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PENÍNSULA RACING, CHAMPION OF THE 44 CUP CALERO MARINAS
The fleet faced shifting winds on the demanding racecourse of Lanzarote in a decisive day that tested the teams’ tactics and speed to the limit.
44CUP CALERO MARINAS
Puerto Calero, February 8, 2026 – The final day of the 44 Cup Calero Marinas delivered an exciting and closely fought conclusion. Despite challenging weather conditions, with winds ranging from 4 to 12 knots, the race committee managed to complete all three scheduled races, pushing the fleet to their limits right up to the final mark.
The first race of the day saw Península Racing, Aqua, and Charisma as the main contenders, while the second was dominated by Aleph, Charisma, and Península Racing. The third and decisive race began with all boats perfectly aligned at the start, with Península Racing and Aqua battling for every meter, aware that the championship would be decided in this race.
Gemera took victory in the final race, followed by Aleph and Nika, but Península Racing crossed the finish line just ahead of Aqua (6th and 7th, respectively), securing the overall win and the championship title.
John Bassadone, owner of Península Racing, stated:
At the prize-giving ceremony, José Juan Calero, CEO of Calero Marinas, highlighted the intensity of the competition: “We’ve witnessed some very close racing, proving that the 44CUP is one of the most competitive international circuits. I congratulate the class for its successful format, which next year celebrates its 20th anniversary. We are proud to be part of the 44 Cup circuit and thank them for their trust in us to host 14 events on the calendar.”
With this conclusion, the 44 Cup Calero Marinas bids farewell with another memorable edition, marked by challenging winds and high-level tactical racing, reaffirming the prestige of the RC44 class in international one-design sailing and Lanzarote as one of the most demanding racecourses in the world.
44CUP CALERO MARINAS
For more information about the event, visit 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, and in collaboration with the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife.
EVERYTHING TO BE DECIDED AT THE 44CUP CALERO MARINAS
Gemera, Península Racing, and Aqua separated by just one point.
44CUP CALERO MARINAS
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 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.
THE 44CUP CALERO MARINAS EXPERIENCES AN INTENSE SECOND DAY MARKED BY WIND AND TECHNIQUE
The second day of the 44Cup Calero Marinas delivered another spectacular day of racing in the waters of Lanzarote, with ideal conditions for high-level competition. The wind, ranging between 15 and 22 knots, allowed for fast and technical races, with high speeds on downwind legs and demanding runs that tested the crews’ skills.
44 Cup Calero Marinas – © Sailing Energy – 05 February, 2026
Constant wind shifts added a tactical challenge to the courses, making the races especially demanding for tacticians and raising the level of competition in each race.
All three scheduled races were completed during the day. In the first race, victory went to Team Aqua, followed by Artemis Racing and Aleph Racing. The second race was won by Gemera, ahead of Team Aqua and Artemis Racing, consolidating their consistency in the overall standings.
The big surprise of the day came in the third and final race, where the Wow! Sailing Team, co-owned by Taki & Murat Edin—one of the youngest teams in the fleet and in their second season on the 44Cup circuit—secured a brilliant win with Murat Edin at the helm. They were joined on the provisional podium by Península Racing in second place and Team Aqua in third.
After the second day, the provisional overall standings are led by Markus Törnqvist’s Gemera with 17 points, followed by Chris Bake’s Team Aqua with 20 points, and John Bassadone’s Península Racing also with 20 points, keeping the fight for the podium wide open.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, forecasts indicate a significant change in conditions, with lighter breezes expected, so everything can change and the excitement will last until the final minute.
Once again, the racing area in Lanzarote has proven its spectacular nature, offering highly changeable conditions that challenge the world’s best sailors, confirming the island as one of the most complete and demanding venues on the international circuit.
For more information about the event, visit www.44cupcaleromarinas.com.
The 44Cup Calero Marinas is organized by the 44 Class Association and Calero Marinas, with the sponsorship of 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 the collaboration of the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife.
GEMERA SETS THE PACE ON THE OPENING DAY OF PUERTO CALERO
Puerto Calero, February 5. The 44Cup Calero Marinas got underway today in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote, with an intense first day of racing that saw the RC44 fleet once again demonstrate why this circuit is one of the most demanding in the international one-design sailing scene.
44 Cup Calero Marinas – © Sailing Energy – 04 February, 2026
From 12:00, the racecourse was enlivened by a steady northeast breeze, ranging between 12 and 18 knots, allowing three high-level races to be completed, with constant changes in the rankings. The conditions were perfect for pushing both boats and crews to their limits in a setting as competitive as it is impressive.
As if the racing itself wasn’t spectacular enough, the surrounding scenery left no one indifferent. Persistent rains have created an unusual and breathtaking image of Lanzarote, with a lush green blanket contrasting sharply with the island’s usual volcanic landscape.
The competition kicked off with Artemis Racing (Sweden), helmed by Torbjörn Törnqvist, taking the first race of the day, followed by Gemera (Sweden), with Markus Törnqvist as owner-driver, and Team Charisma (Netherlands), led by Nico Poons. The second race saw Gemera take center stage, claiming victory ahead of Team Nika (Monaco/Bulgaria), skippered by Vladimir Prosikhin, and Peninsula Racing (Great Britain), with John Bassadone at the helm.
The third race further tightened the standings, with Aleph Racing (France), led by Pietro Loro Piana in place of Lepic, taking the win, while Peninsula Racing and Gemera rounded out the podium.
After the first day, the provisional standings place Gemera at the top with 6 points, followed by Peninsula Racing with 9 points and Artemis Racing with 13 points, setting the stage for an exciting competition right down to the final day.
The second day of racing will begin tomorrow at 12:00, and for Saturday, February 7, the organizers have made a free spectator boat available to the public, allowing fans to enjoy the action from the water and admire the spectacular green landscape that makes this edition of the 44Cup a unique experience. REGISTER
For more information about the event, visit www.44cupcaleromarinas.com.
The 44Cup Calero Marinas is organized by the 44 Class Association and Calero Marinas, with the sponsorship of the Government of the Canary Islands, Islas Canarias, Cabildo de Lanzarote, Lanzarote Sports Destination, Insular Sports Service of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, Yaiza Town Council, Deportes Yaiza, and Cicar, as well as the collaboration of the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife.
Puerto Calero Launches the 44Cup Calero Marinas
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.
Foto: Nico Martínez
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. REGISTER HERE
Foto: Nico Martínez
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.
“44Cup Calero Marinas 2026: The RC44 Class Elite Returns to Puerto Calero, Lanzarote”
The 44Cup kicks off its new season next week in a venue that has, over the years, become one of the great references of the international circuit: Puerto Calero, Lanzarote, Canary Islands. This location, managed by Calero Marinas, has been a key and established partner of the RC44 Class for decades, a relationship built on trust, continuity, and a shared vision of high-level sailing.
The races will take place from February 5 to 8, with a pre-event training day on Wednesday, February 4, marking the return of the RC44 fleet to Lanzarote following the close of the 2025 season, which was held for the first time at Marina Jandía, the newest facility of Calero Marinas, located in southern Fuerteventura. At that event, GeMera, owned by Markus Törnqvist, took home the trophy, although Team Nika’s consistency, with podium finishes in every event of the year, allowed Vladimir Prosikhin and his crew, led by British tactician Nic Asher, to win the season crown.
The year 2026 holds special significance for the RC44 Class, as it celebrates its 19th season of competition, solidifying its status as one of the longest-running and most prestigious one-design grand prix classes on the international scene. The appeal of the “owner-driver” format, combined with an extremely high level of competition on the water, camaraderie on shore, and the sporting value offered by the class, remains one of its defining features.
Lanzarote once again hosts the 44Cup Calero Marinas, a key venue on the circuit since 2008. Two years later, it hosted the class’s first world championship, where Larry Ellison’s Oracle Racing was crowned RC44 World Champion in these waters. Since then, Puerto Calero has witnessed some of the most memorable chapters in the class’s history, with eight different winners, six of whom will return to compete in this edition, including Artemis Racing (2011), Team Aqua (2012), Peninsula Racing (2017), and Charisma (2018).
Team Nika returns to Puerto Calero as the defending champion and a top favorite, proudly displaying the symbolic yellow leader’s jersey of the 44Cup, represented by the distinctive golden rudders adorning Prosikhin’s boat. However, Aleph Racing, owned by French sailor Hugues Lepic, also enters as a strong contender, being one of the few teams to have won this event twice, in 2021 and 2023.
The sailing conditions off Puerto Calero, dominated by the north and northeast trade winds, create a technical and demanding racecourse, highly valued by the RC44 fleet. Beyond the competition, teams highlight the hospitality of the Calero family and the legacy of Calero Marinas in the Canary Islands, which began in the late 1980s and is now consolidated with marinas in Lanzarote, La Palma, and Fuerteventura.
The 44Cup Calero Marinas is organized by the 44 Class Association and Calero Marinas, with the sponsorship of the Government of the Canary Islands, Canary Islands, Cabildo de Lanzarote, Lanzarote Sports Destination, Insular Sports Service of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, Arrecife City Council, Deportes Arrecife, Turismo Arrecife, and Cicar, as well as the collaboration of the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife.
Picture @Nico Martinez / 44Cup – Image of the fleet during the 2024 edition of RC44 Calero Marinas.