In Lanzarote, Spain, top Spanish sailor Pedro de León helmed “Britto Hostelería” to an impressive victory at The Kilcullen J80 Regatta San Patricio, held over the St. Patrick’s holiday weekend. It was organised by the Royal Galway Yacht Club and supported by Lanzarote Tourism to build deeper connections with Ireland and Lanzarote
As an all-year-round sailing location with up to six flights daily, several Olympic squads also use the Canary Island for training - including Irish Olympic campaigners.
The J80 fleet in action off Lanzarote during the The Kilcullen Royal Galway Yacht Club J 80 Regatta San Patricio Regatta on St. Patrick's weekend
The regatta took place in near-perfect conditions off Puerto Calero, attracting over 35 competitors from nine teams; the event was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Lanzarote Tourist Board, Lanzarote Investments, and the Business Post.
Tight downwind sailing in the J80 fleet during The Kilcullen Royal Galway Yacht Club J 80 Regatta San Patricio Regatta in Lanzarote
During his remarks at the prize-giving ceremony, John Killeen, President of the Lanzarote Ireland Network (LIN), emphasised the strong ties between the two islands. “As two islands in the North Atlantic, we share many similarities. This event showcases the incredible winter sailing opportunities the Canary Islands offer, right off the coast of Africa, yet still within Europe, with up to four direct flights daily.”
The J80 fleet ashore after The Kilcullen Royal Galway Yacht Club J 80 Regatta San Patricio Regatta in Lanzarote
While the competition provided thrilling races, with winds ranging from 12 to 15 knots and calm seas, the regatta also fostered a vibrant social atmosphere. The celebrations featured a lively party complete with an Irish Ceili band and performances by the “Celtic Roots” dance troupe from Wexford, led by Kay Keeley.
Celtic Roots, Irish Dancers at the The Kilcullen Royal Galway Yacht Club J 80 Regatta San Patricio prizegiving
The event was a platform for strengthening cultural, business, and sporting connections between Lanzarote and Ireland. This initiative follows a successful delegation from Lanzarote to Ireland, led by Oswaldo Bettencourt, President of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, along with José Valle, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote, and José Juan Cruz, Mayor of Tías.
Niamh Tyrrell, who presented the prizes on behalf of the Royal Galway Yacht Club, commended the “WOW Team” (Women on the Water) for their remarkable performance in the regatta. She extended her congratulations to all participants and expressed gratitude to Héctor Fernández, CEO of Lanzarote Tourism, SPEL, Enda O’Coineen from Kilcullen Kapital and BusinessPost.ie and John Killeen of Lanzarote Investments for their contributions to the event's success.
The Kilcullen J 80 Regatta San Patricio results
1st Place:
- - Pedro de León
- - Eduardo Brito
- - Leonardo Armas
- - Daniel Lorenzo
2nd Place:
- - Rafael Lasso Lorenzo
- - Joaquín Medina
- - Oliver Rodríguez
- - Agustín Márquez Cabrera
3rd Place:
- - Alejandro Morales
- - Sergio Gutiérrez
- - Daida Cabrera
- - Samuel Rocío
- - Isaac Rodríguez
