J80 Winter Series
Solgreen opens the J80 Winter Series with a win in València
Manuel de Tomás’ team wins the opening event of the season at the RCN de Valencia in a weather-affected weekend that nevertheless allowed five races to be completed (4-1)
The RCNV J80 Winter Series 2026-2027 has its first leader. Solgreen, skippered by Manuel de Tomás (RCNV), claimed victory in the opening event of the season, held this weekend in the waters off València with the Real Club Náutico de Valencia as its base, in a season opener shaped by very different weather conditions across the two days.
Saturday’s forecast called for light rain, which ultimately failed to materialise, but the wind did. A fairly steady northerly, initially reaching 14 knots and accompanied by a long swell, allowed the Race Committee to complete an intense four-race programme.
With forecasts indicating a significant drop in wind strength for Sunday, the Race Committee considered bringing forward the scheduled start time for the second day during Saturday evening. The decision proved worthwhile, allowing the fleet to make the most of the first available weather window. By 10:30, the boats were already on the racecourse, ready to try to complete the programme.
The strategy paid off. Sunday was also dry, but the wind was conspicuous by its absence. Conditions were in stark contrast to those experienced on Saturday, forcing the fleet to wait on the water for the weather situation to improve before racing could resume. In the end, only one race could be completed.
On the water, Solgreen was the most consistent team of the weekend. Manuel de Tomás’ J80 finished the event with 10 net points, posting a scoreline of 2-2-2-3-1. That consistency was enough to put the team at the top of the standings and take the early lead in the Winter Series from the very first event.
Saetta III (RCN Castellón), sailed by Eduardo Maestre, finished second on 15 points. The team opened the series with a race win and claimed another victory in the third race, although an eighth-place finish in the second race cost them some of the advantage gained. Their final scoreline was 1-8-1-4-4.
The podium was completed by Queremoshacerhistoria-Dorsia Sailing Team (RCR Alicante), skippered by Nuria Sánchez, on 23 points. After a difficult start to the event, the team produced a strong comeback, stringing together three solid results to secure third place in the opening round of the season.
Just outside the podium, Dutch team Lotsafun, skippered by Tony Hayward, finished fourth on 24 points, while Ars-Sonum, runner-up in last season’s Winter Series, ended the opening event in sixth place.
There is still a long way to go in the championship. The RCNV J80 Winter Series 2026-2027 comprises seven events through April, with the fleet set to return to the RCN de Valencia on 14 and 15 November.
RCNV J80 Winter Series 2026-2027 © Mercedes Mateos / RCNV
by Pep Portas
