentum

Port de Sitges Consolidates Its Position as a Mediterranean Classic Yachting Reference with the Announcement of Its Fifth Edition, Scheduled for July 2026

Against the backdrop of Port de Barcelona's bustling docks and amid an atmosphere steeped in maritime tradition, Sitges Vela Clásica yesterday unveiled its fifth edition at the International Barcelona Boat Show. The event, held at 6:00 PM in the Show's Sailing Section, brought together owners, skippers, and crews of some of the most emblematic sailing vessels in the Spanish Mediterranean, confirming the maturity of a project that continues to gain ground year after year in the international classic and vintage yacht racing circuit.

A Premier Nautical Showcase

Thousands of Boat Show visitors witnessed the presentation of this regatta that has become a must-attend fixture on the Mediterranean calendar. Among those in attendance were the crews of such renowned vessels as Islander, Karmatan II, Nerissa, Ping XV, Izarra, and Sea Fever—all floating guardians of decades of boatbuilding tradition and seafaring culture.

The presence of Enric Curt, founder and CEO of Curt Ediciones and defending champion at the helm of his Sea Fever, underscored the close connection between the regatta and specialized nautical media. Curt, whose publications Skipper Magazine and Sea Fever serve as media sponsors for the event, represents the industry's commitment to preserving Spain's naval heritage.

Naval Heritage and Historical Legacy

The highlight of the afternoon came from Leonardo García de Vincentiis, president of the Spanish Association of Vintage and Classic Boats (AEBEC) and owner of Nerissa, who delivered a masterful lecture on the history of the great classic yachts that compete in the regatta. García de Vincentiis took attendees on a compelling journey through the historical and heritage significance of these vessels—true floating jewels representing a century of maritime tradition.

The presentation included screenings of previously unreleased audiovisual material: spectacular aerial drone footage captured during the 2025 edition, images that capture both the aesthetic beauty and sporting intensity of a regatta where century-old bows slice through the Mediterranean with the same elegance as they did a hundred years ago. As the breezy Barcelona afternoon gave way to evening, crews shared glasses of cava while reliving the emotions of the most recent edition.

Sitges Establishes Itself as a Destination of Reference

Sitges Vela Clásica 2026, co-organized by Port de Sitges, Club Náutic Port de Sitges, and the event's leadership under founder Andreas Geiger, will take place during the first weekend of July next year. This fifth edition represents a milestone that confirms the project's consolidation within the Mediterranean classic sailing circuit.

Thanks to its track record, the Sitges regatta has earned a prominent place alongside other major fixtures on the calendar, such as the Puig Vela Clásica organized by Real Club Náutico de Barcelona. In doing so, Sitges positions itself as an obligatory meeting point for the principal classic yachts of the Spanish Mediterranean, projecting the town as a reference destination for owners, crews, and lovers of maritime heritage.

A 2025 Edition to Remember

Last year's edition, held June 27-29 within the framework of Port de Sitges-Aiguadolç's 50th anniversary, assembled a notable fleet of vintage yachts, classics, and spirit of tradition vessels. Over three intense days of racing, the Garraf coastline came alive to the rhythm of tacking maneuvers by these historic vessels.

Sea Fever claimed victory in the opening race after a five-mile coastal course in technically demanding conditions: light air, spring tides, and choppy seas that tested the mettle of all crews aboard. Fragata Beach and the waterfront promenades filled with spectators following every maneuver of these wooden and steel sailing vessels, while colorful spinnakers deployed elegantly in pursuit of every wind shift.

The Regatta Village, set up at Port de Sitges-Aiguadolç with free public access, became a cultural epicenter featuring marine artisan stalls, restoration workshops, and exhibitions on seafaring culture. The traditional official dinner at El Vivero Restaurant closed each day with the characteristic camaraderie that defines classic yacht racing.

New Features and Sustainable Commitment for 2026

Organizers have announced that the upcoming edition will bring innovations in sporting, cultural, and social aspects. Sitges Vela Clásica 2026 will strengthen its commitment to sustainability, traditional sailing without engines, and educational activities aimed at the local community.

"Sitges Vela Clásica is much more than a regatta: it's a gathering that unites history, maritime tradition, and sporting spirit in a unique setting like Port de Sitges and the Garraf coast," organizers emphasize.

International Reach

Sitges Vela Clásica is part of the international classic yacht racing circuit, maintaining ties with benchmark events in France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. This projection positions Port de Sitges-Aiguadolç as a prestigious nautical venue and meeting point between tradition and modernity in the western Mediterranean.

The event also maintains a firm commitment to preserving naval heritage, promoting traditional sailing, conducting educational activities with local schoolchildren, and minimizing environmental impact—all in line with responsible nautical tourism values.

With each edition, this regatta advances steadily toward its goal of becoming one of the premier fixtures on the Mediterranean classic sailing calendar, attracting increasing numbers of owners, sailors, and enthusiast spectators who share a passion for these floating guardians of maritime history.

More information:

• Web: https://sitgesvelaclasica.es

• Instagram: @regatasitgesvelaclasica