Last Sunday marked the conclusion of the fifth and final event of the International Barcelona Winter Series of J70. A resounding success, where every day of competition was sailed, with a total of 34 races contested and five monthly series that began in October 2023. Foreign participation was notable, with 20 teams from England, Germany, Switzerland, France, the United States, Austria, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Spain.
In this fifth series, the standout team from the Chicago Yacht Club, Rowdy, led by Rich Witzel and with the Spanish Carlos
Robles tactician, made their presence felt. The Americans started strong, leading after the first day of Friday with two
first places and a third. Very close, just one point behind, was the Spanish Noticia from RCN Barcelona, led by Luis M.
Cabiedes, with three second places. The Canary Islander Jorge M. Doreste with his HangTen-Hnos. Berga closed the
podium after finishing the day with a 6th, 3rd, and 1st.
The first day was marked by harsh wind and sea conditions, with winds exceeding 25 knots and waves over a meter and
a half high, challenging all participants to the maximum. The images were spectacular, from the impressive planing in
which the J70s exceeded speeds of 15 and 16 knots to the frequent capsizes seen on the racecourse. After this demanding
first day of racing, the teams faced complicated weather on the second day, with unstable winds between 270º and 320º
and speeds of 12-14 knots, ending with just 4-5 knots at the end of the day.
On the last day of competition, the challenging wind continued, with gusts exceeding 22 knots in intensity. Noticia, led by
Luis M. Cabiedes, along with the Canarian Alberto Padrón tactician, achieved excellent results with a 3rd, 1st, and 3rd.
However, the American team Rowdy, with a 4th, 7th, and 7th, lost ground in the final standings. HangTen-Hnos. Berga
remained consistent with a 5th and two 2nd places, tying in points with the Americans at the end of the event, while
Noticia was crowned champion of the fifth series with 18 points. The young Mallorcan María Bover finished fourth in one
of her first races in the class, followed by the Canary Islanders of Monjo-Tropicfeel, who climbed in the last day.
In the cumulative standings of these International Barcelona Winter Series, the young team of HangTen-Hnos. Berga led
by Jorge Martínez Doreste were crowned champions, demonstrating to be the strongest team by remaining at the top of
the overall standings and on the podium in all series. Noticia climbed to second place, followed by Monjo-Tropicfeel.
Now, the J70 season in Barcelona intensifies with the Spring J70 Barcelona Regatta, followed by the Spanish J70
Championship and two more races in May, culminating with the 51st Conde Godó Sailing Trophy, one of the most
important nautical events on the Mediterranean coast.
Final podium of the Barcelona J70 Winter Series with 34 races and 5 discards:
1st. HangTen-Hnos. Berga of Jorge M. Doreste/Cañellas/Guillén (RCNGC/CN Cambrils) 79 points
2nd. Noticia of Luis Martin Cabiedes (RCN Barcelona) 120 points
3rd. Monjo of Ricardo Terrades /Luis M. Doreste (RCN Barcelona/RCNA/RCNGC) 139 points
Winners of the 5th Barcelona Winter Series with 9 races and 1 discard:
1st. Noticia of Luis Martin Cabiedes (RCN Barcelona) 18 points
2nd. Rowdy of Rich Wiztel (Chicago Yacht Club) 22 points
3rd. HangTen-Hnos. Berga of Jorge M. Doreste/Cañellas/Guillén (RCNGC/CN Cambrils) 22 points
The Barcelona Winter Series is a regatta organized by the Reial Club Nàutic de Barcelona, with the collaboration of
Engel&Völkers, Estrella Damm, Veri, Diputació de Barcelona, and J70.
www.barcelonawinterseries.com