Calero Sailing Team Dominates at the 44Cup World Championship
44Cup World Championship – Calero Sailing Team: Excelling as Upwind Specialists
21-25 August 2024
Calero Sailing Team, relatively new to the 44Cup racing scene, surprised all by clinching victory in the opening upwind leg on the second race’s day one. They repeated this impressive feat in the following race, showcasing their competitive spirit despite being new to the circuit in comparison to seasoned teams that have participated for up to 15 years.
The 44Cup World Championship commenced at the stunning Lake Uri (Lake Lucerne) in Switzerland, benefiting from a strong thermal breeze blowing at 15-17 knots.
Skipper Daniel Calero revealed, “We felt quite nervous in the first race due to the presence of numerous new crew members on board. However, we managed to sail with relative comfort. There are many small aspects we need to improve upon to enhance our competitiveness. A single mistake can cost us five positions. Nevertheless, we are honestly pleased with our performance.”
He added, “In our first race, we unfortunately navigated to the wrong side, which resulted in a setback. In the second race, we initially led at the top mark but lost three positions later, which was disappointing. Fortunately, we improved in the last race, maintaining our position until incidentally incurring a penalty involving Artemis Racing. However, we have confidence in both our boat’s speed and the crew’s abilities, and we are continually getting better. Our primary goal is to minimize any issues.”
With nearly half of the Calero Sailing Team consisting of new members for this World Championship, the roster includes several prominent Spanish sailors, including offside trimmer Nicolás Rodríguez, who won a bronze medal in the 470 class at the Tokyo Olympics.
Rodríguez observed, “We feel the team evolving moment by moment. We executed two excellent top mark roundings, which indicates progress. While we are still grappling with boat handling and some challenges with downwind speed, we are improving steadily. In terms of understanding the boat, we recognize that we do not possess the same level of experience as the more established teams, yet we are closing the gap.”
Commenting on their successful upwind legs, Rodríguez further remarked, “Our starts were strong; during one race, we effectively led on the left side, while in another race, we capitalized on favorable geometry, thanks to a significant left shift. This allowed us to tack at an opportune time and gain a considerable advantage.”
Calero Sailing Team actively participates in the 44Cup with the support of various sponsors, including Centros de Arte, Cultura y Turismo de Lanzarote. The renowned artist César Manrique designed several centers that integrate seamlessly into Lanzarote’s landscape and reflect the island’s cultural and natural attributes.
The team also receives backing from Calero Marinas, which manages marinas across the Canary Islands, and Calmar Residential Developments, known for crafting luxury villas in Lanzarote. Additionally, Turismo Lanzarote promotes the island as a premium tourist destination.
For more details, visit the Calero Sailing Team website or check the 44Cup event website.
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.