The Gourmet Race sails out of Moraira this weekend

Tomorrow the thirteenth Gourmet Race starts in Moraira, the competition where crews cook a dish while sailing. The fleet is full: 32 boats, with a waiting list.

What happens this weekend

Every boat is handed the same product before departure. This year it is lubina, European sea bass, and it is the compulsory main ingredient. While sailing, the crew turns it into a dish. Back in the harbour they present it at the Village of Club Náutico Moraira, where a jury of fourteen chefs and gastronomes judges it.

The jury is chaired by Alberto Ferruz of BonAmb in Xàbia, a restaurant with two Michelin stars.

The programme in short

Friday 2 October: team presentations, the skippers’ meeting, handover of the products and a welcome cocktail.

Saturday 3 October: the Dock Out Show and the start at 09:30. The Village opens at 12:30, the showcooking by Nazario Cano is at 12:45. Then the prize giving and the Tardeo Gourmet Race.

What you can watch for free

The Dock Out Show and the start can be seen from the harbour quays, with no ticket and nothing to arrange. That is public space. The fleet comes back in later in the morning.

Come early. The marina sits right against the town and the parking around it is already full on an ordinary Saturday. Leave the car in the town and walk.

Whether the Village is open to members of the public not attached to a crew or a sponsor has not been announced by the organisers. The mayor of Teulada-Moraira did invite the public to come and watch.

Read more

Our full guide to the Gourmet Race has the programme hour by hour, the complete list of fourteen judges, why the choice fell on sea bass this year and what we honestly still do not know about access and prizes.

About the authorMilo Schuijt

Milo Schuijt is an entrepreneur and DJ on the Costa Blanca. He writes about the places where he lives, works and plays: from beach bars to the housing market.