Puerto Calero today, 4 February, hosted the official launch of the 44Cup Calero Marinas, one of the most prestigious sailing competitions on the international scene, once again placing Lanzarote at the heart of high-level sailing.
This event marks the official start of the regatta, with the official training session taking place today, while the official races will run from tomorrow, 5 February, through to Sunday, 8 February, in the waters of Puerto Calero.
The launch event was attended by representatives from the organisers, local institutions, and sailors.
José Juan Calero, CEO of Calero Marinas, expressed his gratitude for the trust the RC44 class has placed in Puerto Calero since 2008 for hosting its events, highlighting the significant economic and media impact the competition brings to the island of Lanzarote.
For his part, Bertrand Favre, director of the RC44 class, noted that few destinations can simultaneously offer both optimal infrastructure and racing conditions for top-tier events, emphasising that the circuit has grown stronger over time. Favre also expressed satisfaction at the class’s growth and maturation alongside Calero Marinas’ organisation over the years.
Representing local institutions, Héctor Fernández, CEO of the Lanzarote External Promotion Society, underscored that Lanzarote leads Canary Islands in visitor spending, a trend boosted by high-profile sporting events such as the 44Cup Calero Marinas. He also highlighted the perfect alignment of this competition with the island’s promotional strategy through the Lanzarote Sports Destination brand.
Juan Mozón, Councillor for Sports at the Lanzarote Island Council, thanked private initiatives for making it possible to host world-class events. He added that his department is working towards Lanzarote being declared a European Island of Sport.
The Mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda, emphasised the effort, work, and commitment of the Calero family, thanking them for turning the municipality of Yaiza into a benchmark for international sailing. He also noted that the repeated hosting of the event demonstrates the importance of having a solid, high-level organisation.
From a sporting perspective, two sailors from Península Racing spoke to the media: Matthew Barber (Grinder) and Julia Miñana (Floater). Barber highlighted that, despite competing in numerous high-level international circuits, the 44Cup stands out for its cohesion and competitiveness, making the races particularly attractive. He also praised Lanzarote as a racing venue that always offers excellent sailing conditions.
Julia Miñana, a sailor from dinghy sailing, explained that her integration into the team was natural, as she had previously worked with Canarian Gustavo Martínez Doreste, coach of Península Racing. Regarding the role of women in sailing, she noted that when she started, there were few female role models in top-level competition, but now many women are involved in major projects, expressing her hope that this presence will continue to grow.
As part of the event’s side activities, organisers have arranged a free spectator boat, departing from Puerto Calero on 7 February, giving the public the chance to follow the races from the sea.
For more information about the event, visit www.44cupcaleromarinas.com.
The 44Cup Calero Marinas is organised by the 44 Class Association and Calero Marinas, with sponsorship from the Government of the Canary Islands, Canary Islands, Lanzarote Island Council, Lanzarote Sports Destination, Lanzarote Island Council Sports Service, Yaiza Town Council, Yaiza Sports, and Cicar, and in collaboration with the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife.
