PALMA, Spain – Great Britain’s Nick Craig secured the overall win at the 2026 BMComposites Trophy, a regatta for senior dinghy sailors, held at the Real Club Náutico de Palma this weekend. Despite challenging weather conditions that forced the cancellation of racing on Sunday, Craig’s consistent performance over the two races held on Saturday proved decisive. The event, which saw a record 50 boats competing across the OK Dinghy and Snipe classes, highlighted the growing popularity of the sport in Mallorca and the increasing appeal of the OK Dinghy class specifically.
The regatta, concluding on Sunday, March 15th, was ultimately decided on the results from Saturday’s races after strong northerly winds, gusting up to 40 knots, made further competition impossible. The race committee waited until 1:20 PM local time (12:20 UTC) before calling off racing for the day, citing safety concerns for the fleet.
In the OK Dinghy class, Craig’s second and first-place finishes were enough to secure the victory. He finished tied on three points with fellow Brit and world number one, Andy Davis, but claimed the title thanks to his superior result in the final race. Denmark’s Gavin Poulloin rounded out the podium, taking the bronze medal.
The BMComposites Trophy isn’t just about crowning a champion; it’s a testament to the burgeoning OK Dinghy scene in Spain. The Real Club Náutico de Palma has quickly become a central hub for the class, which was introduced to Mallorca in 2020 by boatbuilder Javier Estarellas and sailor Luis Portella. What began as a pandemic-era hobby for Portella – building a boat in his garage during lockdown – has blossomed into a thriving fleet of 20 regular participants.
The growth of the OK Dinghy class in Palma received a significant boost with the awarding of the 2024 European Championship to the Real Club Náutico de Palma. This prestigious event encouraged recent sailors to join the fleet and solidified the club’s position as a leading OK Dinghy base in the Mediterranean.
Meanwhile, in the Snipe class, local sailors Víctor Pérez and Lucía Guerrero, representing the Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa, took home the gold medal. Their performance included a first and a third-place finish, giving them a two-point advantage over Jordi Triay and Lluís Mas of the Club Marítimo de Mahón, who have three European championship titles to their name. Fernando Rita and Cristián Vidal, also from Mahón, completed the Snipe class podium.
The challenging weather conditions also created logistical difficulties for some teams. Several competitors from Menorca, who were using the BMComposites Trophy as preparation for the upcoming Snipe World Championship in September (hosted by the Club Marítimo de Mahón), were forced to travel back by air after ferry connections between the islands were cancelled due to the severe weather in the Menorca channel.
Jorge Forteza, commodore of the Real Club Náutico de Palma, presided over the trophy presentation. Despite the curtailed racing schedule, Forteza emphasized the high level of competition and the rapid growth of the BMComposites Trophy over its four editions. He also highlighted the success of establishing the OK Dinghy class in Mallorca, noting the now-regular presence of 20 boats sailing in the area.
The BMComposites Trophy continues to attract a high caliber of sailors, and the 2026 edition was no exception. The event’s success underscores the enduring appeal of dinghy sailing, particularly for senior sailors seeking a challenging and rewarding on-the-water experience. The combination of competitive racing and the beautiful setting of Palma Bay makes the BMComposites Trophy a fixture on the sailing calendar.
Looking ahead, the focus for many Snipe sailors will now turn to the World Championship in Mahón this September. The logistical challenges faced by some teams this weekend serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sailing and the importance of careful planning. For the OK Dinghy class, the momentum continues to build in Mallorca, with the Real Club Náutico de Palma poised to remain a key center for the class in the years to arrive.
