⛵The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent: Spain's oldest regatta celebrates 60 years
What is and when is The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent?
Next Saturday 13 June, the Club Náutico Sevilla will celebrate the 60th edition of The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent, the oldest and most emblematic regatta on the national dinghy sailing calendar. Since 1966, connecting the mouth of the Guadalquivir in Sanlúcar de Barrameda with the Andalusian capital is a tradition that endures with the aim of promoting navigation along Andalusia's main river.
The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent represents, in essence, the perfect fusion of sport, adventure and river heritage.
What is the history of The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent?
📜History and organisation of The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent
The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent was born on 1 May 1966, promoted by the Club Náutico Sevilla, which has organised it uninterruptedly, making it its oldest event. Over six decades, more than 3,500 boats and 6,000 sailors have taken part in this event, which is considered the oldest and longest regatta on the national dinghy sailing calendar.
The organisation is entirely the responsibility of the Club Náutico Sevilla, with the support of the Andalusian Sailing Federation (FAV) and the sponsorship of institutions such as the Junta de Andalucía, Seville City Council and private entities such as Sevitrade or the Port of Seville.
The competition also has an Honorary Committee chaired by King Felipe VI, who assumed the presidency in 2014, replacing his father, Juan Carlos I, who had already distinguished the event since 1982.
What is the route of The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent?
📍The route of The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent runs along the river from its mouth in Sanlúcar de Barrameda to Seville, divided into two stages totalling 42 nautical miles (approximately 77.8 km). The start takes place at high tide (around 9:00 a.m. in previous editions).
The event is completed with two special moments: the end of the first stage in Coria del Río (the 38-mile scoring section) and the subsequent navigation to the facilities of the Club Náutico Sevilla, for which the fleet must wait for the opening of the Puente de las Delicias bridge.
Once the regatta is over, a gala dinner and trophy presentation are held. Participation is open to dinghy and cruiser classes, which reinforces the inclusive and diverse nature of the event.
🏆Who won last year's Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent and main sailors?
The 2025 edition (59th) had as absolute winner the latest generation catamaran 'Gallito' from Foiling Base Cádiz, skippered by Pablo Guitián. The crew was completed by Luis Brito, Sol Lopez, Susana Ridao, Pablo Franco and Arturo Arauz, with Jaime Aguirregomezcorta and Santiago Grosso as substitutes. 'Gallito' completed the 38 miles to Coria del Río in 5 hours and 33 minutes, receiving the Spanish Navy Trophy for the first classified in real time.
The historical record of the route, however, remains intact since 2023 in the hands of French windsurfer Nicolás Auriol (C.V. Dársena), who set it in 4 hours and 24 minutes on a Raceboard. The previous record, valid for 36 years, had been held since 1988 by Julián Príncipe and Luis Miguel Torres (Real Club Náutico de Cádiz) with a time of 4 hours and 25 minutes in the Hobbie Cat 16 class.
As for the historical record of absolute winners, Rafael Iturrioz, from the Naval Commission of Cádiz, stands out with ten triumphs between 1969 and 1987.
👥 More notable sailors
The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent is also known for hosting sailors from different backgrounds. World champions and Olympic representatives such as Fernando Climent, Olympic silver medallist in Los Angeles 84, as well as José María de Marco Pérez, Alberto Molina Castillo and Enrique Briones Pérez de la Blanca, world champions in rowing, have sailed through its waters. Last year, the 'Idefix I' boat, captained by Miguel Ángel Cervantes, who is also a sailing board member of the Club Náutico Sevilla, was also the winner in the Cruiser class.
♿The inclusive nature of The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent
A highly valued element of The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent is its commitment to inclusion. In the 2025 edition, the 'Habibi II' from the Real Club Marítimo y Tenis de Punta Umbría took part, crewed entirely by athletes with disabilities and led by Paralympian Arturo Montes, who raced together with Javier Reja, Luis Redondo and world padel champion Coco Bernal in an initiative of the IN Association. In addition, the youngest sailor in history, Elena Moreno-Aurioles (6 years old), was awarded the Memorial Carlos Gassol for completing the course on board a Raquero.
What are the Sponsors and collaborating entities of The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent?
💰 The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent maintains its viability thanks to the support of multiple entities:
- Public institutions: Junta de Andalucía, Seville City Council, Diputación de Cádiz and Port of Seville.
- Private sponsors: El Corte Inglés, Sevitrade and various nautical entities.
- Collaborators such as the Municipal Sports Institute (IMD) and the Royal Naval League also take part.
🎯Why is The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent held?
The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent was created with the purpose of promoting navigation along the main river of the Andalusian community and keeping alive the tradition of sailing up its course. The event combines competition and adventure, challenging the technique and endurance of the crews, and placing the natural environment at the heart of the sporting experience.
This year, the fifth edition of the Memorial Ricardo Carracedo Cabrera will also be held, in homage to the former director of the event and international sailing coach, a key figure for Sevillian sailing.
💖 What does The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent represent for Seville, sailing and The Sun Places?
For Seville:
- The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent is an emblematic event that reinforces the city's historical and cultural bond with the river. Its annual celebration promotes tourism, boosts the local economy and places Seville on the international map of nautical competitions.
- For the city, this regatta is much more than a sporting event: it is a vindication of the heritage and natural value of the Guadalquivir.
For Sailing:
- At the national level, the Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent is an indisputable reference point. It is the oldest and longest regatta on the Spanish calendar, an event that brings together the best of dinghy and cruiser sailing. For sailors, taking part in this event is an honour and a challenge, as the changing wind and tide conditions on the river make it a unique event in the world.
For The Sun Places:
- At The Sun Places, which is committed to unique, high-quality experiences, the Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent embodies our values of connection with tradition, adventure and responsible luxury. For our guests, witnessing or taking part in this historic regatta is an opportunity to experience sport in its purest form in a privileged setting.
🛥️Experience the Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent with The Sun Places: exclusive plans
At The Sun Places we know that attending The Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent is much more than watching a regatta: it is a unique experience that combines sport, tradition and unforgettable river landscapes.
That is why we have designed a special package so that you can enjoy this sporting event with maximum comfort and without worries.
🏠 Luxury Apartments in Seville and Luxury Apartments in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
We offer you fully equipped luxury apartments in the two key locations of the event:
- In Seville: Our Luxury Apartments in Seville are located in the historic centre (Santa Cruz district, El Arenal or near the Club Náutico Sevilla), so you can follow the arrival of the boats and the awards ceremony in complete comfort.
🧭 Exclusive services included
- Strategic location: Apartments just a few metres from the river and the nerve centres of the regatta.
- Personalised concierge: We help you get tickets for the premium areas (start or finish grandstands), organise your transport and recommend the best restaurants to celebrate.
- Private transfers: If you want to follow the regatta from different points (Sanlúcar, Coria del Río, Seville), we arrange a vehicle with driver for you.
- Gastronomic experiences: We book you a table at the best bars and restaurants to enjoy Sanlúcar langoustines, camaron fritters or Andalusian fried fish with river views.
🎟️ Recommended plan for the Ascent weekend
- Friday (day before the start): Arrival at your Luxury Apartment in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. In the evening, welcome dinner in Bajo de Guía with typical products and manzanilla.
- Saturday (race day): Start from Bajo de Guía beach (approx. 9:00 a.m.). Follow the race from a rented boat (we help you arrange it) or from the authorised viewing points. In the afternoon, transfer to Seville.
- Sunday: From your Luxury Apartment in Seville, watch the arrival of the boats at the Club Náutico Sevilla. Take part in the awards ceremony and enjoy a celebration meal at a restaurant with river views.
- Monday: If you are left wanting more and want to take advantage of a morning to Play Golf, we can arrange a round for you at one of the best Golf Courses in Seville, followed by a meal in a relaxed, totally natural environment.
📞 Contact The Sun Places for any questions or information
If you need to resolve any questions about the Guadalquivir International Sailing Ascent (dates, route, timetables, how to buy tickets for the authorised areas) or about the city of Seville (what to visit, where to eat, how to get around), our team of experts is at your disposal.
But if you decide to stay in another of the destinations prepared by The Sun Places, here are our Premium destinations: Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús and Luxury Apartments in Madrid among other destinations.