Last April, Ibiza and its waters held one of the most important offshore boat racing events of the Mediterranean for cruise sailing, La Ruta de la Sal celebrated its 25th edition in memory of its founder Pepe Ferrés, whose name appears on the trophy.
This sporting event was held from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th of April 2012, in the middle of Holy Week. The Ruta de la Sal departed from CM Port Ginesta in Barcelona in the North Version, and from RC Náutico de Dénia in the East Version. Sailors competed for a distance of 140 miles in the direction of the island of Ibiza to reach the finish line in CN Sant Antoni de Portmany.
In the North Version route, the boats travelled a distance of 140 miles. A very tactical and dynamic navigation conditioned by the weather off the north coast of the island of Mallorca and the Tramuntana winds (north) and a lift that used the Spinnaker a lot (type of balloon shaped sail). On the other side, the boats in the East Version covered a route of 120 miles with a demanding and active line where sea sailing coexisted with a coastal route (Cap de Barbaria, Punta Rotja, Punta Muscarté and Cap Nonó) with frequent changes in course. Leaving the islands of Formentera, Tagomago and to port in Ibiza.
The boats and crews competed in the following categories: ALFA, current boats designed since 1998; INDIA, classic boats 10 meters long designed until 1997; BRAVO, classic boats 20 meters long built up until 1987; CHARLIE, classic boats 30 meters long made before 1977, ECHO, high competition sailboats Class 0 of the RTC (real time clock); DELTA, multihulls of series construction and JULIET, unrated category that will not score in the overall standings. GOLF and HOTEL classes are also allowed to participate, which are boats manned by 2 or 3 people and the TANIT category, boats in which more than 50% of the crew and skipper are female.
Participants of the race, visitors and those who are attracted by the sea world had the opportunity to enjoy various events, activities and services that were held in the Village de la Sal, in the port of Sant Antoni de Portmany. Undoubtedly, the Ruta de la Sal has become a renowned international boat race.
