Monte Real Club de Yates de Baiona (MRCYB) has been distinguished with the Nautical Sports Merit Cross which is awarded annually by the Spanish Maritime Sports League (Spanish Federation of Naval Leagues). “Commitment, tenacity, leadership and exemplary work for society” were some of the noted valued aspects when awarding the Baionese club this distinction, which set out to recognize an “exemplary professional career.”

This new recognition comes to MRCYB in one of the most prolific years of recent decades, in which it not only hosted the prestigious TP52 SUPER SERIES, but was also responsible for organizing the J80 Spanish Championship, the Spanish Cruise Championship and the Final of the Women’s National Sailing League. All this in addition to the regattas included in its usual sports calendar, among which is the notable Príncipe de Asturias Trophy, with the National Sailing Awards, and the Conde de Gondomar Trophy.

The president of the MRCYB José Luis Álvarez poses after receiving the medal from the president of the FELAN José Carlos Tamayo – Ludovica Reggio

MRCYB’s inclusive and adapted sailing activities (including those for women who have been victims of gender-based violence, people with functional diversity, children in care and children with behavioral problems), and its Women’s Sailing project that has for years sought to promote women in the world of sailing, were other aspects valued when granting the club this recognition.

The president of the MRCYB, José Luis Álvarez, accepted the award at a seafaring fellowship meal held at the Principal Casino in Guadalajara. The ceremony, led by the President of the FELAN (Spanish Federation of Naval Leagues), José Carlos Tamayo, included the singing of Salve Marinera and a toast to His Majesty King Felipe VI, honorary president of Monte Real.

The president of the MRCYB José Luis Álvarez with some of the authorities attending the event – Ludovica Reggio

In addition to the Nautical Sports Merit Cross, José Luis Álvarez also collected diplomas and recognition pins for the rest of the Board of Directors of Monte Real, which includes Alejandro Retolaza (vice president), Ignacio Sánchez Otaegui (commodore), Francisco Pino (vice commodore), César Fernández-Casqueiro (secretary), Fernando Yáñez (treasurer), Miguel Font (member of facilities and projects), Margarita Cameselle (member of sporting events) and Genoveva Pereiro (member of foreign relations).

The medal received by the Baionese club is a golden Latin Cross, enameled in white, which bears in the center the circular shield of the Spanish Maritime League on a blue background. Oak leaves adorn the cross where it meets the crimson red ribbon.