49th Palamós Christmas Race Day 1
by Jaume Soler 19 Dec 16:01 UTC
19-22 December 2025
Sailing is a sport that depends entirely on weather conditions, the sea and, above all, the wind. This was clearly demonstrated on the opening day of the 49th Palamós Christmas Race, as the fleet was unable to get out on the water due to a complete lack of wind.
As a result, at 2:30 p.m. the AP flag over A was hoisted, signalling the end of the day, and crews began dismantling their boats.
The day started with overcast skies, and intermittent showers continued throughout the morning. The final and most intense shower, shortly after 2:00 p.m., proved decisive. Continuous communication with the two Race Committees positioned offshore, where only very light breezes of up to 5 knots were recorded, led the event’s Principal Race Officer, Carlos Palomares, to call off the day. The decision was also influenced by the fact that no starts can be given less than one hour before sunset, scheduled for 5:18 p.m.
Following the cancellation, Palomares explained: “It has been a complicated first day, as forecast by the weather charts. We tried, but only a very light easterly wind of around 3 knots developed, which was not enough to race.” Looking ahead to the second day on Saturday, he added that “the forecasts for the coming days look more favourable, and we will try to sail as many races as possible.”
For the second day of the 49th Palamós Christmas Race, the forecast calls for unstable south-easterly winds of between 4 and 7 knots, with another day of showers expected.
A sustainable regatta
For the past three editions, the Palamós Christmas Race has been recognised as a Clean Regatta by the international association Sailors for the Sea.
Committed to environmental protection and the preservation of seas and oceans, the regatta implements various sustainability measures, including online management and the elimination of single-use plastics. In recent editions, plastic has been completely removed, with reusable bottles promoted and water refill stations provided for sailors.
The Palamós Christmas Race is organised by the Club Nàutic Costa Brava–Vela Palamós, with the recognition of the Spanish and Catalan Sailing Federations, and the institutional support of the Palamós City Council, the Government of Catalonia, the Girona Provincial Council, and Ports de la Generalitat.
All the information here