Palamós has gone back this weekend 40 years ago. The Finn Gold Cup, which was held in the waters of its bay in 1977, has been reminiscent of this. Four decades later, several of the regatists were there and made history in the world sail, with its winner Joaquín Blanco at the head.

Blanco won sportive but for political reasons he was not recognized the world title because the General Directorate of Sports - the current High Council of Deportes - prevented the participation of two South African regatists because of Apartheid. This made it the only time in the history of the Finn Gold Cup that recorded the winner's name in his precious Cup, in which his name appeared blank.

The world candle, but has always recognized Blanco as world champion. White was then one of the most "finnists' in the form of the moment with José Luis Doreeste and John Bertrand among others.

40 years later, Blanco recalls with nostalgia the moment: "It is a memory that I have, but that then I did not give it greater importance, although it was a political issue other than us. At that time I thought, if I'm not here this year, next year I'll win, but the bad thing is that the next year I didn't win. But I believe that at that time the General Directorate of Sports acted correctly because the South African regatists had not participated in any race and were not even discharged in the Finn class quotas. It was a more political than a sports maneuver."

Now, again in Palamós, the Finn class has wanted to recognize his world title, and that is why he was given the Finn Gold Cup and registered his name in 1977 on one of its sides. White was not expected this recognition and he was excited to say that "for me it is one of the most important moments of my sports life. I'm more excited about all the affection I've received now and this recognition, than the moment I won at 19."

In the 40th anniversary race of the Finn Gold Cup 1977 the victory was for the Galician Miguel Fernández Vasco (RCN La Coruña). In second position, tied to points to finish the Catalan Alex Muscat (CN Garraf) and third the Australian Paul McKenzie (Canet Yacht Club), the latter has also taken the title of the Master category. In Grand Master, the champion was the Olympic medalist José Luis Doreste (CN Port d'Aro), Grand Master José María Pujadas (CN Aiguablava), Super Legend Pedro Jiménez (CV Calella), Legend Miquel Alvarez (CV Calella) and Junior David Ordóñez (CV Blanes).

Of those who participated in 1977 this weekend will be reunited in Palamós will be in addition to the own Blanco, Doreste, José María Pujadas, Francisco Castañer and the Chilean Marco A. Montalbetti. And as president of the Regatas Committee, another of the world and Spanish sailing references, Paul Maes.

Recognition of Manuel Albalat and Miquel Company

The city of Palamós, through its mayor of Palamós; Lluís Puig, has wanted to recognize two key people in placing the sport of the candle to Palamós in the world: Manuel Albalat - secretary of the CN Costa Brava - Sela Palamós for more than 40 years - and Miquel Company - president of the RFEV in the 1970s and 1990s - of two recognitions, which were collected by the families of the honors.