36th Palamós International Optimist Trophy - Day 3
by Jaume Soler 14 Feb 18:32 GMT
12-15 February 2026
Palamós recovered its true spirit as the Tramontana wind, starting at 8-10 knots and building up to gusts of 23 knots, finally allowed the 36th Palamós International Optimist Trophy to get under way.
- Mallorcan sailor Oliver Iglesias follows in second place
- Three races completed in Tramontana winds reaching up to 23 knots
Three races were completed, a much-needed breakthrough after two blank days: the first due to a red wind alert and the second because of a complete lack of wind. Third time proved the charm, with good breeze and sunshine completing the picture.
Canada's Will Keilty (Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron) is the clear overall leader after dominating the day with three convincing race wins. Keilty heads into the final day unbeaten, holding a four-point advantage over Spain's Oliver Iglesias (CV Port d'Andratx), who sits second after posting a fifth place and two race wins. Third place is currently held by Britain's Jonny Rogers (Royal Lymington YC), seven points off the lead, with scores of 1-7-2. Just outside the podium in fourth place is Spain's Stijin Oosterhaven (CN S'Arenal), who opened with a 9-2-1. Rounding out the top five is American sailor Briggs Kossman (Optiway).
It was a long and demanding day on the water. For the second consecutive day, competitors had an early start. Determined to make the most of the conditions, the Organizing Authority pushed the schedule forward once again. If racing on Friday had already been brought forward by one hour, Saturday's start was moved up by two, with the fleet of 360 boats leaving the harbor at 08:00 for a scheduled first warning signal at 09:00, aiming to take advantage of the land breeze.
Despite several starting attempts throughout the morning, the wind repeatedly dropped after just a few minutes, forcing multiple postponements. It was not until after midday that the breeze strengthened and stabilized, finally allowing racing to proceed. Using the black flag to minimize general recalls, the Race Committee, led by Lucky Serrano and Carlos Palomares, managed to run up to twelve starts—three for each of the four groups—in a non-stop sequence. At 16:00, after eight hours on the water, the day was finally brought to a close.
With three races now completed, the championship is officially back on track. Racing will continue on Sunday with the group format, and as soon as a fourth race is completed, the first discard will come into play. The final possible start is scheduled for 16:00.
Full Results