Lanzarote stands at the epicenter of nautical sports
by Biwi 17 Jan 2024 17:30 GMT
Lanzarote's status as a world-class regatta field was reaffirmed at a presentation at Marina Rubicón. The event highlighted the island's attractions for tourism and sports.
- The island stands as a training ground for national and international elite athletes, teams, and federations.
- Marina Rubicón and Calero Marinas serve as the gateway for various nautical disciplines and major global competitions.
Lanzarote's climate, with plentiful sunshine and steady winds, makes it an outstanding destination for races and training. This, combined with safety, air connectivity, and hospitality, offers a complete package for various sea-related sports, cycling, and outdoor activities, as promoted by SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote through its brand Lanzarote European Sports Destination. Sailors describe the island as having perfect training conditions and an enviable lifestyle.
As a result, Lanzarote is a preferred destination for many national and international elite athletes and sailing federations. Notably, athletes from eight out of the ten Olympic classes choose the island for their training. Ports like Marina Rubicón and Calero Marinas are pivotal for different nautical disciplines and host major competitions like the RC 44, the iQFOiL Games, and the RORC Transatlantic Race.
This winter, around 1200 athletes, including world champions and Olympic medalists, are honing their skills in Playa Blanca, emphasizing Marina Rubicón's crucial role in promoting nautical sports internationally. The CEO highlighted the significant economic impact of global competitions such as the Lanzarote International Regatta, estimated at over 12 million euros, emphasizing sailing's importance not just as a sport but also as an economic and touristic driver for the island.
Furthermore, the goal is to open Lanzarote to the sea not only for international teams but also fundamentally for the local population and children, promoting a stronger connection with the sea and sailing, instilling this passion from a young age, and making nautical sports accessible to all.
Additionally, José Juan Calero, CEO of Calero Marinas, stressed that they have always championed sailing events as a means of promoting their marinas, leveraging the island's exceptional regatta field and undeniable climatic conditions. Such events have drawn attention to the industry, attracting racing teams to establish their training bases for competitions like the Volvo Ocean Race or IMOCA.
Rafael Bonilla, president of the Canarian Sailing Federation, praised these competitions for elevating Lanzarote and the archipelago as global showcases, boosting nautical sports and showcasing sailing's diversity. He thanked schools, teams, and organizations for their essential effort and support. Together, they are strengthening sailing as a pillar of Canarian identity and promoting a sport that teaches respect, discipline, and a connection to the sea.
Lastly, Oswaldo Betancort, president of the Island Council, commended the business sector for directing efforts towards making Lanzarote a nautical sports hub and expressed his commitment to address public matters that ensure legal security and foster economic development benefiting the residents.
All this demonstrates Lanzarote's potential and suitability for sailing and nautical sports to flourish, consolidating these activities as a fundamental sports practice on the island, thanks to the virtues that our environment and waters offer for sailing.