This weekend, the Royal Regatta Club of Alicante hosts the Monotype League. If you've ever wanted to experience a regatta from the sea, this is your unique opportunity.
Sailing regattas are one of the most elegant sports spectacles in the Mediterranean. This Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th, 2025, Alicante becomes the stage for the Monotype League, a competition organized by the Royal Regatta Club of Alicante (RCRA) that brings together the best sailors from the Valencian Community.
What's interesting about this regatta is that it takes place close to the coast, allowing it to be observed from different perspectives: land, sea, or even while paddleboarding. Today we'll tell you what the experience is like from the water.
What is the RCRA Monotype League?
The Monotype League is a competition where all sailboats are identical, ensuring that the result depends exclusively on the skipper's skill and their crew. This format makes the regattas especially exciting, as the boats are very evenly matched.
Competition Characteristics:
- Over 30 participating sailboats from different nautical clubs
- Several races during the weekend with cumulative scoring
- Technical courses including tacks, jibes and complex maneuvers
- Sporting and festive atmosphere around the Royal Regatta Club
"Monotype regattas are pure spectacle because everyone races so close together. You can see continuous position changes and really technical maneuvers," explains Marina López, RCRA sailor with over 10 years of experience.
Race Schedule and Program
Saturday, October 4th
- 10:00 AM: Skippers' meeting at RCRA
- 11:30 AM: First starting signal
- 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM: First races development
- 5:00 PM: Expected end of the day
Sunday, October 5th
- 10:30 AM: Final preparations
- 11:30 AM: Races resume
- 2:00 PM: Decisive race
- 4:00 PM: Trophy ceremony at the club
How to Watch the Regattas from the Sea
Best Observation Zones
In Front of Postiguet Beach
This is the most popular area for watching from boats:
- Complete view of the race course
- See starts, marks and finishes
- Adequate depth for anchoring (8-12 meters)
- Visual reference: between Santa Barbara Castle and the port
Cabo de las Huertas
Offers a different perspective:
- Side view of the course
- Less boat congestion
- Possibility to combine with a swim in nearby coves
Marina Area
Only for small vessels:
- Very close perspective
- Feel the nautical club atmosphere
- Requires good knowledge of port navigation rules
Important Safety Rules
⚠️ Spectator boats must:
- Maintain a minimum distance of 150 meters from the official course
- Respect buoys delimiting the competition zone
- Listen to VHF channel 9 for committee communications
- Always give way to competitors
- Avoid crossing the race course during races
Options for Being on the Water
1. Rent a Boat with Skipper
The most comfortable option if you don't have a license or experience:
- The skipper knows the best observation areas
- Can explain maneuvers and racers' strategies
- Positions you safely and legally
- From €250-350 for a group
2. Bring Your Own Boat
If you have your own vessel and license:
- Total freedom of movement
- You can stay as long as you want
- Important to know regatta rules well
3. Paddle Surf or Kayak
For the more adventurous:
- View from water level
- More physical and active experience
- Must maintain safe distance
- Ideal from Albufereta Beach
What to Bring if Going by Boat
Essential
- Sun protection (SPF 50+ cream, sunglasses, hat)
- Layered clothing - autumn conditions in Alicante are perfect but can get cool at sunset
- Nautical footwear or non-marking sole shoes
- Water and some food
- Binoculars if you want to see maneuver details
Recommended
- Camera or phone with good battery
- Windbreaker jacket for the afternoon
- Hat with strap (wind can blow it away)
- Identification document
Understanding What You're Watching
Types of Maneuvers You'll See
The Start The most spectacular moment. Boats try to cross the line just when the signal sounds, but without jumping early. You'll see last-moment maneuvers and lots of tension.
Tacks When boats round buoys they must change course abruptly. This is when most positions can be gained or lost.
Upwind Sailing against the wind in zigzag. Boats go very close together and this is when the most technical overtaking occurs.
Downwind Sailing with the wind with the spinnaker deployed (large, colorful sail). Visually spectacular.
Weather Forecast
According to latest predictions:
- Temperatures: 22-24°C
- Wind: Northeast 8-12 knots (perfect for racing)
- Sea: Slight swell (0.5-1m)
- Sky: Clear or partly cloudy
- Rain probability: Minimal
Ideal conditions both for competing and observing from the sea.
After the Regattas
At the Royal Regatta Club
The atmosphere at the club after competitions is part of the experience:
- Comments among sailors about the races
- Club dining area
- Trophy ceremony on Sunday afternoon
Other Options in Alicante
If you're on a boat and want to make the most of the day:
- Anchoring at Cabo de las Huertas for a sunset swim
- Excursion to Tabarca if you leave early on Sunday
- Walk around the marina with its terraces
- Dinner at one of the nautical restaurants
Why It's Worth Watching from the Sea
Watching regattas from land is fine, but from the water is a completely different experience:
- 360° perspective: You can move and see from different angles
- You hear the boat: The sound of sails, crew commands
- You feel the speed: When a sailboat passes close at 8-10 knots it's impressive
- You share the medium: You're in the same element as the competitors
- Total freedom: You can stay or leave whenever you want
Final Tips
✓ Arrive early to your observation area (before 11:00 AM)
✓ Be patient - there are breaks between races
✓ Always respect competition zones
✓ Enjoy the environment - it's not just the regatta, it's the Mediterranean
✓ Take advantage to learn - observe the skippers' strategies
Conclusion
The Monotype League is an excellent opportunity to enjoy nautical sports in Alicante from a privileged perspective. Whether you rent a boat, bring your own or try paddleboarding, experiencing regattas from the water is something every sea lover should try at least once.
This weekend, the Alicante Mediterranean fills with white sails competing. You just have to choose where you want to watch from.
If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in learning more about autumn sailing in Alicante or discovering the best nautical routes of the Costa Blanca.
