Gemera, Península Racing, and Aqua separated by just one point.
Puerto Calero, February 7. The 44 Cup Calero Marinas remains wide open after a demanding third day marked by unstable wind conditions.
The 44 Cup Calero Marinas experienced a third day as technical as it was unpredictable in Puerto Calero, with highly variable wind conditions that tested the skill and decision-making of the crews.
The day began with a delay due to lack of wind. Although racing was scheduled to start at 13:00, race director María Torrijo announced a half-hour postponement during the skipper briefing. The first race was started but had to be abandoned, finally getting underway at 14:00.
Northwesterly winds, ranging from 7 to 10 knots, created a particularly challenging racecourse, with constant wind shifts and pressure differences offering varied scenarios throughout the course. This forced teams to demonstrate their full tactical prowess.
In the first race of the day, victory went to Team Aqua, followed by Aleph and Península Racing. After the race, Chris Bake, skipper of Aqua, commented:
“The wind came in very slowly and shifted to the right at the start. That allowed us to find a good position early on and maintain the lead until the finish.”
The second race was won by Nika, with a very close finish. Team Aqua took second place, and Aleph completed the podium.
In the third race, an incident at the start between Nika and Artemis resulted in a two-point penalty for Nika. The race was led for much of the course by Gemera, but a strategic mistake in the final leg cost them the lead, which was taken by Península Racing. The finish was very tight between Península, Gemera, and Aleph, who crossed the line in that order.
Spectators were able to enjoy the racing from the water thanks to a special viewing boat provided by Calero Marinas, allowing them to experience the competition up close. Additionally, the RC44 class’s Hospitality program gave guests the opportunity to sail aboard one of these one-design boats and experience the adrenaline of the most established Owner-Driver class in national sailing.
The competition faces its final day this Sunday, with everything still to be decided. The overall standings show a dead heat, with the top three positions separated by just one point: Gemera – 29 points, Península Racing – 30 points, and Team Aqua – 31 points.
The 44 Cup Calero Marinas will be decided in a final day that promises excitement right to the end. All event information is available at www.44cupcaleromarinas.com.
The 44Cup Calero Marinas is organized by the 44 Class Association and Calero Marinas, with sponsorship from the Government of the Canary Islands, Islas Canarias, Cabildo de Lanzarote, Lanzarote Sports Destination, Servicio Insular de Deportes del Cabildo de Lanzarote, Ayuntamiento de Yaiza, Deportes Yaiza, and Cicar, as well as collaboration from the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife.