Official Launch of the 44Cup Marina Jandía: A Milestone for Fuerteventura
The 44Cup Marina Jandía officially kicked off this past Wednesday with an institutional presentation held in Morro Jable, located within the municipality of Pájara. This prestigious international sailing competition has attracted some of the finest teams from around the globe, marking a significant moment for Fuerteventura as it debuts as a host for this respected sailing circuit. This event is not just about racing; it represents a strategic move in positioning the island as a premier destination for sports and tourism linked to maritime activities.
Economic and Visibility Impact
The ceremony highlighted the event’s importance, emphasizing its economic benefits and the international visibility it brings to the island. The master of ceremonies noted the collaborative efforts among public and private entities, which include partnerships with Calero Marinas, Puertos Canarios, the Club Náutico de Jandía, and the Cofradía de Pescadores de Morro Jable. This collective approach underscores the shared vision for Fuerteventura’s future in the sporting world.
The Role of Morro Jable’s Port
Juan Luis López, the director of Puertos Canarios, spoke passionately about the significance of Morro Jable’s port in the event’s development. He stated, “Competitions like these hold immense value within the port network of the archipelago,” while also stressing the importance of sustainability in hosting events that promote responsible consumption and the blue economy. This commitment to sustainability is pivotal, given the increasing recognition of the environmental impacts of tourism and nautical activities.
Community and Institutional Support
José Calero, president of Calero Marinas, expressed deep gratitude for the institutional support and acknowledged the challenges of hosting such a large-scale event at Marina Jandía. “It’s an honor to see this project come to life with the hosting of this regatta,” he remarked, further enhancing the sense of community ownership and pride surrounding the event.
Bertrand Favre, director of the 44Cup class, elaborated on why Fuerteventura was chosen as a new venue for the circuit. “We started discussions about Marina Jandía a few years ago with the Calero family, and we are thrilled to be here. It’s a fantastic opportunity to position this destination on the international sailing map,” he explained.
Tourism Benefits
From a tourism perspective, Ignacio Solana, a representative from Promotur – Turismo de Islas Canarias, highlighted how competitions of this caliber attract visitors interested in nautical activities and align perfectly with the region’s goal of diversifying its tourism offerings. The linkage of sport to tourism is increasingly seen as a pathway to sustainable economic growth.
Collaborative Vision for the Future
The Mayor of Pájara, Alejandro Jorge, emphasized the significance of public-private collaboration, praising José Calero’s legacy in fostering an alternative economy through visibility and activity. Similarly, Marlene Figueroa, the Minister of Tourism for the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, framed the event within the broader strategy for positioning the island as a “blue destination,” showcasing the collective ambition to capitalize on Fuerteventura’s maritime assets.
Local Enthusiasm and High Standards
The institutional presentation also featured remarks from the sailors competing in this edition. Canarian sailor Alfredo González from the Lanzarote Calero Sailing Team expressed his excitement about navigating local waters. “As a local team, we’re especially thrilled to sail along this coast and show visiting teams the beauty of this racecourse,” he shared. Vasco Vascotto, tactician for Península Racing, echoed similar sentiments about the destination, emphasizing the exciting prospect of discovering a new venue for high-level racing.
Event Schedule and Accessibility
The competition runs from November 19 to 23, culminating on Sunday with the crowning of not only the 44Cup Marina Jandía winner but also the overall champion of the 2025 circuit. To enhance public engagement, the organizers have arranged for a free spectator boat, ensuring that the excitement of the races is accessible to a broader audience.
For detailed information about the event, including the racing program and public access guidelines, interested individuals can visit the official website at www.44cupcaleromarinas.com and explore the social media channels of Calero Marinas.
Community and Business Collaboration
The 44Cup Marina Jandía is organized in collaboration with Puertos Canarios and is sponsored by Promotur – Islas Canarias, the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, the Pájara Town Hall—through the Tourism and Sports departments—and supported by private enterprises like R2 Hotels and the Cicar Cabrera Medina Group. This broad coalition highlights the shared commitment to promoting Fuerteventura as a distinguished hub for maritime sporting events and beyond.
