J. Lasso C. /Photos: Elena Arrocha.- At the Hesperia Hotel in Puerto Calero, the managers of the marina presented the most anticipated competition of the year for sailing fans, and one of the most important sporting events held within the island's calendar.
José Calero acted as host together with Daniel Calero and Alfredo Morales, technical manager of the event, who were accompanied by Carlos Morales, representatives of the Royal Yacht Club of Gran Canaria, Casino Club Náutico de Arrecife, authorities and the Olympic sailor Gustavo Martínez Doreste. No more, no less, than the presentation of the fourth edition of the César Manrique-Puerto Calero Trophy, a competition that in just four years has established itself within the national calendar, becoming a leading event, on some occasions decisive for the final outcome of the Spanish Championship, since in Lanzarote a long season that began on April 14 in Malaga with the celebration of the IV City of Malaga Trophy closes on the 16th.
Alfredo Morales, technical director of the regatta, gave a tour of what will be the 4 great days of sailing on the Island. On the afternoon of Thursday the 13th, the competition will be presented to the participating crews, later a round table will be held with the participation of prominent sailors and organizers. The sports competition begins on Friday with the celebration of two races with windward-leeward course. Saturday's program includes a long regatta with two windward-leeward races, closing on Sunday with a single race and then the awards ceremony. Morales indicated that around fifty boats are expected to take part in this fourth edition.
José Francisco Reyes, mayor of Yaiza, stressed that "The most difficult thing about a challenge of this category is not to start it with the first edition, the difficult thing is to continue it, reaching the prestige that Puerto Calero has managed to give it. Yaiza is pleased to host a competition of this level, which also encourages young people on the Island to get closer to that sea that we have so close. I congratulate Puerto Calero and Lanzarote for being able to enjoy a spectacle like the one that is going to be offered to us for four days".
After Reyes' speech, it was the host and promoter of the idea José Calero who took the floor: "I am satisfied because what we started one day with great enthusiasm and some risk, has become one of the most important events on the national calendar. Although I am very demanding and I hope to continue improving every year to give even more prestige to the event. From Puerto Calero we promote sport and encourage shipowners and skippers to continue joining us, I appreciate the support of the local sailors who will be present with our great fleet that encourages the competition every year.
After the official presentation, refreshments were offered on the terrace of the Hotel Hesperia in Puerto Calero.
The IV edition of the César Manrique-Puerto Calero Trophy closes, in addition to the national season, the Canary Islands Sailing Circuit that already held its XVI edition of the Príncipe Felipe Trophy last weekend in the waters of Gran Canaria. Now it is the turn of the XII SAR Infanta Cristina Trophy organized by the Real Club Náutico de Tenerife that will give the baton to Puerto Calero.
High-level boats such as the CAM skippered by Fernando León, Puerto Calero-Hesperia with Josele Doreste and José Calero, La Maison de L'Elephant skippered by David Tour, will compete among other boats to win in the IMS 500 class.
In the IMS 600 class, the Bombardier Illes Balears with the Canarian Gustavo Martínez at the helm and the Lanzarote native Nano Negrín among his crew will fight for victory against boats such as Audi-Compal with José María Ponce, or the Tenerife Maeña 5 of Andrés Monje.
The Lanzarote Princesa Yaiza-Hotel Fariones will be among the favorites of the IMS 670 class against the Buchaca of Carlos Montenegro. While among the IRC Cruceros and Regata classes a tough and competitive fight is expected between the numerous Lanzarote fleet in search of victory.
The fourth edition of the César Manrique-Puerto Calero Trophy made its first official presentation on June 29 in Valencia on the occasion of the celebration of the VIII S.M. La Reina Valencia Trophy, now everything is ready for Lanzarote to experience the great spectacle of high competition sailing for four days next week.
