Mehmet Erkut Budak Wins the Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja 2025

Torrevieja, February 2, 2025 – The XVII Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja concluded with nearly 430 sailors from 29 countries competing in challenging wind conditions. Turkey’s Mehmet Erkut Budak claimed the overall and U16 titles, followed by Spain’s Juan Lleonart and Sweden’s Alexander Forssén.

The final day saw shifting and inconsistent winds, making racing unpredictable. Lleonart led at the start but struggled in the last race, allowing Budak to secure the championship with 70 points, ahead of Lleonart (77) and Forssén (84).

In the women’s category, France’s Lilou Backes took the title, finishing ahead of Denmark’s Freja Vintergaard (silver) and Spain’s Valentina Belso (bronze). Backes also dominated the U13 girls' division, while Izan Rogel (ESP) emerged as the U13 boys’ champion, with Charlie Holland (GBR) and Giorgos Papavasileiou (GRE) completing the podium.

The awards ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and representatives from the Sailing Federation, RCN Torrevieja and event sponsors.