Santa Pola experienced, this past Sunday, December 3rd, one of the most significant rowing regattas on the calendar. Over 150 athletes participated in the popular and historic ‘Miguel Cuervo Arango Santa Pola – Tabarca – Santa Pola Rowing Crossing,’ an event that celebrated its 35th edition with successful participation and outstanding sporting performance. The event was also the 2nd Regatta of the SUMA Banco Fijo del Mediterráneo League and the Autonomous Long-Distance Championship in Falucho for the absolute category.

The weather conditions were favourable, and the participants were able to optimize their efforts to cover the approximately 14,000 metres that connect the coastal town to the island in a round trip. The type of boat used was the “Falucho Llaüt Valencià,” a style originating from Levantine rowing that adds even more authenticity and uniqueness to this event.

The regatta had the participation of the absolute category, with male, female, mixed groups, and two promotional groups for each gender. Two heats were established, and in each of them, the teams departed from the waters of Santa Pola, near the Sports Harbor, and reached the island, where they made a turn to head back towards the coast.

The dominant team in the competition was Real Club Náutico Valencia, which emerged victorious in both categories. In the absolute women’s departure, the Valencia-based boat completed the course in 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 46 seconds. Their triumph was clear, as they outpaced Club Deportivo de Mar Clot de L’Illot el Campello, the second-place finisher, by almost two minutes. The representative of Secció Esportiva Universitat d’Alacant secured the third spot after a journey lasting over an hour and 36 minutes. Additionally, Club Remo Águilas, affiliated with the Rowing Federation of the Region of Murcia, participated in the Promotion category.

The dominance of Real Club Náutico Valencia extended to the men’s competition, allowing them to achieve a double victory in the ‘Miguel Cuervo Arango Santa Pola – Tabarca – Santa Pola Rowing Crossing.’ Their male representative stopped the clock at 1 hour, 14 minutes, and 40 seconds. The lead over the second-place finisher, Real Club Náutico Denia, was 43 seconds. Club Náutico Santa Pola secured the third position after rowing for over 1 hour and 16 minutes. Club Remo Águilas also participated in the men’s Promotion category, while Club de Remo Ciudad de Valencia completed a mixed-gender boat.

Regional rowing has another event before the end of the year. On Sunday, December 17, the III Regatta of the SUMA Banco Fijo del Mediterráneo League will take place in Jávea, featuring the participation of all categories in the competition.

Report by Carlos Catalan Ruz

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’