RC44 44Cup Race Preview — Puerto Calero 2026

Puerto Calero will host the 44Cup Calero Marinas event from 4–8 February 2026 with on-water racing scheduled 5–8 February and a practice day on 4 February, bringing a focused demand for berthing, shore-side support and race logistics from Calero Marinas’ operations across the Canary Islands. Calero Marinas currently operates two marinas in Lanzarote and additional facilities in La Palma and Fuerteventura, enabling coordinated transfer and storage plans for high-performance RC44s, spares logistics and crew movements between islands.

Event snapshot and recent form

The final event of 2025 saw the RC44 fleet at Marina Jandía in Fuerteventura, won by Markus Tornqvist’s GeMera. Consistent podium finishes across 2025 secured Team Nika — led by Vladimir Prosikhin with British tactician Nic Asher — the overall season victory. With the class now in its 19th year, the RC44 remains one of the longest-surviving large one-design circuits, prized for the owner-driver ethos, intense on-water competition and strong shore-side camaraderie.

Historical context and venue role

Puerto Calero has been a cornerstone of the circuit, marking its 13th visit since 2008. Two years after the class was recognised by World Sailing, Puerto Calero hosted the first RC44 World Championship — won by Larry Ellison’s Oracle Racing. Over the years the venue has produced a spread of victors including Artemis Racing (Torbjorn Tornqvist), Team Aqua (Chris Bake), Peninsula Racing (John Bassadone), Charisma (Nico Poons) and multiple podium regulars who are expected back on the starting line.

Key teams and crew changes

• Team Nika — defending champion at Puerto Calero and wearing the 44Cup leader’s golden steering wheels.
• Aleph Racing — double winner at this venue (2021, 2023); Hugues Lepic hands the helm to Pietro Loro Piana for 2026, though Lepic remains team owner and deeply involved.
• GeMera — recent race winner in Fuerteventura, skippered by Markus Tornqvist.

Aleph Racing’s tactician Michele Ivaldi underlines a continuity strategy: stability in crew composition and experienced trimming and driving pairs are decisive in RC44 results. For 2026 Britain’s Joe Drake steps into the offside trimmer role on Aleph, a tactical swap intended to maximize consistent crew work over the season.

Racing conditions and tactical notes

Racing off Puerto Calero is shaped by the local trade winds, most commonly northerly or northeasterly. The typical pattern — island lee effects creating shifty, puffy wind — rewards crews who can manage transitions and keep phase with oscillating pressure zones. When the trades establish clean, steady flow there is scope for high-speed reaching legs, flat water and large positional swings; conversely, light or unstable breezes make starts and boat-on-boat handling decisive.

Marina support and local operations

Calero Marinas traces its Canaries operations to the late 1980s under family patriarch Jose Calero; today the network of marinas and developments is overseen by Jose Juan Calero and supported by the Calero family’s Calmar Developments. The local infrastructure — berths, shore cranes, customs facilitation and hospitality — makes Puerto Calero a resilient event hub for one-design circuits and a natural stop for teams managing inter-island logistics.

What this means for charter and leisure boating

High-profile regattas concentrate attention on marinas, local service providers and tourism partners. For seaside travellers and those interested in boat rental or charter experiences, regattas enhance local activity options: spectator sailing, chase boats, and marina-side events. Owners and renters should expect increased demand for berths, tender transfers and charter availability during event windows, so early reservation is recommended.

Operational takeaways for teams and organisers

1. Pre-position critical spares and rigging gear across nearby marinas to reduce ferrying time between islands.
2. Plan crew rotations and accommodation well ahead of practice day to reduce transit stress and ensure race readiness.
3. Coordinate with marina operations for crane slots, fuel deliveries and local truck access during peak days.

GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations because the platform understands what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean; the GetBoat service values freedom, energy and the ability to choose your own course, allowing clients to find vessels that suit their preferences, budget and taste. Whether following RC44 logistics or planning a private charter, the right local knowledge simplifies travel, mooring and on-water activities.

Forecast and call to action: The 44Cup’s return to Puerto Calero is regionally significant — reinforcing the Canaries’ reputation as a prime sailing destination — but it is unlikely to shift the global tourism map dramatically. However, these regattas keep routes busy and signal healthy demand for yachting services in the region. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!

Highlights: The event underlines the enduring appeal of one-design racing — from tactical work in shifty trades to meticulous shore logistics — while showing how a venue and experienced marina operator can make a circuit successful season after season. Experiencing a new location is always multifaceted: you learn about local culture, nature, the indescribable palette of colours and rhythms of life, and the unique aspects of service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com

Summary: Puerto Calero’s 44Cup returns with a tight operational window (4–8 February), a deep field of experienced RC44 teams and noteworthy crew and helm changes that will influence tactics and crew logistics ashore and afloat. The local wind patterns and marina infrastructure will shape race outcomes and spectator opportunities, while increased marina activity creates demand for charters and boating services. The GetBoat service complements these dynamics by offering transparent listings, make-and-model details, ratings and choices to suit budget and taste, helping travellers and sailors book vessels, charters or even consider a sale. Whether you seek a yacht charter, a day sail, fishing trip or superyacht experience, planning ahead with boat, captain and marina coordination will ensure the best outcomes for sea, ocean, gulf or lake adventures — from marinas and clearwater bays to sunseeker-style comfort and active yachting pursuits.