Marina Rubicón has been confirmed by World Sailing as new venue for the event
The iconic island of Lanzarote in Canary Islands (Spain) will be the European and African continental qualification regatta for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. With the confirmation from World Sailing and Class Association the new dates provide the opportunity for these Olympic Classes (49er, FX and Nacra 17) to take the ticket and participate in next Olympics.
This regatta will be organized by Canary Islands Sailing Federation and Marina Rubicón, with the support of the Canary Islands Government. The schedule provides around 15 races plus Medal Race on three different Racing Areas.
Rafael Bonilla, President of Canary Island Federation said: “We are delighted as an event of these characteristics in Lanzarote. It’s a good opportunity to show the potential from Spain. Our main target is to provide an amazing regatta and the best hospitality and organization for all the teams”
Rafael Lasso Lorenzo, Marina Rubicon’s CEO commented: “ we, as passionate sailors and passionate about our Island, are very happy to be able to host this qualification and show the world of sailing the excellent combination between water and land that Lanzarote and Canary Islands offers. All our staff is really looking forward to this event and the opportunity to have more important events in the future.”
The main support for the event comes from Canary Islands Tourism board. The regional Government’s Tourism department has activated various communication actions addressed to the sports tourism segment and professional athletes to make them aware of the alternatives offered by both Lanzarote and the rest of the Archipelago. This strategy includes supporting international regattas that will allow consolidating the image of the Canary Islands as a European benchmark in nautical sports.
The Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce of the Government of the Canary Islands, Yaiza Castilla, has ensured that “the announcement of the International Sailing Federation designating Lanzarote as the venue for the Olympic qualifier is a unprecedented success and a historic milestone in sailing for the Canary Islands. Right now we are the only place that offers the guarantees of sanitary security and the suitable climatic conditions for this type of events, with a fabulous regatta course in terms of navigability”.
At the moment 35 countries are training in Lanzarote for Tokio 2020 in all the Olympic sailing classes. More than 300 sailors and staff have chosen this island for the last training stages before the Olympics. The feedback from sailors and coaches has been crucial for the election of Marina Rubicon as the new venue for the Olympic qualification.
