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A Long Time Coming: Peninsula Racing Wins 44Cup Lanzarote

9th February 2026
Finally Flying Peninsula Racing celebrates its 44Cup Lanzarote victory after an eight-year wait
Finally Flying - Peninsula Racing powers to victory at the 44Cup Calero Marinas in Lanzarote, securing its first event win since 2017 after a consistent week in shifting offshore conditions. Credit: Studio Martinez

Peninsula Racing has won the 44Cup in Lanzarote, claiming its first event victory since 2017.

John Bassadone’s team finished five points clear after three final races sailed in shifting and demanding conditions.

“It was a long time coming, but it’s amazing,” said Bassadone. “Everything was very calm. We sailed fast. Sailed well.”

The Gibraltar-based team won the opening race of the final day and never finished lower than sixth across the 12-race series.

GeMera Racing, led by Markus Törnqvist, secured second overall after winning the final race and tying on points with Team Aqua, edging ahead on countback.

Team Aqua, skippered by Chris Bake, finished third after leading the regatta going into the final day.

Conditions proved challenging with strong wind shifts close to shore. “The conditions were very challenging today,” said Peninsula tactician Vasco Vascotto. “The last race was a sort of match race to control Aqua.”

Vascotto credited improved boat speed and sail development for the result. “Now we are a little more consistent in terms of speed,” he said.

GeMera Racing was the only team to win three races during the week. “It’s been a very interesting week,” said tactician Francesco Bruni. “We’re happy to be on the podium.”

Aleph Racing finished fourth despite posting the strongest final-day scoreline, while Team Charisma placed fifth overall.

The 44Cup now moves to Puntaldia, Sardinia, with racing scheduled for 22–26 April.

Published in 44Cup
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About RC44

The RC44 is a light displacement, high performance one-design racing yacht competing in the 44Cup, a five-stop international racing tour. Co-designed by five-time America’s Cup winner Russell Coutts with naval architect Andrej Justin, the RC44 boats are strictly identical in terms of construction, shape of hull, appendages and weight/weight distribution, as well as a 50-50 split between amateurs and professionals in each eight-person crew. With everything, from the keel to the tip of the mast, made entirely from carbon, and with a powerful sail plan, the RC44 is rapid downwind, commanding upwind and performs exceptionally in both light winds and heavier breezes. The RC44’s innovative and technical design present an exciting new hybrid sailing challenge, with the crews expected to hike like a sports boat and grind as you would on a keelboat.

At a Glance - 44Cup 2026 Calendar

  • 4 - 8 February 44CUP CALERO MARINAS, Lanzarote

  • 22 - 26 April 44CUP PUNTALDIA - Sardinia

  • 24 - 28 June 44CUP MARSTRAND - Sweden

  • 23 - 27 September 2026 44CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COWES - UK

  • 4 - 8 November 44CUP CARTAGENA - Spain

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