The Island has hosted the 49er and 49erFX World Championship, where the big winners were the Frenchmen Erwan Fischer and Clément Pequin, along with the Dutchwomen Odile van Aanholt and Annette Duetz
After the successful closing of the Olympic Windsurfing World Championship on 3 February, Lanzarote reasserted its status as a privileged sailing destination by hosting another prestigious event: the 49er and 49erFX World Championship. This competition, held at the Marina Rubicón in the south of the island, brought together the sailing elite in the 49er men’s and 49erFX women’s categories, highlighting the intense fight to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. With 127 teams from 36 countries, the event underscored Lanzarote’s importance as a world-class venue for sailing.
France’s Erwan Fischer and Clément Pequin were crowned world champions in the 49er class, leading from day two and sealing their victory before the thrilling Medal Race. The final was swiftly decided, with the Polish crew excelling, but it was the Spanish pair of Diego Botín and Iago López Marra who, with a solid performance, secured bronze and a prominent place on the road to Paris 2024.
Diego Botín expressed his satisfaction and the high level of expectations with which they came to the competition, “we are delighted with having made the podium here at home, we would have liked to achieve victory, but we know that we have to continue working to win that gold medal in Paris.” In addition, he praised the exceptional conditions of Isla Diferente for sailing, “we have been coming for 4 years and we can only say that it is an incredible place to practice our sport and I believe that the island is going to be a training base for Olympic teams for many more years to come”.
In the 49erFX category, Odile van Aanholt and Annette Duetz from the Netherlands took the world title, while second and third place went to Swedish and Italian teams, respectively. This victory not only represents the culmination of a year of intense preparation but also revenge after their second place in the previous championship.
Lanzarote’s favourable climatic conditions have been crucial for carrying out a demanding training programme and successful world-class competition, confirming the island not only as an ideal destination for high competition but also as a place of tourist interest that allows athletes enjoy its beauty and unique essence. This balance between sport and culture underlines Lanzarote’s appeal as an unparalleled destination for sailing events of international calibre.