#SailGPTeams: Spain
- Romy Kraus
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Los Gallos: The Defending Kings Keep Their Edge
Fresh off their 2023–24 championship victory, Spain enters the 2025 season as defending champions — and they’re proving it wasn’t a fluke. Under Olympic star Diego Botín, "Los Gallos" (The Roosters) have stayed in the top tier, blending Olympic medal talent with a young, fearless roster.
The Team
Driver: Diego Botín — Olympic 49er gold medallist and Season 4 MVP, back to defend the crown.
Wing Trimmer: Florian Trittel, Olympic gold medallist and a master of foil balance.
Crew:
Joan Cardona — flight controller and grinder, known for power and sharp tactical reads.
Joel Rodríguez — grinder/tactician, brings Olympic-level endurance.
Nicole van der Velden — strategist; a standout figure in the Women’s Pathway, now a fully integrated crew leader.(sailgp.com)
Owners & Management
Operates as a league-owned team but increasingly autonomous in operations since late 2024.
Team Leader & Technical Director: Santiago López-Vázquez, who focuses on integrating Olympic-level training and youth recruitment.
Partners
Supported by Spanish Olympic Sailing Federation and major Iberian corporate sponsors.
Official sustainability and youth sailing partner: Fundación Ecomar, promoting grassroots sailing and marine conservation in Spain.
Key Facts
“Champions with consistency”
Spain won the 2023–24 championship (Season 4), and in 2025, they have maintained strong form, holding second place overall after New York.
“Olympic synergy on deck”
Botín, Trittel, and Cardona all share Olympic experience — a core advantage in high-pressure final races.
“Women’s Pathway pioneer”
Nicole van der Velden became the first female strategist to race every event for Spain, solidifying the team’s gender-integrated approach and inspiring national interest.
The Lowdown
Performance: Podium finishes in San Francisco and New York; season win in Singapore gave them vital championship points.
Identity: Confident, youthful, proudly Spanish — "Los Gallos" celebrate energy and fearlessness, symbolized by their red rooster emblem.
Growth Direction: The team is on track for another Grand Final, with a core mission to develop local sailing talent and secure a repeat championship.
Bottom Line: Spain’s SailGP team isn’t just defending — they’re leading the evolution of the fleet. Blending Olympic brilliance and next-gen inclusivity, "Los Gallos" are proving they’re here to stay at the top.
