The Cabildo of Lanzarote, through SPEL – Turismo Lanzarote, hosted an event at the London headquarters of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), together with Calero Marinas, to promote the upcoming edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race and to showcase the island to RORC members and leading international media in sailing and sports tourism.
The event, organised on the eve of the World Travel Market tourism fair, strengthened Lanzarote’s position as a leading nautical destination in the Atlantic. During his address, the President of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, emphasised that “Lanzarote is an island that looks to the Atlantic, that has charted its own course — committed to excellence, and to a form of tourism that respects and enriches our land.”
He added that the RORC Transatlantic Race “embodies the vision of an island that combines sport, sustainability, and international ambition — reinforcing Lanzarote’s role as a meeting point between Europe and the Americas.”
Betancort expressed his gratitude to the Royal Ocean Racing Club and Calero Marinas, highlighting their partnership as an example of how collaboration between institutions and companies can drive a more sustainable and high-quality tourism model. “During those days, Lanzarote becomes a grand welcoming port — where sailing meets culture, gastronomy, and the warmth of our people,” he remarked.
José Juan Calero, CEO of Calero Marinas, noted that “our joint work with the Royal Ocean Racing Club, supported by the Cabildo and SPEL – Turismo Lanzarote, has been key to consolidating the island as an international benchmark in sailing. The RORC Transatlantic Race demonstrates Lanzarote’s capacity to host top-level events and strengthens its image as a strategic hub in the Atlantic.”
Héctor Fernández, CEO of SPEL – Turismo Lanzarote, added that “this meeting, held ahead of the World Travel Market, reinforces our strategy of enhancing the destination’s quality offering — focusing on high-value segments such as nautical tourism, which reflect the values of excellence, sustainability, and authenticity that define the Lanzarote brand.”
Finally, Jeremy Wilton, CEO of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, remarked: “Lanzarote has been home to the RORC Transatlantic Race since its very first edition and remains the perfect place to start this 3,000-mile ocean crossing. The facilities at Calero Marinas are first-class — capable of hosting everything from 30-foot racers to 40-metre superyachts — and the professionalism of the Calero family and their team is exceptional.”
He concluded: “Our bond with Lanzarote and the Canary Islands is extraordinarily strong, and with the continued support of SPEL – Turismo Lanzarote, this collaboration continues to grow — ensuring every competitor begins their Atlantic adventure in the best possible setting.”
The RORC Transatlantic Race in association with the International Maxi Association and Yacht Club de France will start from Marina Lanzarote on 11 January 2026.
Report: Louay Habib/RORC
