Costa Blanca Yacht Association
On Thursday, October 25, the Costa Blanca Yacht Association (CBYA) held its annual TOMs raft up at El Portet beach in Moraira.
The CBYA regularly holds sail training days in Calpe twice a week throughout the year on these 28-foot racing yachts.
They are specially designed, Italia- built racing yachts, similarly used for training in the America’s Cup races.
Real Club Nautico de Calpe gives the Costa Blanca Yacht Association special regular access to these sleek sailing yachts; easy to sail, with well-balanced rigging, and stable construction.
A longer-distance cruise, followed with a raft up, picnic lunch and swim had been planned after two prior attempts failed due to inclement weather. Commencing from Calpe marina, the crews sailed north towards Moraira, and into El Portet bay.
Four TOMs sailing yachts, crewed by five CBYA members per yacht, were also accompanied by two motorised safety boats. The skippers of each TOM yacht were Ian McKay, Paul Smithard, David Crabb, and Jenny Rawle. Wind conditions were favourable for all crews to head north towards Moraira after leaving Calpe, and after rounding the Penyon de Ifach, all four yachts enjoyed an exhilarating spinnaker run across the Moraira bay in force 3 conditions.
After an enjoyable raft up and picnic, the wind had increased significantly for a beat back to Calpe, with all yachts taking on lots of water on-board as all crew members battled their way back against the wind and the heavy swells. With all things considered, all members enjoyed a fantastic and enjoyable day.
The Costa Blanca Yacht Association currently has over 300 members whose sailing abilities range from zero (beginner), to those who have sailed extensively on various sailing vessels and participated in trans-Atlantic crossings.
Many of the CBYA boat owner members have their yachts and motor boats moored at marinas along the stunning ‘White Coast’ of the Costa Blanca, whilst other members have chosen France, Greece, Hong Kong, and the UK to berth their vessels. Members of the CBYA have experienced crew looking for skippers and skippers looking for enthusiastic crew!
The Costa Blanca Yacht Association also provides an extensive social life section, so there are plenty of opportunities for socialising with each other, or for those who felt it necessary to hang up their ‘sailor’s cap’ and live a landbased life.