Fuerteventura to host the 35th Canary Islands Latin Sailing Dinghy Championship

Puerto del Rosario Bay will become the centre of Canary Islands Latin sailing over the next two weeks, with the 35th Canary Islands 5-Metre Latin Sailing Dinghy Championship bringing together boats from across the archipelago that qualified through their island competitions.

Up to eight races will be held on 24, 25 and 31 October and 1 November, with two races each day. The event will feature 31 boats from across the archipelago: eight from Lanzarote, four from La Graciosa, nine from Gran Canaria and eight from Fuerteventura.

The championship was presented at the Juan Ismael Art Centre in Puerto del Rosario. Those attending included Fuerteventura Island Council president Lola García; Lorena Hernández, Director General for Traditional Sports at the Canary Islands Government; and island sports councillor Luis González. Also present were councillors David de León, from Puerto del Rosario, and Gleiber Carreño, from La Oliva, as well as Juan Monzón, sports councillor at Lanzarote Island Council.

The sport was represented by Luis Toledo, president of the Canary Islands Federation of Latin Sailing Dinghies, and José Pascual Perdomo, president of the Fuerteventura Island Federation of Dinghies, who was representing the hosts, along with representatives of the participating clubs.

Fuerteventura Island Council president Lola García said: “Latin sailing is more alive than ever on Fuerteventura. Over the coming weeks, we will witness a high-level competition in a sport that is so important to our islands.” She also praised the Canary Islands Federation’s work in organising the event, as well as that of the Island Federation, which, she said, “has not only succeeded in increasing participation in this sport, but is also seeing more women take part and developing young talent to keep passing on the values of this sport”.

Lorena Hernández, Director General for Traditional Sports at the Canary Islands Government, thanked the federations and institutions involved and highlighted the growth in women’s participation. “It is a source of pride to have a women’s team from each of the participating islands and to keep working so that this tradition is not lost,” she said.

Representing Puerto del Rosario Town Council, councillor David de León thanked the federations and clubs for their efforts in bringing the competition to the bay by the island capital. “We wish all the competitors the best of luck and hope the weather holds so we can enjoy the races in the best possible conditions,” he said.

Luis Toledo, president of the Canary Islands Federation of Latin Sailing Dinghies, highlighted the sporting and cultural value of the championship, which is now in its 35th year. “It is an opportunity for our athletes to compete against the best and to keep our culture and identity alive, especially among young people,” he said.

Fuerteventura Island Federation president Pascual Perdomo said he was pleased that Fuerteventura was hosting the championship again and thanked the island’s institutions and clubs for their support. “We are very proud to hold this championship in Fuerteventura for another year and to continue to have our clubs and athletes taking part,” he said.

The 35th Canary Islands Latin Sailing Dinghy Championship is organised by the Canary Islands Federation of Latin Sailing Dinghies, together with the island federations of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. It is supported by Fuerteventura Island Council, the Canary Islands Government through its Directorate General for Traditional Sports, Puerto del Rosario Town Council, ADI, Aguas Firgas, Puertos de Las Palmas, Radio Televisión Canaria, Aejest, Supermercados La Mar and Graciplus.