The Valencian Federation awarded its best regatists in Gandia in 2016 (Photo Pep Portas)

As every year, the Federation of Vela of the Valencia Community celebrated the opening of the campaign "A Sea of Champions" that honors the members of the sports palmaris of each year. 48 regatists that the clubs of the Comunitat Valenciana that obtained podium in national or international competitions met at the Real Club Náutico de Gandia to receive the tribute of the community of the sailing. The honored athletes were the one for their success in the different categories of light sailing, cruise sailing and, within this one, the Memorial Juan Moreno- Trofeo Generalitat in all its classes. The event was chaired by the president of the Federation of Vela de la Comunidad Valenciana, José Martínez, accompanied by the sports councillor of the City Council of Gandia, Lídia Morant, the vice president of the CN Gandia Miguel Domínguez and the tribute was attended by, among others, the former member of the Real Federación Española de Vela and candidate for the re-election of Julia Casanueva, the president of the Real Club Náutico de Palma, the Real Club Náutico de Valencia and numerous managers of other clubs, managers, coaches, athletes and family members. The A Sea of Champions campaign was presented in Gandia and now, as a travelling initiative, will continue to tour the Valencian nautical clubs throughout the year to deliver the awards, also, to the autonomous champions of each specialty. During the event the president of Valencia dedicated a special mention of support to the hosts, to the Nautical Club of Gandia, currently involved in a dispute with a private operator who aspires to manage as a marina the facilities of the club after the contest planned in spite of the traditional management of the nautical club, focused on the promotion of sport and cultural and citizen vertebration.