Traditional sailing boats take the Mar Menor for Virgen del Carmen regatta

The La Puntica Nautical Club, located in San Pedro del Pinatar, carried out the incredible fifth edition of the Virgen del Carmen Laudes Regatta, a race that revives an old tradition linked to the festival of the patron saint of sailors and that contributes to preserving the seafaring cultural heritage of the municipality.

Historic lateen rigged sailing boats return to the Mar Menor

The competition, which took place in the waters of the Mar Menor, brought together lateen rigged sailing boats, which feature a triangular sail mounted on a long yard at a 45 degree angle to the mast. The event serves to highlight and celebrate this traditional type of navigation, which is closely linked to the history and identity of San Pedro del Pinatar and the Mar Menor.

From generation to generation, this type of seafaring navigation has been passed down over the years and kept alive by the people who organise these events, attracting countless residents and curious newcomers to marvel at the ships.

Live rigging demonstrations offer spectators a glimpse into past traditions

Before the start of this long-awaited regatta, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the process of rigging the lateen sails firsthand, with a demonstration that allowed them to discover the particularities of these boats. 

‘There’s fish!’: Exciting beach launch kicks off competitive race across two categories

Following that, officials started the countdown and the traditional cry of “¡Hay pescao!” or “There’s fish!” The boats then kicked off from the beach in an exciting race. The participating vessels in this year’s edition included La Conchita, from Santiago de la Ribera; Virgen de la Asunción, from Los Alcazares; Santa Eulalia, competing as the local boat from Lo Pagan; Virgen del Carmen, from La Manga Norte; and Flor de Mayo, also from Lo Pagan. Lete also served as the support vessel this year.

In the end, the Virgen del Carmen was declared the winner in the 42-palm category, followed by Flor de Mayo. La Conchita triumphed in the 33-palm category, ahead of Virgen de la Asunción and Santa Eulalia.

Preserving ancestral seafaring techniques for future generations

With this new edition, this Virgen del Carmen Laudes Regatta continues to re-establish itself as an essential event on the nautical calendar of the Mar Menor, and contributes to keeping this unique and historically significant form of sailing alive, bringing San Pedro del Pinatar’s cultural heritage closer to the new generation.