A Warm Welcome in Lanzarote

Welcoming teams to the 2018 RORC Transatlantic Race opening reception: José Juan Calero, Calero Marinas, Julio Romero, President of the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife, Tim Thubron, RORC Deputy Racing Manager © Pilar Hernandez/Calero Marinas

The 5th edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race in association with the International Maxi Association, will start from Marina Lanzarote on Saturday 24 November 2018. A full programme of social activities started on Monday November 20, with a Welcome Reception hosted by the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife. Founded in 1872, the prestigious yacht club is located at the heart of Lanzarote's capital city. The delightful Pingüinos synchronized swimming team put on a spectacular display to open the evening's entertainment for competitors and honoured guests.

Tim Thubron, RORC Deputy Racing Manager welcomed all teams and officially opened the 2018 RORC Transatlantic Race at the first of several social events for crews taking part in the 3,000 nautical mile race. He also thanked the Calero family for their continued support, as well as the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife, hosts of the Welcome Reception.

On behalf of Calero Marinas, José Juan Calero greeted RORC Transatlantic Race crews to Marina Lanzarote;

"We are really delighted and very excited about this, the 5th edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race. With the Supermaxi My Song at 40 metres, we have a new race record for the largest ever entry. There's also two outstanding trimarans once again, with the Multi 70 Maserati and MOD 70 PowerPlay; plus three Class40s which are a tremendously competitive class. On the other hand, we maintain the pillars of this race, with boats of all lengths who compete under IRC."

"We are very pleased that the RORC Transatlantic Race has now established itself worldwide as the race for sailors wishing to cross the Atlantic in competition mode. It is a really challenging and tough race and this is something that we at Calero Marinas really respect. Congratulations for making that decision and please count on us for anything you need before the start of the race," continues José Juan (JJ).

The Pingüinos synchronized swimming team display was a surprise for crews at the RORC Transatlantic Race welcome reception © RORC/Pilar Hernandez/Calero Marinas

Julio Romero, President of the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife offered a warm welcome to the Club which has several top sailors amongst its membership, as well as a thriving junior sailing programme:

"Welcome all crews and thank you to the Calero family who have done so much for the Club and the Island. We wish everyone good racing to Grenada and we look forward to your return one day."

Competing teams for the 2018 RORC Transatlantic Race are making ready for the race, using the full extent of the facilities at Marina Lanzarote. Henrik Bergesen's Class40 Hydra has been lifted out at the marina's extensive yard for anti-fouling and a final inspection of the hull before the race: "It's a good yard with a great reputation," commented Hydra's Paul Peggs. "Besides anti-fouling the boat, it is nice to have a look at her under the waterline and we have no issues at all, which is all good news."

Later today the shoreside events programme continues at Marina Lanzarote with a visit to the boats by young sailors from Real Club Náutico and students from the Maritime College, followed by a beer and cheese tasting in the race Event Lounge.

Franco Niggeler's team on the Cookson 50 Kuka3 enjoying the RORC Transatlantic Race Welcome Reception at Real Club Náutico de Arrecife © RORC/Pilar Hernandez/Calero Marinas

Pier Luigi Loro Piana's Baltic 130 Custom, My Song and Arto Linnervuo's X-Yacht Xp44 Xtra Staerk (FIN) on the dock at Marina Lanzarote, Arrecife © RORC