Six decades of Torrevieja sailing tradition bring generations together while supporting charity

Generations of sailors came together on the Costa Blanca for the 62nd Travesia Cabo Roig-Memorial Fernando Pedrera, combining one of the area’s longest-running sailing traditions with support for an important charity.

Nearly 40 boats took part in the event, organised by the Real Club Nautico de Torrevieja, with crews racing from Torrevieja to Cabo Roig and back on August 15.

The race dates back even further than the Real Club Nautico de Torrevieja itself. More than six decades after the first event, the annual crossing remains firmly established in the local sailing calendar.

Three days of sailing and sport

This year’s Travesia formed part of three days of activities alongside the first Torneo Las Ramblas Golf & Vela and the 12th Copa Astoria.

Importantly, the programme also supported AESPANC, the Spanish Association of Pancreatology, helping to give greater visibility to its work.

AESPANC brings together specialists working in the field of pancreatic diseases and promotes greater knowledge, research and collaboration surrounding conditions affecting the pancreas.

By linking this year’s sporting programme with the association, organisers were able to use a popular local event to raise awareness of its work among competitors, families and supporters.

Crews race between Torrevieja and Cabo Roig

Out on the water, crews tackled courses of either 14.3 or 11.5 nautical miles depending on their category.

Light winds delayed the start by around 40 minutes before conditions improved and the fleet headed towards Cabo Roig.

Local boat Trabuco was first across the finish line in real time, although after corrected times were calculated, Cartagena-based Nemox claimed victory in the ORC 1-2-3 category.

Several other classes competed, while classic boat Alex also completed the route and received recognition during the prizegiving despite not racing within the main fleets.

A tradition passed between generations

The weekend concluded with the traditional awards dinner at the Real Club Nautico de Torrevieja, bringing competitors and supporters together after three days of activities.

After 62 editions, however, the Travesia remains about more than results.

The annual event has become a tradition passed between generations of sailors, maintaining a connection with the Costa Blanca’s long relationship with the sea while continuing to bring crews together year after year.

This year, that tradition also provided a valuable platform for AESPANC, helping to raise awareness of the association and its work while another chapter was added to one of the area’s longest-running sailing events.