If you think sailing is just a weekend hobby, think again. For Andrea Harley Ruiz Morales from Ensenada, sailing is a test of strength, focus, and relentless perseverance—and this year, it paid off in silver.
A Sea of Talent in Yucatán
At the 2025 Olimpiada Nacional CONADE, Mexico’s most important national sports event for young athletes, one Ensenadense sailor stood out. Andrea Harley Ruiz Morales, just 17 years old, clinched a silver medal in the ILCA 6 women’s category (ages 17–18), proving her consistency after winning bronze the year before.
What’s ILCA 6?
ILCA stands for International Laser Class Association. The ILCA 6 category refers to a specific type of single-handed sailboat, known for its agility and physical demands. Competitions are intense, often involving nine one-hour races over three days. Victory depends not on who wins most races, but who accumulates the fewest points—making every second and every gust of wind count.
Hard Work Behind the Sails
Andrea’s preparation has been no small feat. She trains every weekend under the guidance of coach Jorge Kornegay Sánchez and hits the gym during the week. Earlier this year, she competed in an international regatta in Cancún and trained for three weeks in Acapulco to get ready for this big event. Boats for the competition were rented in Valle de Bravo and shipped to Yucatán—a logistical move common in this sport due to high costs and distances.
Not Just About Speed
Sailing isn’t always smooth seas. In one of the races, other competitors had to drop out after their masts broke—a reminder of how physically and technically demanding the sport is. Andrea, however, remained steady, showing the kind of resilience and focus that wins medals.
Rising Star from Ensenada
Andrea’s back-to-back medals—bronze in her first national showing and now silver—are proof of her growth and potential. She’s not just representing Baja California; she’s putting Ensenada on the map in the world of sailing.
Cheers from the Port
A huge shoutout to Andrea Harley for her determination and grit, and to coach Jorge Kornegay for supporting her journey. From Ensenada’s shores to national waters, this duo is charting a course for greatness.
