The Voyage of Patín 471
An Unexpected Infatuation
The story of Patín 471 began roughly twelve or thirteen years ago when our protagonist, a regular sailor at the Club de Mar Vilanova, first discovered the patín a vela. Although he originally started sailing with a Hobie Cat, it was his friend David Arenas who invited him to try a patín for the first time. That day proved transformative:
“From that very day, I got hooked on the patín and have tried to keep sailing it ever since.”
Jordi Sanhuja is the proud owner of Patí 471
“The oldest patí still Sailing, till someone proves otherwise.”
From Vilanova to the Far Reaches of Europe
Life’s path took him away from the Catalan coast, first to Denmark and later to Austria. Yet neither distance nor the Central European climate dulled his connection to the sea or to the patín. In Austria, he came across a second-hand advertisement that would change everything: a patín that had been stored for decades in a warehouse in Lyon, France. The moment he saw it, he knew it was meant to be his:
“I saw that it was in very good condition, and it was very old, and I thought, ‘This one’s for me.’”
And so Patín 471 found its way to landlocked Austria, with the promise of summer sailing on its lakes and winter months dedicated to a careful restoration.
Unearthing a 1965 Gem
During transport, the patín absorbed the moisture it had lacked while in storage, causing some parts of the deck to separate. This challenge, however, only strengthened the owner’s resolve to restore the boat to its former glory.
Delving into its origins, and with help from Joan Coma Juncosa, honorary president of ADIPAV, he discovered that Patín 471 was built in 1965 and originally registered in Badalona. This date put it among the oldest patíns still afloat, a claim backed up by thorough research and archival invoices.
The Enchanting Features That Captivate
Among 471’s standout features is its beam, about 15 centimeters narrower than modern patíns, resulting in a unique sense of stability and maneuverability—what the sailor describes as “addictive.”
Its original wooden mast, free of additional rigging, adds a level of difficulty that only heightens the thrill for those who love feeling every nuance of the boat’s motion. The original pulley and cotton sail dating back to the 1960s further underscore its status as a historical treasure.
A Homecoming: The Regata de los 300
Not long ago, he decided to bring 471 back to Mediterranean waters to compete in the Regata de los 300 in Barcelona, an event that attracted 350 patíns from various places. The return to Catalan shores felt particularly special:
“It’s the oldest one still sailing, until someone proves otherwise.”
The regatta was more than a race: it was a tribute to patín a vela tradition, and to the sailors who preserve its legacy. Sharing experiences with fellow patinaires and watching 471 glide across the water with such grace was an unforgettable moment.
The Legacy of a Unique Vessel
Patín 471 is not merely an old boat:
“When you see it sail, you understand why the patín calls you. It’s more than a boat; it’s a passion that grips you and never lets go.”
Its story highlights the importance of preserving maritime heritage and continuing to embrace traditional sailing. In an increasingly high-tech world, Patín 471 reminds us of the value in simplicity, of true contact with the wind and water, and of a craft that has united generations of sailors.
For its owner, continuing to sail this patín—whether on seas or lakes—pays homage to the history of sailing itself. It reinforces the essence of navigation and proves that great passions transcend both time and borders.
Conclusion
Patín 471, with its original woodwork and cotton sail, has evolved into a symbol of tradition, dedication, and love for the sea. As long as there’s a breeze and a thirst for adventure, this seasoned veteran will keep penning its living chapter in the history of patín a vela. It’s a story that reaffirms, time and again, that true passion can navigate any ocean.
The video you are about to discover is more than a portrait — it is a quiet window into a way of life, a glimpse of the deep bond between a sailor and his patín.
Through slow, attentive sailing, we follow a patinaire who has devoted years to preserving and restoring Patín 471, a vessel born in 1965 and still navigating with dignity today.
This piece is not a technical demonstration, nor a documentary of great deeds. It is a short, deliberate glance into the art of sailing a patín — an art defined by simplicity, patience, and a profound dialogue with the wind and water.
Patín sailing is an understated craft: direct, without mechanical intervention, where body and boat move as one. This video seeks to honor that invisible thread between sailor and sea, between past and present.
We invite you to watch slowly, and to feel the sea as much as you see it.
Coming Soon: Patín 471 — Curated Limited Print Collection
To accompany the release of the video Patín 471, we are preparing a curated series of six photographic prints.
Each image captures a different facet of the patín’s silent dialogue with the sea — its surfaces, its movement, its presence in the water. Together, they form a quiet narrative about time, tradition, and the art of sailing.
The collection has been conceived to offer flexibility:
Individual prints for those who wish to focus on a single moment.
2x2 combinations — pairing images that speak to each other in subtle dialogues.
3x3 combinations — triptychs that weave a broader story across the wall.
Each print will be produced in limited, signed, and certified editions, using archival materials to honor the textures and essence of the originals.
One selected image will also be offered as an exclusive one-off print, a single physical copy with no reproductions — a stand against the limitless replication of the photographic medium.
More information about sizes, combinations, and pre-orders will be available very soon.
If you would like early access to the full catalogue, feel free to get in touch.
