World Sailing Elite Set for Spectacular Season in Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is preparing to welcome the world’s sailing elite once again, as the Marina Rubicón unveiled an ambitious programme of international regattas for early 2026. The presentation, held on Thursday in the port, detailed a calendar that will firmly position Lanzarote at the forefront of competitive sailing this January and February.

The event was attended by key institutional figures including Yaiza’s Mayor, Óscar Noda, the Cabildo’s Minister for Sports, Juan Monzón, and the head of Lanzarote Sports Destination, María Martín. They were joined by sports representatives such as Bernardo Salom of the Canary Islands Sailing Federation and Rafael Lasso Lorenzo, CEO of Marina Rubicón.

The 2026 season will feature three premier events. It commences with the ILCA Under-21 World Championship from 17th to 24th January, a competition dedicated to the sport’s most promising young talent. The event underscores the marina’s commitment to fostering future stars, with local sailor Alonso Pérez Fernández, a former Spanish champion in the ILCA 4.7 class, confirmed to participate.

The sporting action continues with the sixth Lanzarote International Regatta, running from 30th January to 5th February. The Snipe class will compete from 30th January to 1st February, followed by Olympic classes including ILCA 6, ILCA 7, Nacra, 49er, and 470 from 2nd to 5th February. This regatta falls within a crucial phase of the Olympic cycle ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

The season will culminate with the fifth edition of the Lanzarote iQFOiL Games from 6th to 11th February. This event highlights the innovative evolution of Olympic sailing, featuring one of the sport’s most dynamic disciplines.

Collectively, the island expects to host over 900 sailors from 47 nations. Notably, the economic impact extends far beyond the race dates, as teams typically reside on the island for an average of 60 days for training. This extended stay is projected to generate an estimated 18 million euros for the local economy through accommodation, dining, transport, and equipment rentals.

Mayor Óscar Noda expressed gratitude for Marina Rubicón’s role. “For Yaiza, Marina Rubicón and all its aquatic sports activities provide a significant boost to our tourism and sporting profile, helping us to further develop what we term the Yaiza Brand. Playa Blanca and Marina Rubicón are partners in offering modernity and quality to visitors and athletes alike.”

Juan Monzón emphasised the broader significance of the events. “Hosting these regattas solidifies Lanzarote’s status as an international sailing destination. It presents a perfect opportunity to encourage grassroots sport, inspire new generations, and promote the island at a key moment in the Olympic journey to LA 2028.”

María Martín of Lanzarote Sports Destination highlighted the strategic value. “These are unique events for the Canary Islands that help establish Lanzarote as one of Europe’s premier regatta venues. Lanzarote is recognised as a ‘Medal Maker’ destination, and we must thank the class organisers, Marina Rubicón, and all the sailors for choosing us as their training base and competitive launchpad.”

The event series is organised by Marina Rubicón and sponsored by Yaiza Town Council, the Lanzarote Island Council (through the Island Sports Service), SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote, the Centers for Art, Culture and Tourism, and Turismo de Islas Canarias. Collaborating entities include the Canary Islands Sailing Federation, DinghyCoach, and the Latin Sailing Federations.