Celebrating the Maritime Spirit: The Memorial Carmelo Hernández “Vuelta a Lobos” Race

Located in the picturesque Canary Islands, Arrecife recently buzzed with excitement as it hosted the esteemed Memorial Carmelo Hernández “Vuelta a Lobos” sailing race on Saturday. This vibrant event is part of the Campeonato de Canarias de Cruceros, setting the stage for competitive spirit and camaraderie among seafarers, and serves as a precursor to the finals scheduled for June.

The Challenge of the Sea: A 25-Mile Voyage

The race unfolded over a challenging route of 25 nautical miles from Lanzarote to Isla de Lobos in Fuerteventura. With six vessels taking up the challenge, participants experienced a thrilling mixture of strategy, skill, and nature’s elements, including winds from the north-northwest reaching up to 25 knots as they approached their destination.

Swift Navigation

Despite the demanding conditions, Miguel Ángel Armas and his vessel, Sorondongo VI, made an impressive mark by completing the course first. They crossed the finish line in an astonishing time of 3 hours, 17 minutes, and 39 seconds, showcasing the precision and agility that sailing demands. Such feats are not just about speed but also about understanding wind patterns and maintaining course stability while navigating through sometimes tumultuous waters.

A Competitive Field

In the competitive arena, the race produced fascinating results. The overall winner, based on compensated times, was the Antigua Craiova helmed by Ye Cabrera. Following closely, Armas’s Sorondongo IV secured second place, with Pedro J. Rodríguez’s Manitu claiming third.

Group Distinctions

The competition was further categorized into two groups:

• Group A: Dominated by the Antigua Craiova, followed by Sorondongo VI and Salite, captained by Felipe Brito.

• Group B: The Manitu emerged as the winner, accompanied in the run by Miguel Pérez’s Pionene and Francisco Curbelo’s Altamar I in the third spot.

This structure not only ensured inclusiveness in participation but also emphasized the talent spread across different types of sailing vessels.

A Path to the Championship

The Memorial Carmelo Hernández serves as a qualifying regatta for aspiring sailors on the Lanzarote-Fuerteventura circuit, paving the way for the final showdown at the Campeonato de Canarias de Cruceros. Following this race, enthusiasts look forward to the Regata a La Graciosa in two weeks, where five vessels will secure their spot for the regional competition in June.

Celebrating Traditions

After the adrenaline-fueled race, the festive atmosphere continued with a luncheon provided by the event’s sponsor, Lanzarote Sailing Paradise, on the serene Isla de Lobos. This gathering allowed sailors to reflect on their experiences and bond over shared challenges.

Awards Ceremony

The proceedings culminated with an awards ceremony where trophies were distributed to the winners. Notably, this year’s trophies were crafted by the talented local sculptor Bonilla, adding a unique touch that embodies the artistic spirit of Lanzarote. The artistry of these awards reflects the deep connection between the islands’ culture and the maritime tradition celebrated during the event.

In summary, the Memorial Carmelo Hernández “Vuelta a Lobos” race is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of the spirit of sailing, community, and the stunning maritime backdrop of the Canary Islands. With a historical legacy underpinning its significance, this regatta continues to inspire both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike.