Unveiling the Thrill of the Memorial Carmelo Hernández: Vuelta a Lobos
On a sunny Saturday, the picturesque waters off the coast of Lanzarote were alive with excitement as the annual Memorial Carmelo Hernández, also known as the Vuelta a Lobos, took place. This thrilling sailing event serves as a qualifying race for the final of the Campeonato de Canarias de Cruceros, scheduled for June. With six eager vessels setting sail, the stage was set for an exhilarating day of competition.
The Adventure Begins
The race kicked off in the morning, greeted by a favorable north-northwest wind that propelled the fleets at speeds both exhilarating and challenging. Winds reached impressive intensities of up to 25 knots near Isla de Lobos, providing sailors with an unforgettable experience on the open waters. Among the competitors, the Sorondongo VI, helmed by Miguel Ángel Armas, was the first to cross the finish line, achieving a remarkable time of 3 hours, 17 minutes, and 39 seconds for the 25 nautical mile stretch.
Stellar Performances and Final Rankings
While the Sorondongo VI was the first to complete the race, it was the Antigua Craiova, navigated by Ye Cabrera, that topped the final standings after time adjustments were calculated. The meticulous process of compensating for time differences ensured a fair competition, leading to thrilling placements:
- 1st: Antigua Craiova (Ye Cabrera)
- 2nd: Sorondongo IV (Miguel Ángel Armas)
- 3rd: Manitu (Pedro J. Rodríguez)
In Group A, the Antigua Craiova continued to shine, securing the top position, followed closely by the Sorondongo VI and Salite, helmed by Felipe Brito. Meanwhile, Group B saw the Manitu take home the gold, closely pursued by Pionene (Miguel Pérez) and Altamar I (Francisco Curbelo), who claimed third place.
A Path to the Championship
The Memorial Carmelo Hernández is more than just a race; it acts as a selection process for the Lanzarote and Fuerteventura sailing zone to determine the fleet that will compete in the regional finals. Upcoming is another race, the Regata a La Graciosa, scheduled to take place in two weeks. This race will ultimately finalize the selection of five boats from among the competitors that will represent the region in the championship event in June.
Celebrating Achievements and Community Spirit
As the last sails retreated into the harbor, participants and supporters gathered at Isla de Lobos for a well-deserved celebration. Sponsored by Lanzarote Sailing Paradise, the regatta concluded with a delightful lunch, fostering camaraderie and community among sailors. The day also included the much-anticipated trophy presentation for the Memorial Carmelo Hernández, with stunning awards crafted by renowned Lanzarote sculptor Bonilla, adding a touch of local artistry to the honors.
The Memorial Carmelo Hernández “Vuelta a Lobos” not only encapsulates the spirit of competitive sailing but also strengthens community ties and showcases the beauty of the region’s nautical landscape. As sailors prepare for the next race, the excitement for the upcoming championship grows, promising more captivating stories on the open seas.
