On April 10th and 11th, the Real Club de Regatas de Alicante (RCRA) hosted the final stage of the Jocs Esportius, a sailing event aimed at the youngest sailors taking their first steps in competition. The event once again cemented Alicante's reputation as a benchmark for training the next generation of sailors.
Here's what the event looked like, why children's sailing is booming on the Costa Blanca, and how your family can enjoy a first-time nautical experience — no qualifications or prior experience needed.
What Are the Jocs Esportius?
The Jocs Esportius are a programme of youth sports competitions run by the Valencian Community that includes dinghy sailing categories for beginners. Their goal is to bring the sport of sailing closer to children and teenagers in a fun, educational environment — far from the pressure of high-level racing.
In Alicante, the final stage took place at the RCRA, one of the oldest yacht clubs in Spain (founded in 1889), setting sail from the very same harbour where cruising yachts and recreational boats dock. Participants raced in Optimist and Techno 293 classes — boats specifically designed for learning and getting started.
A Growing Pipeline of Young Sailors
This year's edition stood out for its high turnout, with young sailors arriving from clubs across the province and the Valencian Community. The day included several races in the waters of Alicante Bay, with favourable weather conditions that allowed the competition to run smoothly.
The highlight wasn't the results but the scene itself: dozens of colourful sails dotting the bay, handled by children barely eight or nine years old. For many, it was their first real competition after months of training at local sailing schools.
The Jocs Esportius play a vital role in Alicante's nautical ecosystem. They are the gateway to a sporting career that can lead to national and international competitions — but more importantly, they are a way to connect children with the sea from an early age.
Sailing as a Family Activity: More Accessible Than You Think
Watching these young sailors in action sparks a natural question for many families: can my children experience something like this? The answer is yes — and they don't need to enrol in a sailing school or buy a boat.
In Alicante, there are options for families with children of any age to enjoy a day on the water without any experience or sailing licence. Skippered sailboat trips are the most comfortable and safest way to introduce the little ones to the world of sailing.
What Does a Family Sailboat Trip Include?
A typical half-day (4-hour) or full-day (8-hour) trip departing from Alicante harbour includes:
- Professional skipper who handles all navigation and safety
- Paddle surf boards for kids and adults to play in crystal-clear coves
- Snorkelling gear to explore the seabed
- Open bar with soft drinks, beer, and tinto de verano (parents deserve a treat too)
- Visits to nearby coves such as Postiguet, Almadraba, or Playa de San Juan on half-day trips
- An excursion to Tabarca Island on full-day trips of 8 hours or more, with a restaurant reservation included
The boat becomes a safe floating playground where children can try paddle surfing, go snorkelling, spot fish, and simply enjoy the sea with their families. There are no rigid schedules or fixed itineraries — the skipper adapts the route to the wind, the group, and the family's pace.
From Spectator to Protagonist: Why Sailing Hooks Kids
Outdoor education experts agree that nautical activities develop skills in children that are hard to build on land: independence, decision-making, teamwork, respect for nature, and a healthy relationship with controlled risk.
The Jocs Esportius prove the interest is there. And for many families, the first sailboat trip is the trigger — children see the sails, feel the wind, touch the water, and want more. It's not unusual for a family outing to end with a child asking when they can come back.
Three Ways to Introduce Your Kids to Sailing in Alicante
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Skippered sailboat trip: the most immediate option. No experience, no preparation. Just pick a date and step aboard. Perfect for a first taste of the sea in a safe environment.
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Sailing schools: the RCRA and other clubs in the area offer summer courses and beginner lessons for children from age 6–7, usually in Optimist dinghies.
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Events like the Jocs Esportius: watching from the harbour or from a boat is an inspiring way to see other kids sail and motivate your own.
Alicante: the Family Sailing Capital of the Mediterranean
It's no coincidence that events like the Jocs Esportius are held here. Alicante combines conditions that make it one of the best Mediterranean destinations for family sailing:
- Over 300 days of sunshine a year and mild temperatures even in spring and autumn
- Sheltered waters in the bay, with moderate swell ideal for novice sailors
- First-class nautical infrastructure: the RCRA, the marina, and multiple charter companies
- Accessible coves and destinations less than an hour's sail away: Tabarca, Cabo de las Huertas, Playa de San Juan
- A calendar of nautical events ranging from international regattas like TabarcaVela to educational days like the Jocs Esportius
For families visiting the Costa Blanca in peak season, a sailboat trip is a refreshing alternative to crowded beaches. And for local families, it can become a regular plan that creates unforgettable memories.
How to Organise Your First Sailboat Trip with Kids
If the Jocs Esportius have inspired you and you'd like your family to enjoy their first experience at sea, organising a trip is easier than you think:
- Choose the duration: half-day (4h) is perfect for families with small children; full-day (8h) if you want to reach Tabarca.
- Book in advance: in peak season (June–August) availability fills up fast.
- You don't need anything special: the boat comes fully equipped (drinks, paddle surf, snorkel). Just bring sunscreen, swimwear, and enthusiasm.
- Groups of up to 12 people: ideal for gathering several families or throwing a unique children's birthday party.
The departure point is at the Real Club de Regatas de Alicante, right in the city centre — just steps from where the young Jocs Esportius sailors competed this weekend.
Conclusion: The Sea as a Classroom
The Jocs Esportius remind us of something Alicante has always known: the sea is the best classroom. Whether in a competitive Optimist or aboard a 19-metre sailboat with the whole family, the experience of sailing transforms how children — and adults — connect with their surroundings.
If you're thinking about giving your kids an experience they'll never forget, you don't have to wait for the next Jocs Esportius. The sea off Alicante is out there, waiting.