The return of the Vuelta a Dragonera
The return of the Vuelta a Dragonera
The return, the comeback of the Vuelta, after last year’s suspension for health safety reasons, represents this year more than ever the return to the normality we all want. The kayaks, the paddle boards and the beach are back, along with the heat, friends, nature and the sea. In recent years there have been over 700 participants, and this year all records are expected to be broken—there is clearly a longing for the sea.
The Agrupació Esportiva Voltors-OJE organizes the most important non-competitive and non-profit event on the Balearic calendar, and this is already its 28th edition. The rest of the year, the Voltors monitors organize numerous canyoning, hiking and caving outings, as well as camps and other outdoor activities.
As every year, for the Vuelta a Dragonera, prior online or in-person registration at Foracorda or Vol Ras will be mandatory. Registration includes third-party insurance, a T-shirt, gifts, drinks, and the support of the volunteer sea safety team and many healthcare and rescue professionals. Civil Protection, Local Police, Guardia Civil, Maritime Rescue and other entities collaborate every year in ensuring the event’s safety. The Andratx Town Council and several private companies also collaborate, among which Astilleros de Mallorca stands out, as it has been co-sponsoring the promotion of the event almost since the first edition without interruption.
How will safety be this year?
As usual, it will be essential to use a life jacket and bib number, as the area is restricted only to participants in the event. It is also recommended to use a hat or cap, anti-jellyfish lotion or vinegar, energy drinks, nuts and a change of clothes. This year it will also be necessary to carry a mask in a pocket, in case you have to board a rescue boat or any emergency arises that prevents maintaining safe sanitary distance. Obviously, if any participant has a fever, feels unwell or shows symptoms of Covid-19, they must not participate or meet with other people from the organization or participants.
What is the Vuelta a Dragonera?
As is well known, the Vuelta a Dragonera is a recreational non-competitive event that brings together kayak and paddle board enthusiasts, although it should be remembered that it is a hard and long route that can exceed three hours of continuous paddling. It is not a “stroll with friends,” and the sea must always be respected.
It should be noted that there is the possibility of doing a shorter route for those who do not feel able that day to complete the full loop around Sa Dragonera. The short route consists of departing from the beach and going directly to the small harbor of Dragonera, where refreshments and regrouping take place. From there, everyone returns to the starting beach.
It is vital to assess each person’s physical capacity, the suitability of each vessel, paddling technique and individual safety equipment. Everyone is responsible for their own actions and should never exceed their limits.
The safety teams, made up of volunteers and local skippers, do what they can, sometimes risking their own private vessels and the safety of their crews, so it is very important not to give them more work than what an eventual emergency requires.
Finally, to avoid crowding of participants at the starting area, this year departures from the beach will be allowed between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Source:
https://www.gacetanautica.es/noticias/el-regreso-de-la-vuelta-a-dragonera