PalmaVela 2024: Tito Moure’s “Smerit,” first to finish the Offshore Race after more than 30 hours of competition

Palma, Spain - 28 April 2024 -  Shortly after 18:00h on Sunday, Smerit the Swan 45 from the Club Vela Blanes, competing in the A2 0-3 category, was the first boat to finish the 185-mile course after more than 30 hours of sailing. One hour and 57 minutes later, they were followed by Daniel Martín’s Barakah with his teammate ocean racing sailor Didac Costa.

Tito Moure’s Smerit (A2 0-3) arrived at the finish of the Offshore Race, after 30 hours, 5 minutes, and 32 seconds of racing the 185 miles of the Real Club Náutico de Palma’s (RCNP) most important offshore event, and the first in the 20th edition of PalmaVela.

“There were some very diverse meteorological conditions, and it was a tricky race,” explained Moure just after crossing the finish line; finally located at the Cala Figuera lighthouse. His teammate, Toni del Río added, “the rain was the most uncomfortable part, and the areas of calm also made us suffer, but they also added to the fun.”

Behind them, and second over the line, was Daniel Martín and Didac Costa on Barakah. Sailing under the Real Club Marítimo de Barcelona flag, they finished the Offshore Race exactly one hour and 57 minutes after Smerit.

The ORC 0-1 fleet is finding things more demanding. The complete drop in wind speed on their first compulsory pass in Cabrera has proven particularly challenging for the teams, who have had to strive over the last 24 hours to get the most out of the boats at every mile.

Currently leading is Torben Muhlbach’s German team Stoertebeker, which continues in first place in real-time to the north of Ibiza, with an advantage of more than 45 miles over the rest of the fleet who are rounding the island of Formentera.

Once the full fleet has completed the Offshore Race, the general classification with time compensation will decide the new winners of this year’s competition. The prizegiving will be held on Tuesday at 19:00h at the RCNP.

Live race tracking
Follow the Offshore Race live at the official website: https://www.palmavela.com/tracking.php