Calero Sailing Team Faces Tough Conditions at the 44Cup World Championship
Challenging Conditions for Calero Sailing Team at the 44Cup World Championship
21-25 August 2024
Three races took place at the 44Cup World Championship in Brunnen, marked by challenging conditions on Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland.
The first two days featured a consistent sea breeze, but Saturday brought lighter, fickle winds under 10 knots. After two races, the nine RC44s were sent ashore due to dying winds, only to return later when fresh winds from the south filled in. Initially, these winds were over 20 knots but decreased to around 15 knots by the start time.
In these light conditions, Daniel Calero’s Calero Sailing Team had a strong start, reaching second place at the top mark in the first race. However, mistakes in choosing the spinnaker and a challenging drop cost them valuable positions. Offside trimmer Nicolás Rodríguez shared, “We felt we could have been competitive, and despite our setbacks, we learned a lot about the boat’s setup, which gives us confidence moving forward.”
In the second race, the team faced a difficult start, resulting in a delayed entry at the line. Rodríguez noted, “Even though we didn’t have the best position, we are improving with every race and anticipate better results ahead.” The team’s determination was evident as they continued to push through the challenges.
When the team returned to the racecourse later that afternoon, they achieved an okay start in the fresh southerly winds, reaching the top mark in fourth place. Unfortunately, a malfunction with the sheet winch during a maneuver caused them to lose three positions, ultimately finishing the race in eighth place, just ahead of Artemis Racing.
As the final day of the 44Cup World Championship approaches, the start time has been adjusted to ensure maximum racing opportunities, with the first race slated for 1100 hours.
Calero Sailing Team is grateful for the support from the Centros de Arte, Cultura y Turismo de Lanzarote (CACT), which encompasses seven cultural centers designed by the renowned artist and environmental activist César Manrique. These spaces reflect the island’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
The team also enjoys backing from Calero Marinas, operating marinas across the Canary Islands, including Puerto Calero, Marina Lanzarote, Marina La Palma, and the newest addition, Marina Jandía in Fuerteventura.
Additionally, Calmar Residential Developments supports the team, specializing in bespoke luxury villas in Lanzarote, in conjunction with Turismo Lanzarote, which promotes the island as a luxury tourist destination.
Team Website: calerosailingteam.com
Event Website: www.44cup.org
Luca Moretti, an accomplished sailor and marine journalist from Genoa, Italy, has a lifelong passion for the sea that has defined his career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Genoa, Luca is celebrated for his vivid and insightful storytelling. His work captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime traditions of Europe, making him a well-respected voice in the sailing community. When he’s not writing, Luca can be found exploring the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastlines and competing in regattas, always seeking new adventures on the open water.