Article from Ceuta Actualidad | May 3, 2025
This edition ends marked by tight competition, with very close podiums in both ORC 1 and ORC 2 and a vibrant finale between Sotogrande and Marbella.
The 7th Intercontinental Cup Marbella-Ceuta-Sotogrande-Marbella wrapped up with an impressive finish, as ‘Ceuta Emociona’ staged a stunning comeback to seize overall victory after the third and final stage from Sotogrande to Marbella. The Grand Surprise boat from CV Vendaval, helmed by Sergio Llorca, moved up from a modest seventh place in the opening stage to – after securing second place yesterday – winning the third race and clinching the overall title with a three-point lead over the German-flagged J99 ‘Jipi’, which finished ninth today, and seven points ahead of Joaquín Angolotti’s First 40.7 ‘Ucosound Tareis T’, in an edition characterized by parity, high level of competition, and excitement down to the wire.
Today’s stage, covering about 25 nautical miles between Sotogrande and Marbella, once again showcased the unpredictability of this edition, marked by fierce competition and high standards. ‘Ceuta Emociona’ managed its advantage masterfully, finishing sixth in real time but taking the win after time compensation, with over two minutes ahead of the Sun Fast 37 ‘Kapote Tercero’ (CN Puerto Sherry) skippered by Pablo Torres, and more than four minutes ahead of the French boat ‘Avrio’.
In the overall standings (ORC 1 + ORC 2), ‘Ceuta Emociona’ is crowned champion with a three-point lead over Arne Olafsson’s ‘Jipi’ (Puerto La Bajadilla), while Joaquín Angolotti’s ‘Ucosound Tareis T’ (RC El Candado) completes the podium, seven points behind the leader and just half a point ahead of Ignacio de Colmenares’ Grand Soleil 42 ‘Solerig VI’ (RCM Sotogrande), which finished fourth. Fifth place went to the Baltic 61 ‘Merdocq’ (RCM Santander) helmed by Javier López Vázquez, a strong performer in the first leg who couldn’t maintain the momentum through the final stages.
In ORC 1, victory went to ‘Jipi’ with 8 points, followed by ‘Ceuta Emociona’ with 10 and ‘Ucosound Tareis T’ with 11. In ORC 2, the best performer was ‘Kapote Tercero’, which climbed to the lead thanks to its excellent performance today, finishing with 7 points, ahead of the Dufour 34 ‘Benahavis’ (RC El Candado) by Vicente Orti with 9, and its twin ‘Al Tarik IV’ (CDN Saladillo) by José Luis Pérez with 10. Both divisions remained highly competitive and thrilling until the final stretch.
Thus ends a spectacular edition of the Intercontinental Cup, the first scoring event for the 2025 Andalusian Offshore Sailing Championship. In this context, the top-ranked Andalusian boat is ‘Ucosound Tareis T’, defending the regional title, as ‘Ceuta Emociona’ and ‘Jipi’ are not counted as Andalusian entries.
Top-tier crews, a diverse fleet, and three very different legs delivered a regatta full of excitement until the final minute, with the crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar as the central element of a memorable route. The joint organization by the Real Club Marítimo de Marbella, the Club de Vela Vendaval of Ceuta, the Club Marítimo de Sotogrande, the marinas of Marbella and Sotogrande, and the Andalusian and Ceuta sailing federations, along with sponsorship from Marbella Destino 5 Estrellas, Ceuta Sí, and Cordia, Member of Futureal Group, concludes another edition that further enhances the prestige of this unique event in the national calendar.
The start of the third leg, approximately 25 nautical miles long, took place at 12:45 PM near the Sotogrande Marina, with southwesterly winds at an average intensity of 10 knots, increasing in the open sea en route to Marbella. While this leg didn’t feature a channel crossing like the previous ones, it demanded solid tactical strategy, especially in the final section, where conditions near the coast can shift. The Punta Chullera area and the entrance to Marbella Bay can bring calms or wind shifts that test the skill of the crews. This was a key leg, shorter than the previous ones, but highly tactical, where there was little room for error and every maneuver counted.
The award ceremony for the overall and class winners will be held tonight at the facilities of the Real Club Marítimo de Marbella.
