Sotogrande was taken over by some of the globe’s best yachtsmen in May as the resort’s marina played host to a major regatta.
The residential estate—described as a ‘hidden paradise’ by organisers—provided the ‘perfect backdrop’ for the RC44 tour’s World Championship, with Gibraltar based John Bassadone’s team aboard Peninsula Petroleum providing the local challenge in a series of races through the waters off San Roque.
Held from May 10th to May 15th, the event brought world-class competitors to the picturesque yacht harbour, along with scores of interested spectators wanting to view the 11-strong fleet battle it out.
Come the final day, Peninsula Petroleum was neck and neck with Igor Lah and his Team CEEREF after the initial races, in what was the second event in this year’s RC44 Tour.
While Team CEEREF started six points ahead, a win for Peninsula Petroleum in the first race of the day leveled the points score. The second race saw Team CEEREF take second spot with their main rivals fourth, meaning Peninsula Petroleum had to finish two places ahead of them in the third and final race to become World Champions.
Unfortunately for local fans Lah’s team kept their noses in front to finish second, one ahead of Bassadone and so take the title by three points—their second World Championship trophy after they won in Lanzarote in 2013.
While the local team just missed out on the top spot, there is no doubt that Sotogrande itself was a winner, with the resort receiving global publicity from the yachting press.
Other winners of the final day’s races were Artemis Racing and Frenchman Hugues Lepic’s Aleph Racing. Artemis Racing hit their stride on the Saturday with the arrival of team principal Torbjörn Törnqvist, winning races on both of the last two days.
Törnqvist said: “Sotogrande is a fantastic place – it’s a nice set up and everyone has a good time, which helps everyone relax.” This is exactly the message Sotogrande wants to put out to the world. The status of World Championship events such as this and the Grand Slam ranking International Polo Tournament held each year at the Santa María Polo Club help highlight the residential estate as a highly desirable lifestyle choice in one of the most idyllic settings in Europe.
Should you like to enjoy the unique Sotogrande way of life on offer within the marina and bordering the golf courses of Sotogrande, please contact us. We have a fine selection of villas and apartments for sale in this ‘hidden gem’ of Andalucía.
By The Holmes Team ·