Interview with Ignacio Peguero, New National Secretary of Spain

Spain is one of the most important countries for the Snipe Class, in terms of membership numbers, the richness of its national calendar, and the quality of its sailors. Below is the interview with the newly elected National Secretary.

by Jose C. Alegria 01/03/2026

Interview with Ignacio Peguero, New National Secretary of Spain Image

Ignacio was born on February 18th, 1970, in Antequera, in the province of Málaga.

How did you get started in sailing?

I was living in Málaga and, at the age of nine, I started attending the Real Club Mediterráneo. That is where I learned to sail, progressing through the Optimist, Cadet, and Snipe classes. In the Snipe class, I had the opportunity to sail as a crew member with some of the best skippers from Málaga. I continued sailing until 1988, when I went to study in Cádiz. There, I kept sailing at the RCN Cádiz—first in the Snipe and then in the 420—during some very intense years.

After finishing my university degree, it was time for military service. I had the great privilege of serving on the Naval Regatta Commission in Palma de Mallorca, where I eventually settled.

What made you choose the Snipe Class?

The Snipe Class has always matched my understanding of the sport: nature, camaraderie, fun, and high-level competition. I dare say it’s the most popular class in Spain, enjoyed by a very wide age range, which makes it very appealing at different stages of life. In my case, after many years of racing big boats, I decided to return to dinghy sailing. After trying out different boats, I fortunately ended up back in the Snipe at the RCN Palma.

Before serving as National Secretary, were you a fleet captain or did you hold any other management positions?

I had the opportunity to be the fleet captain for Fleet 248 (RCN Palma) and the District Governor for the Balearic Islands—a position I left when I joined the SCIRA-Spain board as treasurer.

Do you practice any other sports besides sailing?

I’ve always been drawn to outdoor sports. I practiced them intensely from a young age; I do so less frequently now, but I still try to get out a couple of times a year. Another sport I’ve enjoyed is padel tennis, which I’ve taken up again after many years, along with water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding.

What are your future plans in sailing and for the Snipe class?

My future plans involve continuing to compete in the Snipe Class, focusing on the Master category. I am committed to participating in a select group of regattas to compete and enjoy both the sport and the company. I’d like to combine this with yacht cruising, but at my age, it’s difficult to balance family, work, and hobbies.